Maharashtra: Government wants builders to set up waterproof telecom control center in new buildings

The Maharashtra Urban Development Department has issued a notice dated Sept 30 2024 inviting suggestions and objections for the proposed modification and incorporation of an addendum to the Model Building ByeLaws 2016 issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs MoHUA as part of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations 2034 for Greater MumbaiIn a bid to enhance digital connectivity infrastructure in Mumbai and its suburbs the Maharashtra Urban Development Department has issued a notice inviting suggestions and objections from architects developers and town planners for the incorporation of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in new building plansWhat does the Maharashtra Urban Development Departmentrsquos notice sayThe notice asks architects developers and planning authority officials to ensure that a plan for the creation of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure including a common duct to access the common space used as a telecom room inside the building is included in new building proposal plansThe notice issued by the Maharashtra Urban Development Department states that an Occupancy or Building completion certificate to a building is to be granted only after ensuring that the Common Telecommunication Infrastructure as per the prescribed standards is in placeThis is in line with the addendum to Model Building Byelaws 2016 and has been issued under Section 154 of the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act MRTPNotice under section 37 IAA of the Maharashtra Regional amp Town Planning Act 1966 Proposed modification for Incorporation of addendum to model building ByeLaws 2016 issued by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs MOHUA Development Control and Promotion Regulations 2034 for Greater Mumbai the notice readsThe Maharashtra Urban Development Department has sought inputs from various stakeholders for the creation of a Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in new building plansIn 2022 the Telecom Regulatory Authority finalised a framework for the creation of an ecosystem for Digital Connectivity Infrastructure DCI making it a part of the building development plan similar to other building services like water electricity or fire safety systemsPlan for the creation of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure including the common duct to access the common space used as telecom room inside the building is also a prepared and separate set of draw drawings showing the inter intra connectivity access to the building with the distribution network the notice readsThe circular specifies that buildings with more than 465 sq mt of builtup area should have a minimum 30 m X 24 m telecom room Buildings with a builtup area of less than 465 sq mt should have a 06 m x 26 m or 13 m x 13 m telecom roomThe notice further states that the telecom room should not be susceptible to flooding It should not be exposed to water moisture fumes gases or dust It should be able to withstand the designed equipment load to be specified in the design It should be located away from any vibrations to avoid dislocationdislodgementAt the layout stage the UDD notice says the placement and sequence of aboveand belowground utilities at the appropriate location in the rightofway to be ensured for unconstrained movement as well as easy access for maintenance Empty pipes largesize Hume pipes HDPE pipes should be laid before planting trees in order to accommodate additional Infrastructure It also suggests that telecom cables should be ideally placed below the parking area or service lane which could be easily dug up without causing any major inconvenienceThe notice also asked developers to submit a service plan for IBS infrastructure in consultation with a telecom networking hardware consultantThe layout plans should clearly indicate the telecom as Utility Infrastructure lines While submitting the proposed Building plan seeking approval from the relevant sanctioning Authority the applicant shall also submit a complete Service Plan for InBuilding Solutions IBS Infrastructure along with required specifications in consultation with and certified by a credible Telecom Networking hardware consultant the notice readsldquoOccupancy Building Completion certificate to a building to be granted only after ensuring that the Common Telecommunication Infrastructure as per the prescribed standards is in placerdquo it saidWhat do officials have to sayAn official from the Urban Development Department confirmed that the department has issued a notice seeking inputs from various stakeholders for the creation of a Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in new building plansThis is in line with the Central governments framework for creating an ecosystem for digital connectivity We have now sought suggestions and objections from various stakeholders the official saidHe further said that depending on the suggestions and objections the department will proceed with the directive After the department receives suggestions and objections we will discuss them with stakeholders and finalize the plan This generally takes about a month after receiving input from the stakeholders he addedThumbs up from the stakeholdersStakeholders from various sectors have welcomed the Urban Development Departmentrsquos move to enhance digital connectivityJitendra M Mehta President of CREDAI MCHI Thane said We are a developing country and digital technology is a very important platform Today the internet connection is at the heart of our lives In every home internet users include senior citizens children and housemaids Just a few years ago there was a telephone connectionAs developers we should always upgrade facilities for our flat purchasers Now locker facilities should be provided so that we can operate the lockers at our convenience and not just during banking hours CCTV should be mandatory in every building covering all floors lobby areas and other common spaces and it should be easy to operate from a centralised room he addedManju Yagnik Vice Chairperson at Nahar Group and Senior Vice President of NAREDCOmdashMaharashtra said The Maharashtra Urban Development Departmentrsquos directive to include Common Telecommunication Infrastructure CTI in new building plans is a forwardlooking initiative aimed at enhancing Mumbairsquos connectivity as the city prepares for a more aggressive 5G rollout in 2025 This policy ensures that residential and commercial spaces will be equipped for the growing demand for highspeed internet and smart technologies positioning Mumbai as the key city in Indiarsquos techdriven urban development For developers integrating CTI may involve an initial investment but it presents longterm benefits including enhanced property value and marketability This investment not only aligns with the increasing buyer preference for digitally equipped spaces but also boosts the competitiveness of developers in a rapidly evolving marketThe government will be engaging with the developers and urban planners during the planning phase and this collaboration will help identify potential challenges that may arise during the design and execution stages ensuring that the directive is both practical and feasible Furthermore integrating such infrastructure can stimulate the growth of the technical sector providing opportunities for innovation and creating new markets This will in turn contribute to the countrys overall economic development driving the GDP higher and positioning India as a technologically advanced globally competitive nation she addedSandeep Ahuja Global CEO of Atmosphere Living said that the directive from the Maharashtra Urban Development Department to mandate Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in new building plans is a step in the right directionIt aligns with the growing demand for seamless connectivity which has become an essential part of modern living While the requirement for telecom infrastructure before granting Occupancy or Completion Certificates adds an additional compliance layer it also ensures that residents have access to uninterrupted digital services from day one However effective implementation will require collaboration between developers civic authorities and telecom providers Early consultations and clear guidelines can prevent delays and streamline the process If the government facilitates a practical framework with adequate timelines it will help the real estate sector incorporate this change more efficiently Ultimately this initiative reflects a futurefocused approach to urban planning enhancing the overall quality of living in Mumbais developments he saidAbhishek Tharwani Director Tharwani Realty said Inclusion of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in building new buildings would be a positive move to complement the rising needs of a nondisjoint connectivity network within urban regions Given that people depend increasingly on digital services proper telecom infrastructure should be ensured during the initial development stages both for people living and operating their businesses within these spaces The directive also underscores the need for more holistic urban planning As cities grow smarter integrating utilities like telecom power and waste management systems should be part of a larger vision for sustainable developmentTharwani further said that while the intent is commendable the directive could pose challenges in terms of execution Developers will need clear guidelines and technical assistance to incorporate CTI efficiently especially in projects where space and cost considerations are already tight he addedEchoing similar sentiments Sunny Bijlani JointManaging Director of Supreme Universal said The Maharashtra Urban Development Departmentrsquos directive to include Common Telecommunication Infrastructure CTI in new building plans is a proactive step in line with Indiarsquos expanding digital landscape With over 12 billion telecom subscribers in India as of 2024 as per TRAI ensuring robust connectivity is essential for modern urban living and futureready smart cities A collaborative approach between the government and the developers and the urban planning community can help address challenges like space constraints and cost models ensuring compliance without compromising on project efficiency This initiative can lead to longterm benefits fostering smarter and more connected communities that contribute to the growth of a sustainable urban infrastructure