Tashree Updates

Demand Driven by Job Growth and Lifestyle Shifts Despite stagnant salaries, Gurugram’s real estate market is thriving. According to top real estate broker Sandeep Shikhrani, the surge in property purchases isn’t fueled by salary hikes but by job growth and lifestyle changes. Gurugram continues to attract professionals due to its expanding IT sector and improved infrastructure. With new companies setting up offices and startups emerging, employment opportunities are rising. This job influx directly translates into housing demand, even if individual incomes remain flat. Pent-Up Demand and Migration Trends The pandemic created a backlog of buyers who delayed home purchases due to uncertainty. Now, that pent-up demand is being released as confidence returns. Additionally, people from smaller cities and neighboring states are moving to Gurugram for better career prospects, further boosting the market. Affordability Through Lower Interest Rates Home loans are more accessible than ever. Low interest rates have made mortgages cheaper, encouraging first-time buyers and investors alike. Many are choosing to buy rather than rent, seeing property ownership as both a necessity and an investment. Shift Toward Affordable Housing Buyers are adjusting their expectations to fit within stagnant income levels. There’s a clear trend toward affordable and mid-income housing, with developers focusing on budget-friendly options. Premium properties still sell, but the real growth lies in accessible price segments. Real Estate as a Hedge Against Inflation Amid rising inflation, many see real estate as a stable asset. Property values in Gurugram have shown resilience, making homeownership a smart financial move. Investors are also stepping in, betting on future appreciation. In summary, Gurugram’s real estate boom is not about rising salaries—it’s about jobs, shifting priorities, and favorable financing. As long as employment remains strong and homes remain affordable, demand will continue to grow. Source: business today

A recent incident at a Gurugram-based startup has sparked discussions about workplace culture and employee rights. An employee, after just 20 days on the job, was terminated for taking tea and smoke breaks and for leaving the office at the scheduled end of the workday. The individual shared their experience on Reddit, stating that the employer accused them of having an “attitude problem” and not being “down to earth” shortly after they joined. The situation escalated when the employer objected to the employee forming groups with colleagues during breaks and criticized them for leaving work exactly at 7 PM, despite the employee having completed their tasks. The final straw came when the employee was asked to work from the director’s cabin instead of their own desk. Feeling uncomfortable with this arrangement, the employee was subsequently terminated. This account has ignited conversations about toxic work environments and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.  

Sudden Shutdown Leaves Commuters and Drivers Stranded BluSmart, India’s first all-electric cab service, abruptly shut down operations in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru, catching both commuters and drivers off guard. The app stopped functioning without prior notice, and drivers found themselves locked out of the system without explanation. The shutdown follows a Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) order banning BluSmart co-founders Anmol and Puneet Singh Jaggi. SEBI accused the brothers of misusing funds from Gensol Engineering, another company they co-founded. Allegations include diverting investor money, meant for electric vehicle purchases, toward personal luxury items, including a high-end apartment. Commuters Left Without Reliable Options Regular users of BluSmart expressed disappointment. Jagriti Kumar, an IT professional from Gurgaon, relied on BluSmart for her daily commute to Udyog Vihar. “The rides were consistent, clean, and fairly priced. Now I’m stuck with surge pricing and frequent cancellations on other apps,” she shared. BluSmart had built a reputation for zero-emission rides, fixed pricing, and professional service, making it a preferred option for many in congested metro areas. Drivers and Refunds in Limbo Thousands of drivers employed by BluSmart now face uncertainty. Unlike other ride-hailing platforms, BluSmart operated its own fleet, providing stable incomes to drivers who didn’t need to own vehicles. The company informed customers via email that it would refund any remaining balances within 90 days if services do not resume. However, the lack of a clear timeline has raised doubts among users. Future of Electric Mobility in Question BluSmart had over 8,000 electric cabs and a large charging infrastructure. It claimed to complete over 10 million emission-free rides and reduce 23,000 tonnes of CO₂. Its collapse raises serious concerns about corporate governance and has cast a shadow over India’s push toward sustainable urban transport. Source: Times of India

Uneven Surfaces and Craters Dominate Sector 23A In Gurgaon’s Sector 23A, a road that underwent recent repairs is already falling apart, causing frustration among residents and commuters alike. What was meant to be a smooth, durable surface now features uneven patches and deep craters. Drivers face significant challenges as they navigate around potholes, leading to chaotic traffic conditions. Pedestrians also struggle, as the damaged road forces them to walk along the edges or risk accidents. Residents have voiced their dissatisfaction with the quality of the repairs. Many question whether proper materials and techniques were used during the revamp. They argue that contractors failed to adhere to required standards, resulting in premature wear and tear. The deteriorating road has become a glaring example of negligence, leaving locals to wonder why authorities approved such substandard work. Poor Planning and Oversight Under Scrutiny The situation highlights broader issues with infrastructure projects in the city. Residents feel that inadequate planning and lax oversight are to blame for recurring problems. They demand accountability and transparency from officials responsible for maintaining public infrastructure. Without proper checks and balances, poorly executed projects continue to burden taxpayers. Citizens urge municipal bodies to implement stricter regulations and ensure contractors deliver durable results. Authorities Promise Action Amid Growing Complaints Local authorities have acknowledged the complaints and pledged swift action. Officials claim they are aware of the situation and have initiated steps to address the issue. Engineers and road maintenance teams are reportedly assessing the damage to determine the extent of repairs needed. They assure residents that necessary fixes will soon restore the road to a usable condition. Despite these assurances, repeated promises have failed to pacify the public. Residents insist on long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. They urge municipal bodies to enforce stricter oversight during construction projects to prevent similar issues in the future. A Call for Systemic Change The crumbling road in Sector 23A underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure planning and execution. For now, commuters continue to endure the inconvenience, hoping that meaningful action will replace broken promises. Without systemic changes, Gurgaon risks seeing similar problems arise in other parts of the city. Residents remain hopeful that authorities will take decisive steps to ensure safer, more reliable roads for everyone. Source: Times of India

Enforcing Building Code Compliance Gurgaon’s Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) actively pursues unauthorized constructions and illegal commercial operations within residential areas. Their enforcement team recently served notices to approximately 250 homeowners in Sushant Lok 3, citing violations of building norms and land use regulations. Officials conducted a thorough six-hour survey, meticulously gathering photographic evidence to expedite legal proceedings. This proactive approach aims to restore the residential character of these colonies. Identifying Widespread Violations The inspection revealed extensive misuse of residential properties for commercial ventures. The DTCP identified numerous homes operating as real estate offices, guest houses, beauty parlors, dental clinics, yoga centers, and salons. Furthermore, the survey uncovered unauthorized constructions, including rooms in parking areas, servant quarters in designated zoning spaces, and illegal rooftop structures. This action follows similar successful crackdowns in Sushant Lok 2, where the department issued notices to around 150 properties for similar offenses. Issuing Strict Warnings DTCP officials have firmly instructed residents to adhere to approved building plans. They caution that non-compliance will lead to severe penalties, including property sealing, substantial fines, or demolition orders. The department streamlines enforcement by surveying entire blocks, ensuring efficiency and prompt action on multiple complaints. Authorities emphasize that the commercial exploitation of residential properties disrupts community infrastructure and will not be tolerated, safeguarding the residential integrity of these neighborhoods. Source: times of india

Massive Demand for Luxury Living The second Trump Towers project in Gurgaon sold out within 24 hours of its launch, generating ₹3,250 crore in sales. Developed by Smartworld Developers and Tribeca Developers in partnership with The Trump Organization, the project called Trump Residences Gurgaon features 298 ultra-luxury apartments priced between ₹8 crore and ₹15 crore. Even the top-tier penthouses, each valued at ₹125 crore, were booked immediately. Luxury Living in High Demand This marks the second Trump-branded residential development in North India. The first, launched in 2018 in Delhi NCR, is now fully sold, with delivery expected soon. Trump Residences Gurgaon includes two 51-floor towers offering premium amenities and global design standards. Buyers showed strong confidence in branded luxury housing, signaling growing demand in India’s high-end real estate market. Developer Reactions Pankaj Bansal, Founder of Smartworld Developers, said the overwhelming response reflects rising aspirations for world-class living experiences in India. Kalpesh Mehta, Founder of Tribeca Developers, called the sale historic, noting it ranks among the largest luxury real estate deals in Indian history. Tribeca, as the exclusive licensee of the Trump brand in India, handled design, marketing, and quality control, while Smartworld managed construction and customer experience. Trump Family Involvement Expected Plans are underway for either Donald Trump Jr. or Eric Trump to visit India to inspect the Gurgaon site, reinforcing the Trump family’s active role in the brand’s global expansion. With this success, developers aim to set new benchmarks in India’s luxury housing sector through international branding and unmatched design. Source: times of india

BJP Clinches Mayoral Victory with Massive Margin The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recorded a resounding victory in the Gurugram Municipal Corporation elections. Raj Rani Malhotra, the BJP’s candidate, won the mayoral post with a commanding lead of 179,485 votes over Congress contender Seema Pahuja. This election marked the first time residents directly elected the city’s mayor, shifting away from the earlier system where councillors made the choice. BJP Dominates Ward Results, Independents Show Strength BJP candidates secured 23 of the 36 wards, ensuring majority control in the corporation. Independent candidates surprised many by winning 9 wards, indicating public support for non-party voices. Congress managed to win only 3 wards, while the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) won 1 seat in Ward 5. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), despite contesting several wards, failed to win any. Voter Base Expands, Civic Engagement Rises Gurugram’s voter base grew by 38% since the last civic polls in 2017, with close to 9 lakh registered voters participating. The high turnout reflected increased civic awareness and a growing interest in local governance. Voters across the city backed candidates who promised development, transparency, and improved urban services. BJP Gears Up for Urban Transformation With a clear mandate, the BJP is now positioned to lead Gurugram’s urban development agenda. The party has pledged to enhance infrastructure, boost public amenities, and improve service delivery across the city. At the same time, the strong showing by independents signals a shift in voter sentiment, challenging traditional party loyalties and encouraging accountability at the grassroots level. Source: zeenews.india