The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified by experts from Indian Institute of Technology - Bombay (IIT-Bombay), Sardar Patel College of Engineering in Andheri (SPCE) and the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute in Matunga (VJTI). Previously, proposals above 120 m required clearance from the High-Rise Committee, often prolonging project timelines.For developers, this relaxation promises faster approvals and operational efficiency. Amit Vakharia, Vice President - Projects, Ashar Group, says, “For developers, this change is set to streamline the project approval process, reducing procedural delays and enabling quicker initiation of high-rise projects. While speed of approvals is crucial, maintaining safety and quality standards remains a top priority.”The new norms are expected to benefit zones with older housing complexes and mid-rise redevelopment potential. Anuj Goradia, Director, Dosti Realty, notes, “The zones that stand to gain the most are those outside the airport funnel and beyond a 4-km radius from the airport, where height restrictions are more relaxed. Areas such as Tardeo, Lower Parel, Marine Lines, Marine Drive and parts of Kandivali, Borivali and Thane are particularly well-positioned to capitalise on this change. Developers can now proceed with greater confidence and efficiency.”Technical safety and design oversight remain central to this reform. Abhijeet M Kulkarni, Director - Structures, Buro Happold, highlights the role of academic institutions, saying, “IITB, VJTI and SPCE have been consulted on a variety of technical aspects of tall buildings. With their academic background and experience in reviewing actual projects, I have no doubts that these institutes would contribute to making the buildings structurally safer. Fire safety would need to be critically reviewed and the fire officer is best placed to advise, based on available firefighting systems.”The revised framework also addresses foundation and soil considerations, ensuring that even complex terrains can support taller structures. As Goradia explains, developers must combine inhouse safety teams with third-party verification, safety nets, edge protection and adequate night-time lighting to maintain both speed and quality.Industry leaders see the change as a catalyst for Mumbai’s vertical expansion. Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, NAREDCO, observes, “The recent DCPR 2034 relaxation empowering the municipal commissioner to approve high-rise proposals up to 180 m on large plots is a welcome step that can practically shorten approval timelines and accelerate project mobilisation. Speed and safety can – and must – coexist. Phased approvals tied to performance bonds, real-time monitoring and periodic compliance audits will protect standards while enabling mobilisation.”Sukhraj Nahar, President, CREDAI-MCHI, echoes this perspective, adding, “This pragmatic reform will streamline timelines for projects in the 120-180 m range – particularly in the suburban and redevelopment corridors – while still retaining robust structural and safety safeguards through mandatory certification by accredited experts. It strikes a fine balance between speed and safety, empowering the city to grow vertically without compromising quality.”By centralising approvals and leveraging technical oversight from reputed institutions, the DCPR 2034 revision is set to accelerate Mumbai’s redevelopment, optimise land use and reduce procedural bottlenecks. While the emphasis on safety and structural integrity remains, this policy move signals a pragmatic approach to modernising the city’s skyline, fostering investment confidence and supporting sustainable urban growth.Quotes:“The move can practically shorten approval timelines and accelerate project mobilisation.” - Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, NAREDCO“Areas beyond the airport funnel and 4-km radius will benefit most due to relaxed height restrictions.” - Anuj Goradia, Director, Dosti Realty“The reform strikes a fine balance between speed and safety.” - Sukhraj Nahar, President, CREDAI-MCHI“The IITB, VJTI, and SPCE report would contribute to making the buildings structurally safer.” - Abhijeet M Kulkarni, Director – Structures, BuroHappold“While speed of approvals is crucial, maintaining safety and quality standards remains a top priority.” - Amit Vakharia, Vice President - Projects, Ashar Group