Maharashtra Builders Must Add Waterproof Telecom Centres In Buildings

31 Dec 2024 CW Team

Aimed at enhancing digital connectivity infrastructure in Mumbai and its suburbs, the notice calls on architects, developers, and town planners to provide input on the inclusion of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure (CTI) in new building plans. It mandates that building proposal plans must feature provisions for CTI, including a common duct and telecom room to support intra- and inter-connectivity.

According to the notice, occupancy or building completion certificates will only be granted once the CTI is in place and meets prescribed standards. This directive aligns with the addendum to the Model Building Bye-Laws 2016 and has been issued under Section 154 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act.

The notice, issued under Section 37(1AA) of the MRTP Act, specifies that all new buildings with a built-up area exceeding 465 sq m must include a telecom room measuring at least 3.0 m x 2.4 m. For buildings with a built-up area smaller than 465 square metres, the minimum dimensions of the telecom room should be 0.6 m x 2.6 m or 1.3 m x 1.3 m. The telecom room must be flood-resistant and safeguarded against exposure to water, moisture, fumes, gases, or dust. Additionally, it should be structurally designed to withstand the equipment load and located away from vibrations to prevent dislodgement.

At the layout stage, the notice instructs developers to ensure that the placement of above- and below-ground utilities allows for unhindered movement and easy maintenance access. It advises laying empty pipes, such as large-diameter Hume or HDPE pipes, before tree planting to accommodate future infrastructure needs. Furthermore, telecom cables should ideally be placed beneath parking areas or service lanes to enable easier access without major disruption.

The notice also requires developers to submit service plans for In-Building Solutions (IBS) infrastructure, certified by a telecom networking hardware consultant. These plans must clearly mark telecom utility infrastructure lines on layout drawings and specify the CTI’s design and implementation details.

This move aligns with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s 2022 framework for integrating Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) into building plans, treating it as an essential utility on par with water, electricity, and fire safety systems.

The UDD notice emphasises, “Occupancy/Building Completion certificates for a building will only be granted after ensuring that the Common Telecommunication Infrastructure is in place as per prescribed standards.”

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The Maharashtra Urban Development Department (UDD) has issued a notice (dated 30 September 2024) inviting suggestions and objections regarding a proposed addendum to the Model Building Bye-Laws 2016, issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The addendum is set to be incorporated into the Development Control and Promotion Regulations – 2034 for Greater Mumbai. Aimed at enhancing digital connectivity infrastructure in Mumbai and its suburbs, the notice calls on architects, developers, and town planners to provide input on the inclusion of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure (CTI) in new building plans. It mandates that building proposal plans must feature provisions for CTI, including a common duct and telecom room to support intra- and inter-connectivity. According to the notice, occupancy or building completion certificates will only be granted once the CTI is in place and meets prescribed standards. This directive aligns with the addendum to the Model Building Bye-Laws 2016 and has been issued under Section 154 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act. The notice, issued under Section 37(1AA) of the MRTP Act, specifies that all new buildings with a built-up area exceeding 465 sq m must include a telecom room measuring at least 3.0 m x 2.4 m. For buildings with a built-up area smaller than 465 square metres, the minimum dimensions of the telecom room should be 0.6 m x 2.6 m or 1.3 m x 1.3 m. The telecom room must be flood-resistant and safeguarded against exposure to water, moisture, fumes, gases, or dust. Additionally, it should be structurally designed to withstand the equipment load and located away from vibrations to prevent dislodgement. At the layout stage, the notice instructs developers to ensure that the placement of above- and below-ground utilities allows for unhindered movement and easy maintenance access. It advises laying empty pipes, such as large-diameter Hume or HDPE pipes, before tree planting to accommodate future infrastructure needs. Furthermore, telecom cables should ideally be placed beneath parking areas or service lanes to enable easier access without major disruption. The notice also requires developers to submit service plans for In-Building Solutions (IBS) infrastructure, certified by a telecom networking hardware consultant. These plans must clearly mark telecom utility infrastructure lines on layout drawings and specify the CTI’s design and implementation details. This move aligns with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s 2022 framework for integrating Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) into building plans, treating it as an essential utility on par with water, electricity, and fire safety systems. The UDD notice emphasises, “Occupancy/Building Completion certificates for a building will only be granted after ensuring that the Common Telecommunication Infrastructure is in place as per prescribed standards.”

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Jul 2026

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..