A lot of factors have helped the Kalyan to Badlapur belt to be the emerging star for the realty market, says Anoop Kumar Bhargava, CEO & Director, Empire Centrum

by 14 Jun 2023
4 mins read
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The infrastructure development in Kalyan to Badlapur belt has pushed the growth of the real estate sector exponentially. Do you think in a few years time these locations will dominate the real estate market? 
The area is already witnessing heightened interest from real estate players given the way things are shaping up along the Kalyan to Badlapur stretch. Badlapur, a once industrial town is now a microcosm of upcoming residential and commercial projects. A lot of factors have helped the Kalyan to Badlapur belt to be the emerging star for the realty market, including the excellent connectivity to Ambernath, Dombivli and Navi Mumbai as well as presence of several small and large companies.
Today the stretch is perhaps among the ones where you can find residential options across the budget. This multitude of offerings has led to improved and sustained demand for housing. The belt also has better land parcels and relatively lower land prices. Future infrastructure projects including Ring Road and the Metro Line 5 and 12 that connect Kalyan to Thane and Taloja respectively will only add to its appeal thus making it a further favorite of realtors in the coming years. The prominent locations under this belt like Ambernath, Dombivli is witnessing extensive growth in real estate space. In fact, we believe this belt will redefine the walk-to-work concept that is being embraced by realtors everywhere.

In terms of the work, do you see major companies setting up offices in the suburbs?
Cost considerations: Suburban areas often offer lower real estate costs compared to city centers. Companies may find it more affordable to set up offices in the suburbs, allowing them to allocate resources to other areas of their business. Talent accessibility: Establishing offices in the suburbs can make it easier for companies to tap into a broader talent pool. By locating in areas where employees live or prefer to work, businesses can attract and retain skilled professionals who may prefer a suburban lifestyle. Commuting convenience: Suburban offices can reduce commuting times for employees who live outside city centers. This can improve work-life balance and potentially increase employee satisfaction and productivity. Expansion opportunities: Suburban areas often have more available space for expansion compared to densely developed urban centers. Companies seeking to grow their operations may find it easier to find suitable office spaces in suburban locations. Industry data shows that more than 50% of new projects in Maharashtra are being launched in the peripheral areas of Mumbai like Kalyan, Badlapur and Bhiwandi, further complementing this shift. This continued migration from metros to suburbs is being caused by the availability of quality housing, more affordable pricing, larger spaces, value for money and a decent living standard. This apart, the need to build a house in areas with low population density, low pollution and good air quality have been attracting crowds in hordes. While this trend has largely been propelled by the hybrid, remote work which is enabling people to make that shift to suburbs, the opening up of satellite offices within the major cities for domestic and global companies has fortified this migration. However, it's important to note that the extent of this shift can vary depending on multiple factors such as industry, location, and company culture. Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the way businesses operate, with remote work becoming more prevalent. This situation has potentially reshaped office dynamics and could have implications for the distribution of offices between cities and suburbs.

Empire Centrum is the only township project in Ambernath with world-class amenities. What was the thought behind launching a township project in the area?
Ambernath is one of the most beautiful cities in Maharashtra, nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats. Its natural flora and fauna make it the perfect destination. Meanwhile, infrastructural developments such as the metro rail, ring roads, highways, etc, offer improved connectivity to the existing city establishments and are better suited to the immediate needs of budget-conscious home buyers. It not only provides enhanced connectivity to the centre of the economic capital of India, Mumbai but also boasts of other factors such as an upcoming and improved education ecosystem. The Govt. of India plans to build a medical college in Ambernath to attract talented young students from the vicinity. Aspiring healthcare professionals from the area thus don’t need to travel to big cities to get a degree or employment. Residents of Ambernath will also have access to quality treatment at their doorstep. Huge employment opportunities, wide industrial presence and availability of land have triggered residential real estate growth here post-2013.
Our Empire Centrum project is strategically located in Ambernath (W) and constructed over a sprawling 35 acres of land. The residential complex introduces the concept of walk-to-work and offers a wholesome lifestyle with everything one needs at one’s doorstep. The balance of nature and modern infrastructure made it the natural choice for our township project. 7 of the 35 acres of the land are dedicated to residential & commercial spaces. The idea is to provide both residential and commercial properties under one project with the best facilities and amenities. We feel a township project in an exponentially growing location like Ambernath is the need of the hour.

Ambernath is an upcoming location with good connectivity to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, and Badlapur via railways and roadways. What are the other USPs of the location? Can you tell us about the ongoing infrastructure development and the future growth prospects of the area.
Ambernath is a developing area and holds huge potential for further growth due to the availability of land parcels, natural flora and fauna, improved connectivity to the peripheries, massive infrastructural development, and the presence of industries. Secondly, the region is witnessing speedy development with modern infrastructure, including basic civic amenities like schools, banks, hospitals, municipal council, post office, water supply, and nearby markets, which has further enhanced the real estate growth there.
Thanks to the upcoming Panvel-Badlapur highway, and Metro connectivity via Thane, the area is expected to absorb the future growth in population, business, and commercial activity in the region. Ambernath has excellent connectivity to Kalyan, via Maharashtra State Highway (SH) 80 and Thane, via National Highway (NH) 160. It is connected to Pune via the Bengaluru-Mumbai Highway, which is less than a three-hour drive. The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is a 1.5-hour drive from Ambernath (50 km). The proposed Navi Mumbai Airport will be a one-hour drive from Ambernath, via the Badlapur-Katai Road and NH-48. Ambernath can be safely considered as the next big destination for home buyers not only in terms of connectivity but also the quality of living that is desired by anyone looking for a home within an affordable price and location.