LRS faces long road from applications to approvals

25.7 lakh applications filed, with processing continuing across Telangana

Property pulse

The Telangana Layout Regularisation Scheme (LRS) has moved well beyond the application stage, but a large gap remains between applications filed, fees intimated, payments made and final regularisation. About 25.70 lakh applications were received across the state when the scheme was introduced in 2020, leaving the government with the task of processing cases at different stages.

According to information from the Centre for Good Governance, as of December 31, 2025, fee intimations had been issued for 20.13 lakh applications. Of these, 5.28 lakh applicants had paid the prescribed fees, generating around ₹1,618 crore. The numbers show that while most applications have moved to the fee-intimation stage, a substantially smaller number have progressed to payment. The status of the remaining applications varies depending on scrutiny, fee assessment, verification and other requirements.

HMDA shows the gap

Data from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) provides a closer look at the situation. Of 2,68,177 applications received within HMDA limits, fee intimations had been issued for 1,98,991. However, only 86,125 applicants had paid the prescribed fees. This means less than half of those who received fee intimations within HMDA limits had completed payment. The reasons for applications moving at different speeds include issues relating to government land, water bodies, disputed properties, discrepancies in land records, road widths, open spaces and other planning requirements. Such cases can require additional scrutiny and verification before they can progress.

Payment is not final approval

An important point for applicants is that payment of the prescribed LRS fee does not itself constitute final regularisation. The application still has to complete the required scrutiny, verification and approval process before the regularisation order is issued. The official system tracks applications through stages including fee intimated but not paid, fee paid and pending verification, and delayed verification. For applicants who have already paid, the key question is when their cases will move to final approval.

For those who have received fee intimations but have not paid, the fee amount and uncertainty over the subsequent process remain considerations. The next challenge for the government is therefore to provide greater clarity on the status of applications and move eligible cases through the remaining stages. Application-wise status updates could help property owners understand where their case stands, what action is required and what remains before final regularisation.

LRS Status

• 25.70 lakh applications received.
  
• 20.13 lakh fee intimations issued.
  
• 5.28 lakh applicants paid fees.
  
• ₹1,618 crore collected.
  
• 2.68 lakh applications within HMDA limits.
  
• 86,125 HMDA applicants paid fees.