The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has announced a substantial reduction in infrastructure charges (IFC) for commercial and institutional buildings, with some categories seeing a decrease of up to 93%. The move is intended to promote 'ease of living' and simplify the existing charging mechanism, according to a notification issued by the board.
Revised charges across property categories
The revised charges apply to property categories A through H, covering banquet halls, mercantile buildings, hotels, guest houses, factories, petrol pumps, and institutional projects. The new rates represent a significant reduction from previous levels, with the largest cuts benefiting warehouses and storage houses.
For example, a 1,000 sq m institutional warehouse with a floor area ratio (FAR) of 200 in category A/B now incurs an infrastructure charge of Rs 3.94 lakh, down from Rs 54.93 lakh—a reduction of nearly 93%. Similar reductions have been applied across other property categories.
Industrial projects get significant relief
Industrial projects have also received substantial relief. Infrastructure charges for a factory or industrial building on a 1,000 sq m plot with a FAR of 150 have been reduced from Rs 57.68 lakh to Rs 8.91 lakh in category A/B. Proportionate reductions apply for lower-category plots.
Commercial developments, including banquet halls, mercantile establishments, hotels, and petrol pumps, will also benefit. For banquet halls and petrol pumps in category A/B, charges have been reduced from Rs 57.68 lakh to Rs 19.80 lakh, while hotels now pay Rs 24.06 lakh instead of Rs 57.68 lakh.
Rationalisation across all categories
The revised schedule indicates that the fee structure has been rationalised across all property categories, extending benefits from premium localities to lower-category areas. The notification describes the decision as a 'major step towards improving ease of living' by simplifying infrastructure charges.
While the revised schedule provides illustrative examples of new charges, it does not specify the effective date or estimate the financial impact on the Delhi Jal Board's revenue.
