The Telangana government has amended building rules to relax Transferable Development Rights (TDR) norms for builders within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) limits of Hyderabad. The Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department issued Government Order Ms No. 95 to introduce amendments to the Telangana Building Rules, 2012. The changes were approved after examining representations from various stakeholders and aim to increase flexibility in building regulations.

Under the revised guidelines buildings above 21 metres are classified as high-rise and certain heights between 18 metres and 21 metres on plots from 750 square metres to 2,000 square metres will be permitted only through utilisation of Transferable Development Rights, subject to provision of required parking and compliance with other rules. The order allows setback relaxation for non-high-rise buildings through the utilisation of TDR. The government indicated that the rationalisation of TDR provisions is intended to streamline usage and reduce procedural friction.

High-rise constructions will receive 10 per cent setback relaxation through TDR while maintaining a minimum of seven metres all-round setbacks. Additional conditions prescribe that setback and parking norms must be satisfied before any relaxation is granted. The amendments are designed to balance increased buildable area with safety and circulation requirements.

Plots above 2,000 square metres can now have extra floors through TDR and the number of additional floors will depend on the width of the roads abutting the plots, with three extra floors allowed on a 40-foot-wide road, four on a 60-foot road and five where the road is 80 feet wide. Officials expect the measures to boost real estate activity within the ORR by providing developers with clearer pathways for vertical expansion. The rules are intended to harmonise growth while safeguarding minimum standards for parking and setbacks.