Delhi-NCR real estate market gets the Supreme Court’s revocation on an overnight construction ban.

On 14 February, the Supreme Court lifted the ban on night-time construction in Delhi-NCR, making it a relief for the real estate industry.

In Delhi-NCR, on 4 November 2019, the court had placed a complete ban on construction activities. It took the dramatic decline in air quality in and around the Delhi-NCR area into account.

The order was eventually amended on December 9, after the central pollution control board told the court that the ban could be partially lifted after which construction was halted between 6 PM and 6 AM. Construction ban influenced the real estate sector and even the construction of Delhi Metro.

We welcome the decision to lift the ban absolutely. We have only worked with 30 per cent working strength since the past four months since construction was only allowed during the day. At least 3 to 4 months will likely be delayed, but we will try to compensate for simultaneous construction, mechanization and the increased labour force which we hope will be accomplished as soon as possible. Restarting of work again will rely on a project to project and location to location. In terms of losses, they will depend on the size of the organization and the project, “said Amit Modi, president-elect Credai (Western UP) and director, ABA Corp.

Gaurav Gupta, president of CREDAI-Ghaziabad, also welcomed the decision, stating that resources like material and labour- will now be fully utilized. “This was much needed because the fines for RERA are severe and targets for completion have to be met,” he added.

“The removal of the supreme court’s overnight construction ban is a major relief for all under-construction projects in Delhi-NCR. Construction will be on the full swing with this order,” said Ashish Bhutani, CEO, Bhutani Group.