Udayan Pally, Kolkata

NITI Aayog has released a roadmap for urban governance reforms aimed at addressing common issues faced by urban residents and homebuyers, such as delayed building approvals, irregular water supply, and project delays. The report, 'Moving Towards Effective City Government,' focuses on strengthening city governments to improve services, enhance accountability, and streamline processes.

Kolkata's real estate sector is witnessing a growing emphasis on green living practices, including sustainable housing projects and the restoration of natural ecosystems. Luxury buyers are prioritizing health-focused, well-ventilated homes with eco-friendly amenities.

East Kolkata is set to see the opening of several infrastructure projects in 2026, including a renovated Debi Ghat in Dakshindari, a new bailey bridge over Kestopur Canal, and the Airport-New Garia Metro line. The new bridge will ease traffic by avoiding bottlenecks, while the Metro line will improve connectivity across eastern Kolkata, impact including areas like Chingrighata and New Garia.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has initiated a demolition drive targeting dilapidated and unsafe buildings across the city to prevent potential collapses before the monsoon season and improve urban safety. The KMC is issuing 'express orders' for the demolition of structures deemed unsafe and irreparable, with over 150 buildings identified for urgent attention.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has approved a Rs 145 crore drainage project to address waterlogging in north and east Kolkata, focusing on rehabilitating old sewer lines along Beleghata Main Road, CIT Road, and Hemchandra Naskar Road.These sewer lines serves a densely populated urban basin spread over about 5.9 square kilometres, with population of around 2.5 lakh.

East Kolkata is preparing for the inauguration of several infrastructure projects. The renovated Debi Ghat in Dakshindari will reopen, and a second bailey bridge over the Kestopur Canal will connect AA Block to Dakshindari, easing traffic congestion. The Airport-New Garia Metro (Orange Line) aims to complete the Chingrighata crossing section by February 15, 2026, with the entire line expected to open later in the year. The Yellow Line extension to New Barrackpore is targeted for August 2026.

Kolkata MDA is set to construct 5,616 urban roads across five districts , marking the inclusion of urban road construction in the scheme for the first time ,with South 24-Parganas receiving the highest number of roads costing 8487 crores rs. Additionally, infrastructure upgrades are planned for East Kolkata, including the renovated Debi Ghat immersion site in Dakshindari, A second bailey bridge over the Kestopur Canal will connect AA Block to Dakshindari.