Sukhraj Nahar Takes the Helm as CREDAI-MCHI President for 2025-27
CREDAI-MCHI, the leading organization for real estate developers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, has appointed Sukhraj Nahar as its 18th president for the 2025-2027 term. The event, held at Jio World Centre, marks a pivotal moment in the region's urban development.
Real Estate Mumbai:On August 14, 2025, CREDAI-MCHI, the apex body representing real estate developers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), announced the appointment of Sukhraj Nahar, chairman of Nahar Group, as its 18th president for the 2025-2027 term. The Change of Guard ceremony, held at the Jio World Centre, was graced by the chief minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, along with distinguished past presidents, the new management committee, and various members of the association.
Nahar succeeds Domnic Romell, who has served the association with distinction over the past two years. This leadership transition marks a transformative phase for the real estate ecosystem in the MMR. CREDAI-MCHI also announced the new management committee, comprising Bandish Ajmera as president elect, Rushi Mehta as secretary, and Nikunj Sanghavi as treasurer. The ceremony not only symbolized a leadership change but also the formal pledge to drive the organization’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. Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister of Maharashtra, emphasized the importance of the partnership between the government and the real estate sector. He stated, “CREDAI-MCHI has been an indispensable partner in shaping Mumbai’s real estate future. Together, we have successfully implemented RERA, streamlined ease of doing business, and co-created the Mumbai Development Plan. We are on the cusp of a massive transformation, from the redevelopment of BDD Chawls to the creation of new economic growth engines. Over the next decade, we can transform Mumbai and the MMR into a global benchmark for urban living.”
Sukhraj Nahar, the new president, shared his vision for the next two years. He said, “Our sector has always built Mumbai’s skyline. Now, we must also build its soul. Mission CARES is our declaration to the government, home buyers, 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. This is a pivotal moment to move beyond rhetoric and deliver real, measurable impact.”
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 that shapes the region’s skylines.”
Domnic Romell, the immediate past president, extended his full support to the new leadership. He said, “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 Nahar’s leadership, CREDAI-MCHI will now scale new heights—not just in construction, but in conscience as well.” He further elaborated, “Our tenure was about turning challenges into opportunities and building a more transparent, inclusive ecosystem. Mission CARES is the natural evolution of that journey—a moral compass for the next era of real estate, ensuring that growth and responsibility go hand in hand.”
Dhaval Ajmera, the outgoing secretary, highlighted the importance of consistent policy interventions. He said, “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. Real change in our sector comes from consistent, well-calibrated policy interventions. Mission CARES strengthens our resolve to embed inclusion, green growth, and technology adoption into the governance framework, ensuring that ambition transforms into action.”
Mumbai’s developers currently face significant financial burdens, with approval costs averaging 54,221 per square meter. Premiums, duties, and levies often constitute 35-40% of the total project cost, placing a significant financial burden on homebuyers and delaying project timelines. 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. Every rupee saved in friction is a rupee that builds scale, trust, and better homes. Building better homes is about building a stronger India together.”
The CARES framework commits the organization 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; and 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 the establishment of a PropTech Lab to accelerate innovation adoption, the creation of an Affordable Housing Innovation Cell, the launch of mobile Skilling Labs across the MMR region, dialogue with the state to rationalize development premiums and stamp duties, and the integration of 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—one 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
Who is the new president of CREDAI-MCHI for the 2025-2027 term?
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 to bring Compassion, Affordability, Reforestation, Empowerment, and Skilling to the forefront of urban development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
What are the key pillars of Mission CARES?
The key pillars of Mission CARES are Compassion through CSR, Affordability in Housing, Reforestation & Urban Greening, Empowerment through PropTech, and Skilling of workers.
What are the financial challenges faced by Mumbai’s developers?
Mumbai’s developers face significant financial burdens, with approval costs averaging 54,221 per square meter. Premiums, duties, and levies often constitute 35-40% of the total project cost, placing a significant financial burden on homebuyers and delaying project timelines.
What are some of the initiatives outlined by the new leadership for the next 24 months?
The new leadership has outlined initiatives including the establishment of a PropTech Lab, creation of an Affordable Housing Innovation Cell, launch of mobile Skilling Labs, dialogue with the state to rationalize development premiums, and integration of green scorecards in every member project.