Work on Mumbai’s tallest residential building may resume after 3 years
Palais Royale construction
After a recent review, the construction of Palais Royale, Mumbai’s tallest residential building, could start again after a gap of almost three years.
The Worli building is among the most expensive properties in the city, with duplex flats costing anywhere between Rs 70 to 80 crore.
The construction of the building had been halted owing to the excess refuge area allotted by developer Shree Ram Urban Infrastructure Ltd. According to regulations under the National Building Code, a building’s refuge area cannot exceed four per cent of its total area. However, in case of Palais Royale, the area was over 25 percent.
As a result, ex-municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte had ordered the developer to reduce the length of the building by removing the top 13 floors.
The developer challenged the decision in Bombay High Court, which observed that the refuge area can fluctuate based on a number of factors.
Accordingly, a division bench of Justices Abhay Oka and C V Bhadang had asked Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta to carry out an inspection of the refuge area and prepare a report on the permissible area. Mehta visited the building last week for inspection.
Once he submits his report to the HC, the builder will be able to opt for regularisation of both wings by applying for a fresh commencement certificate.
The developer may also have to shave off a few floors if the municipal commissioner deems them illegal.
