Primus Report Urges Structured, Inclusive Urban Redevelopment

16 Jul 2025 CW Team

The report offers a powerful case for reimagining how Indian cities grow, not by expanding endlessly outward, but by unlocking the transformative potential of structured, area-based redevelopment. It proposes clear, scalable solutions grounded in global best practices, policy reform, and community voice.

“This is not just about rebuilding spaces, it’s about rebuilding purpose. Redevelopment is the only sustainable path forward,” said Gautam Chatterjee, Former Chairman, MahaRERA & Chairman, GRSF.

India’s urban population is expected to touch 52 per cent by 2050. Yet, with 65 million people still living in slums and urban land expanding at 2.5x the population growth rate, the need for a new redevelopment model is urgent and undeniable.

“We must shift from fragmented, plot-level interventions to a people-centric, integrated model of redevelopment. This report brings together global learning and actionable ideas tailored for India’s unique urban challenges,” added Aarti Harbhajanka, Co-Founder & MD, Primus Partners.

Why this matters:

• 1.5 million hectares of farmland lost annually to urban sprawl (ISRO, 2022)

• 47% of India’s urban population are migrants—yet rental housing remains just 11% of the stock

• Urban inefficiencies cost India an estimated 5–8% of GDP each year (World Bank, 2022)

• 7 of the world’s 10 most polluted cities are in India (IQAir, 2023)

What the report proposes:

• Integrated Area-Based Redevelopment: Replace piecemeal efforts with large-scale, zonal transformation using local area plans and DCRs

• Inclusive Rental Housing Schemes: Unlock rental stock in redeveloped plots to meet migrant housing needs

• Urban Redevelopment Funds: Mobilise capital via PPPs, land value capture, and fiscal incentives

• Community Engagement as Policy: Institutionalise consultations under the 74th Amendment with Ward Committees and digital platforms

• Building Cities for the Future: Embed green infrastructure, walkability, TOD, and ECBC-compliant design into redevelopment

Drawing on successful examples from Singapore, São Paulo, and London, the report outlines a 2047 roadmap for making Indian cities economically vibrant, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive.

This initiative is supported by sector veterans, urban planners, real estate experts, and former senior bureaucrats, and aims to catalyse a fresh policy conversation at the state and national levels.

As Indian cities buckle under the pressure of rising population, informal settlements, and ageing infrastructure, Primus Partners, in collaboration with the Griharmony Redevelopment Stakeholders Federation (GRSF), has launched a report titled “Rethinking City Redevelopment: Bold Strategies to Propel India’s Urban Future.”The report offers a powerful case for reimagining how Indian cities grow, not by expanding endlessly outward, but by unlocking the transformative potential of structured, area-based redevelopment. It proposes clear, scalable solutions grounded in global best practices, policy reform, and community voice.“This is not just about rebuilding spaces, it’s about rebuilding purpose. Redevelopment is the only sustainable path forward,” said Gautam Chatterjee, Former Chairman, MahaRERA & Chairman, GRSF.India’s urban population is expected to touch 52 per cent by 2050. Yet, with 65 million people still living in slums and urban land expanding at 2.5x the population growth rate, the need for a new redevelopment model is urgent and undeniable.“We must shift from fragmented, plot-level interventions to a people-centric, integrated model of redevelopment. This report brings together global learning and actionable ideas tailored for India’s unique urban challenges,” added Aarti Harbhajanka, Co-Founder & MD, Primus Partners.Why this matters:• 1.5 million hectares of farmland lost annually to urban sprawl (ISRO, 2022)• 47% of India’s urban population are migrants—yet rental housing remains just 11% of the stock• Urban inefficiencies cost India an estimated 5–8% of GDP each year (World Bank, 2022)• 7 of the world’s 10 most polluted cities are in India (IQAir, 2023)What the report proposes:• Integrated Area-Based Redevelopment: Replace piecemeal efforts with large-scale, zonal transformation using local area plans and DCRs• Inclusive Rental Housing Schemes: Unlock rental stock in redeveloped plots to meet migrant housing needs• Urban Redevelopment Funds: Mobilise capital via PPPs, land value capture, and fiscal incentives• Community Engagement as Policy: Institutionalise consultations under the 74th Amendment with Ward Committees and digital platforms• Building Cities for the Future: Embed green infrastructure, walkability, TOD, and ECBC-compliant design into redevelopmentDrawing on successful examples from Singapore, São Paulo, and London, the report outlines a 2047 roadmap for making Indian cities economically vibrant, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive.This initiative is supported by sector veterans, urban planners, real estate experts, and former senior bureaucrats, and aims to catalyse a fresh policy conversation at the state and national levels.

Infrastructure Energy

22 Oct 2025

KEC Secures Rs 10, 380 Mn Substation Order in Saudi Arabia

KEC International Ltd., a global infrastructure EPC major, and an RPG Group company, has secured a new order worth Rs 10,380 million for the Design, Supply and Installation of a 380 kV GIS Substation in Saudi Arabia.Vimal Kejriwal, MD & CEO, KEC International Ltd., commented, “We are delighted with the successive order wins in our T&D business. In a landmark achievement, we have secured our largest ever substation order. This prestigious order in the Middle East has widened our portfolio and strengthened our presence in the region. With this strategic win, our year-to-date or..

Infrastructure Urban

22 Oct 2025

Central Bank of India executes first fully digital SCF deal on PSB Xchange

In a major advancement for India’s banking sector, Central Bank of India (CBI) has successfully completed the country’s first fully digital supply chain finance (SCF) transaction on PSB Xchange—a unified multi-lender platform launched by PSB Alliance. PSB Xchange is designed to connect public and private sector banks, NBFCs, and fintechs with corporates and their channel partners to facilitate supply chain finance and small business loans. The transaction marks the first time a fintech-originated corporate lead has been seamlessly processed through the PSB Xchange ecosystem. The lead fl..

Infrastructure Energy

22 Oct 2025

Atlanta Electricals secures Rs 1,835 Mn transformer order from BNC Power

Atlanta Electricals Limited (“Atlanta”) has secured an order worth Rs 1,835 million from BNC Power Projects Ltd for the supply of extra high voltage (EHV) transformers and a bus reactor for its Pugal site. The contract includes a mix of 315 MVA, 400 KV and 100 MVA, 132 KV transformers along with a 400 KV bus reactor. The project scope encompasses design, manufacturing, testing, and supply to the project site. Deliveries will be sequenced following engineering and drawing approvals, offering multi-quarter execution visibility and ensuring a steady production run-rate. The order will be ex..