Credit: GRI ClubCRE Reset 2025 - Fireside Chat with Vinod Rohira
The Managing Director & CEO of K Raheja Corp shares his outlook on India’s commercial real estate market
February 25, 2025Real Estate
Written by Isabella Toledo
The “Commercial Real Estate: Reset 2025 - Trends & Outlook for India” forum took place recently in Mumbai. During the opening session, Vinod Rohira, MD & CEO of event’s co-host K Raheja Corp, shared his insights on the company’s transformative approach to the sector.
A standout example is Altimus Worli, a premium development that won ‘Commercial Property of the Year 2024’ at the GRI Awards India. This project has redefined Mumbai’s Worli area, transforming it into a prime business district through strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and high-quality execution.
“Seven years ago, this was not an office location by any stretch of imagination,” Rohira remarked, highlighting the company’s long-term vision and market positioning that turned the site into a billion-dollar asset. Altimus Worli now commands some of Mumbai’s highest rents, reflecting the growing demand for premium office spaces.
Looking ahead, K Raheja Corp is accelerating its commercial development and remains focused on creating high-quality, sustainable assets that drive long-term value for investors and tenants.
1. Infrastructure as a key growth driver
A major theme in Rohira’s insights was the pivotal role of infrastructure - such as metro networks, expressways, and business corridors - in creating new business hubs. Developers aligning their projects with these developments are poised to benefit as businesses prioritise well-connected locations.
2. ESG and sustainability: a non-negotiable priority
Sustainability considerations are no longer negotiable in premium office spaces. Rohira noted that multinational tenants now demand ESG-compliant buildings, focusing on energy efficiency, green certifications, and well-being-driven workplace designs, meaning that developers must integrate sustainable features at the design stage rather than treating it as an afterthought.
3. Investment discipline and long-term vision
Reflecting on the COVID-19 period, Rohira emphasised the importance of maintaining focus during downturns. “We didn’t get distracted when COVID hit us because everything else around us shut down. We said no, we will take the last dollar and build it on time,” he stated. This commitment allowed K Raheja Corp to capitalise on the rebound in demand, with 60% of Altimus Worli’s space leased directly.
4. The next wave of growth in commercial real estate
Looking to the future, Rohira predicted continued expansion in India’s commercial real estate sector, driven by domestic demand, foreign investment, and the rise of Grade-A+ assets. As India progresses towards its goal of a USD 10 trillion economy by 2032, businesses will increasingly seek modern, high-specification office spaces that meet global standards.
While residential real estate is experiencing a surge, Rohira believes commercial real estate will remain a dominant asset class, particularly for developers who prioritise location, infrastructure connectivity, and long-term planning.
His advice to stakeholders is clear: align with infrastructure growth, adopt ESG-driven strategies, and maintain a forward-looking vision. As Rohira put it: “If you continue to build and change benchmarks, you will always get the tenants that are relevant for you.”
Gain exclusive insights into the future of India’s expanding CRE market at the GRI Offices & Global Capability Centers 2025 conference, taking place on March 12th in Mumbai. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with senior decision-makers and explore the latest strategies shaping the sector!
CLICK HERE to learn more about GRI Offices & Global Capability Centers 2025.
The “Commercial Real Estate: Reset 2025 - Trends & Outlook for India” forum took place recently in Mumbai. During the opening session, Vinod Rohira, MD & CEO of event’s co-host K Raheja Corp, shared his insights on the company’s transformative approach to the sector.
A standout example is Altimus Worli, a premium development that won ‘Commercial Property of the Year 2024’ at the GRI Awards India. This project has redefined Mumbai’s Worli area, transforming it into a prime business district through strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and high-quality execution.
“Seven years ago, this was not an office location by any stretch of imagination,” Rohira remarked, highlighting the company’s long-term vision and market positioning that turned the site into a billion-dollar asset. Altimus Worli now commands some of Mumbai’s highest rents, reflecting the growing demand for premium office spaces.
Looking ahead, K Raheja Corp is accelerating its commercial development and remains focused on creating high-quality, sustainable assets that drive long-term value for investors and tenants.
(GRI Club)
The future of commercial real estate in India: Vinod Rohira's outlook
Beyond K Raheja Corp’s individual projects, Rohira also shared his insights on the future of India’s commercial real estate market, highlighting its resilience and growth potential compared to global markets like the US. He identified key drivers shaping the sector:1. Infrastructure as a key growth driver
A major theme in Rohira’s insights was the pivotal role of infrastructure - such as metro networks, expressways, and business corridors - in creating new business hubs. Developers aligning their projects with these developments are poised to benefit as businesses prioritise well-connected locations.
2. ESG and sustainability: a non-negotiable priority
Sustainability considerations are no longer negotiable in premium office spaces. Rohira noted that multinational tenants now demand ESG-compliant buildings, focusing on energy efficiency, green certifications, and well-being-driven workplace designs, meaning that developers must integrate sustainable features at the design stage rather than treating it as an afterthought.
(GRI Club)
3. Investment discipline and long-term vision
Reflecting on the COVID-19 period, Rohira emphasised the importance of maintaining focus during downturns. “We didn’t get distracted when COVID hit us because everything else around us shut down. We said no, we will take the last dollar and build it on time,” he stated. This commitment allowed K Raheja Corp to capitalise on the rebound in demand, with 60% of Altimus Worli’s space leased directly.
4. The next wave of growth in commercial real estate
Looking to the future, Rohira predicted continued expansion in India’s commercial real estate sector, driven by domestic demand, foreign investment, and the rise of Grade-A+ assets. As India progresses towards its goal of a USD 10 trillion economy by 2032, businesses will increasingly seek modern, high-specification office spaces that meet global standards.
While residential real estate is experiencing a surge, Rohira believes commercial real estate will remain a dominant asset class, particularly for developers who prioritise location, infrastructure connectivity, and long-term planning.
His advice to stakeholders is clear: align with infrastructure growth, adopt ESG-driven strategies, and maintain a forward-looking vision. As Rohira put it: “If you continue to build and change benchmarks, you will always get the tenants that are relevant for you.”
Gain exclusive insights into the future of India’s expanding CRE market at the GRI Offices & Global Capability Centers 2025 conference, taking place on March 12th in Mumbai. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with senior decision-makers and explore the latest strategies shaping the sector!
CLICK HERE to learn more about GRI Offices & Global Capability Centers 2025.
