Hyd builders want approval process to be simplified

Industry seeks smoother implementation of single-window building approvals

Property Pulse

As Hyderabad’s real estate sector expands, obtaining timely construction approvals has become an increasingly important issue for developers. Telangana has moved towards digital and single-window systems through platforms such as TG-bPASS and BuildNow, but the industry continues to seek simpler procedures and faster processing, particularly for large projects.

BuildNow is being implemented as an integrated platform for building and layout approvals across GHMC, HMDA and DTCP jurisdictions. Large apartment projects, commercial buildings, high-rises and group housing developments, however, can require clearances from multiple departments, depending on their location and nature. These may include fire, revenue, irrigation, water supply and airport-related authorities.

BuildNow specifies processing timelines for different categories of applications. According to the platform, building plan applications for plots larger than 500 sq. metres, residential buildings exceeding 10 metres in height and all non-residential buildings have a processing timeline of 21 days. Where deficiencies are found in an application, the applicant is also required to be informed within the prescribed timeframe.

Official figures indicate the scale of the digital approval system. During 2025-26, a total of 17,957 building and layout permissions and occupancy certificates were issued through BuildNow across the GHMC, Cyberabad Municipal Corporation and Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation jurisdictions. Of these, 12,014 were instant approvals, 972 instant registrations and 2,515 single-window approvals. According to official information, these approvals generated ₹1,172.08 crore in revenue for the three civic bodies.

The industry’s focus is increasingly on making the existing digital and single-window mechanism work more efficiently. Developers argue that reducing approval delays can help shorten construction schedules and limit additional costs arising from land investment, financing and project overheads. For a developer, a delay in approvals can extend the period for which land and other project investments remain tied up. Interest and other holding costs can also accumulate, particularly in large projects.

A faster process, however, does not mean fewer checks. Fire safety, structural and construction standards, environmental requirements, master plans, roads, drainage and water infrastructure remain important considerations before a project is cleared. Approval processes also have a direct bearing on buyers. Greater transparency around building permissions, layout approvals and occupancy certificates can help homebuyers understand the regulatory status of a project before purchasing.

The issue is particularly relevant as development expands beyond GHMC into HMDA and DTCP areas, where the nature and extent of approvals can vary. For Hyderabad’s expanding real estate market, the next stage of digital approvals is not necessarily about creating another system but making the existing one work more seamlessly. The industry’s broad objective is a process that combines speed with transparency and accountability, while retaining the regulatory checks required for safe and planned development.

The single-window framework has created the infrastructure for this transition. The demand now is for its smoother and more predictable implementation.

Key issues raised

• A single coordination mechanism for departmental NOCs.
  
• Application tracking at every stage.
  
• Clearances within specified timelines.
  
• Better coordination between departments.
  
• Faster resolution of technical or system-related issues.
  
• Simpler procedures for small and mid-sized developers.