CREDAI-MCHI Appoints Mr. Sukhraj Nahar as 18th President, Launches Mission CARES
Mumbai: CREDAI-MCHI, the leading body of real estate developers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, has appointed Mr. Sukhraj Nahar as its 18th President. The new leadership aims to drive transformative changes through Mission CARES, focusing on compassion, affordability, reforestation, empowerment, and skilling.
Real Estate Mumbai:Mumbai: In a significant milestone for the real estate sector in Mumbai, CREDAI-MCHI, the apex body representing real estate developers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), has announced the appointment of Mr. Sukhraj Nahar, Chairman of Nahar Group, as its 18th President for the 2025–2027 term. The Change of Guard ceremony was held at Jio World Centre and was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, along with distinguished past presidents, the new management committee, and various members of the association.
Mr. Nahar succeeds Mr. Domnic Romell, who has served the association with distinction over the past two years. This transition marks a new phase for the real estate ecosystem in the MMR, with a strong emphasis on transformation and innovation. CREDAI-MCHI also announced the new management committee, comprising Mr. Bandish Ajmera as President Elect, Mr. Rushi Mehta as Secretary, and Mr. Nikunj Sanghavi as Treasurer. The ceremony not only marked a leadership transition but also the formal pledge to drive the organisation’s new strategic framework, Mission CARES.
Mission CARES is a comprehensive blueprint to bring Compassion, Affordability, Reforestation, Empowerment, and Skilling to the forefront of urban development. Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “CREDAI-MCHI has been an indispensable partner in shaping Mumbai’s real estate future. Together, we have achieved significant milestones, including the successful RERA implementation, streamlined ease of doing business, and the co-creation of the Mumbai Development Plan. We are now poised for a massive transformation, from urban renewal projects to the creation of new economic growth engines like the Third and Fourth Mumbai.”
Mr. Sukhraj Nahar, the new President, outlined his vision for the next two years, emphasizing, “Our sector has always built Mumbai’s skyline. Now, we must also build its soul. Mission CARES is our commitment to the government, homebuyers, and our own conscience—that we will develop with empathy, digitize with purpose, green our cities with urgency, and ensure every home is accessible and dignified.”
Mr. Rushi Mehta, the new Secretary, added, “The real estate sector touches lives in every square foot it creates. We are not just asking the government to act—we are showing them that the industry is ready to co-create better policies, embrace technology, and uplift every worker, homebuyer, and citizen. Mission CARES represents CREDAI-MCHI’s renewed commitment to building with compassion, ensuring access for all, restoring green spaces, driving economic growth through innovation, and skilling the workforce.”
Mr. Domnic Romell, the Immediate Past President, expressed his full support for the new leadership, saying, “Over the last two years, we have set the stage for deeper collaboration between government bodies, developers, and civil society. I am confident that under Mr. Nahar’s leadership, CREDAI-MCHI will scale new heights—not just in construction, but in conscience as well. Mission CARES is the natural evolution of our journey, ensuring that growth and responsibility go hand in hand.”
Mr. Dhaval Ajmera, the Outgoing Secretary, emphasized the need for consistent, well-calibrated policy interventions. He stated, “We have always been builders; now we choose to be healers too. Mission CARES is not just a vision—it is a call to action for governments, civil society, and every stakeholder in the urban ecosystem to create a future where development is measured by the dignity, equity, and sustainability it brings.”
Mumbai’s developers face significant financial burdens, with an average of ₹54,221 per square meter in approval costs, among the highest in the country. Premiums, duties, and levies often constitute 35–40% of the total project cost, placing a significant financial burden on homebuyers and delaying project timelines. Mr. Keval Valambhia, Chief Operating Officer of CREDAI-MCHI, noted, “Compliance costs are one of the biggest roadblocks to affordable housing. At CREDAI-MCHI, we are pushing for single-window clearances, rationalized premiums, and tech-led approvals. Prop Tech will enable AI-driven project tracking and blockchain-backed compliance, making the process faster and more transparent.”
The CARES framework commits the organisation to five pillars:
- Compassion through CSR and social welfare for construction workers, women, children, and underserved communities. - Affordability in Housing through policy reforms and innovative development models. - Reforestation & Urban Greening to offset the carbon impact of construction and improve city liveability. - Empowerment through PropTech to drive transparency, digital transformation, and economic growth. - Skilling of 10,000+ workers annually to power India’s infrastructure boom with capable hands and secure livelihoods.
The new leadership has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the next 24 months, including:
- Establishing a PropTech Lab to accelerate innovation adoption. - Creating an Affordable Housing Innovation Cell (AHIC). - Launching mobile Skilling Labs across the MMR region. - Dialoguing with the state to rationalize development premiums and stamp duties. - Integrating green scorecards in every member project.
Under its CSR vision, CREDAI-MCHI has committed to organizing 100+ free health camps annually, supporting over 1,000 students with scholarships (especially girls), operating 25 daycare centers for construction workers’ families, maintaining zero child labor across all member sites, and mobilizing ₹10 crore+ for disaster relief and social programs.
The affordable housing mandate aims to promote 10,000+ affordable units through member projects by 2026, publish a policy white paper on regulatory reforms for faster approvals, create an Affordable Housing Innovation Cell, and conduct three regional workshops with urban bodies on rental and worker housing. The focus is on ensuring affordability without compromising on quality, sustainability, or access to civic amenities.
In line with its environmental commitments, the reforestation agenda targets the planting of 1 million trees across 50+ urban locations by 2026, integrating minimum green buffers in all new member projects, and creating five model biodiversity parks in partnership with local authorities.
The economic growth and innovation pillar will see 70% of member developers adopt at least one PropTech solution, 20+ startups onboarded to the new PropTech Lab, and the listing of 10+ REIT-ready assets.
On skilling, CREDAI-MCHI will train 10,000+ construction workers annually, issue 2,500+ Green Job Cards, and deploy three mobile skilling labs across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to deliver on-site training in green construction, safety, and emerging technologies.
With over 2,200 member developers, CREDAI-MCHI’s Change of Guard 2025–2027 marks the beginning of a decisive chapter—where the industry pledges to build not only for today’s cities but for tomorrow’s generations, guided by measurable goals that blend economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CREDAI-MCHI?
CREDAI-MCHI is the apex body representing real estate developers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). It works to promote the interests of real estate developers and ensure sustainable and inclusive growth in the sector.
Who is the new President of CREDAI-MCHI?
Mr. Sukhraj Nahar, Chairman of Nahar Group, has been appointed as the 18th President of CREDAI-MCHI for the 2025-2027 term.
What is Mission CARES?
Mission CARES is a comprehensive blueprint launched by CREDAI-MCHI to bring Compassion, Affordability, Reforestation, Empowerment, and Skilling to the forefront of urban development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
What are the key initiatives under Mission CARES?
Key initiatives under Mission CARES include establishing a PropTech Lab, creating an Affordable Housing Innovation Cell, launching mobile Skilling Labs, and integrating green scorecards in member projects.
How does CREDAI-MCHI plan to support affordable housing?
CREDAI-MCHI aims to promote 10,000+ affordable units through member projects by 2026, publish a policy white paper on regulatory reforms, and conduct workshops with urban bodies on rental and worker housing.