Office Fit-Out Costs Rise in India amid Demand for Premium Workspaces

19 Mar 2025 CW Team

Office fit-out costs in India continued to rise in 2024, with Mumbai leading at US$73 per sq. ft., followed by Delhi at US$ 69 per sq. ft., according to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest Fit-Out Cost Guide. Bengaluru follows at US$67 per sq. ft., while Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune stand at US$ 65 per sq. ft.

Despite a three per cent year-on-year increase, India remains one of the most cost-effective office fit-out destinations in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. The report notes a shift towards premium, tech-enabled, and sustainable workspaces as companies invest more per square foot to enhance employee experience and align with global design standards.

""A surge in premiumisation is evident across metro markets, with multinational corporations and domestic firms investing in modern office environments to attract top talent and reflect brand identity,"" the report states. Occupiers are prioritising biophilic designs, ergonomic spaces, and air quality enhancements to promote well-being and productivity.

Startups and SMEs are increasingly opting for plug-and-play and co-working spaces due to cost efficiency and flexibility, while sustainability remains a key focus, with developers targeting LEED and IGBC certifications.

""While fit-out costs have seen only a marginal increase YOY, the overall cost of office spaces has risen due to premiumisation. Occupiers—especially Global Capability Centers (GCCs)—are investing more in creating high-quality work environments that prioritize wellness, technology, and sustainability,"" said Shashi Bushan, Managing Director, Project and Development Services, Cushman & Wakefield.

Globally, Tokyo remains the most expensive city in APAC for fit-outs at US$195 per sq. ft., while Jakarta is the most affordable at US$58 per sq. ft. The report suggests that as material costs stabilise, labour wages continue to drive inflation in certain markets.

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..