From Crisis to Opportunity: Why Stressed Projects Could Be the Next Big Investment Class

July 25, 2025: India’s real estate sector is on the cusp of a structural transformation, and surprisingly, it’s the most troubled assets that are turning heads. Stressed and stalled real estate projects—long viewed as symbols of sectoral inefficiency—are now emerging as a compelling asset class for opportunistic investors. With regulatory clarity, institutional funding, and urban housing demand aligning, these projects are being reimagined as turnaround stories, not dead-ends.

The aftermath of the NBFC crisis, pandemic-related delays, and regulatory realignments left over 5 lakh housing units stalled across India’s top cities, according to industry data. But that same inventory, once seen as a drag on balance sheets, is now becoming a hotbed for strategic investments.

“We’re witnessing a fundamental shift in investor mindset. Stressed projects today represent not just discounted acquisitions, but opportunities to re-engineer supply in markets that remain under-housed and over-priced,” says Mr. Vikas Jain, CEO, Labdhi Lifestyle. “As a developer, we’re seeing more funds actively seeking joint development models and asset buyouts in underperforming projects. It’s a win-win when execution capability meets financial muscle.”

Labdhi Lifestyle has emerged as a key player in reviving stressed real estate assets, with its recent acquisition of a stalled Rajesh LifeSpaces project in BKC which counted Mirae Asset and JM Financial as lenders. The project—now named BKC EDGE—has a revenue potential of ₹900 crore. This marks Labdhi’s second such turnaround in Mumbai, highlighting its collaborative financing model and focus on last-mile delivery.

“This model proves that with the right capital strategy and execution framework, distressed projects can be transformed into high-performance assets,” adds Jain.

Several macro and micro factors are converging:

Deep Discounting: Many stressed projects are available at 30–60% below prevailing market value, providing strong potential for capital appreciation post-resolution.

Completion-Based Demand: With consumers preferring ready or nearly-ready homes, capital deployment in near-finish projects ensures quicker monetization and lower risk.

SWAMIH & Policy Push: The government-backed SWAMIH fund has committed ₹15,000 crore towards stalled affordable and mid-income projects, offering investor confidence in public-private resolution mechanisms.
Specialized Capital Pools: Private equity firms, family offices, and ARC-backed funds are launching distress-focused verticals to evaluate and absorb these opportunities.

“We strongly believe that stressed real estate projects could become the sunrise segment of India’s investment landscape. With the right structural enablers, these projects have the ability to bridge the housing deficit while unlocking idle capital,” says Mr. Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra. “We’re encouraging developers to partner with credible financial institutions, while also engaging with authorities to fast-track approvals for such turnarounds.”

The MMR—India’s most land-starved and price-sensitive region—has emerged as a ground zero for distressed project turnarounds. Over 70,000 housing units across 493 projects have been stalled due to new environmental clearance requirements for projects within eco‑sensitive zones in MMR. With these stalled units, it offers a unique canvas for capital infusion and design-led redevelopment.

“We’re working closely with both investors and developers to repackage distressed projects into commercially viable propositions,” says Mr. Nihar Jayesh Thakkar, Founder, The Mandate House Pvt. Ltd., a firm specializing in investment strategy and real estate repositioning. “The opportunity lies in bridging trust—between capital and capability, between plan and execution.”

Thakkar adds that for distressed assets to succeed, the three critical factors are: (1) Legal and title clarity, (2) Market-fit redesign, and (3) A high-credibility delivery team. “Without execution reliability, no investment structure will sustain long-term,” he cautions.

Despite the promise, risks persist:

Litigation: Many stressed projects are stuck in complex legal disputes among lenders, buyers, or landowners.
Approval Bottlenecks: Changes in plan or structure often require fresh permissions—adding to timelines.
Reputational Hurdles: Buyer skepticism about legacy projects can impact fresh sales unless backed by known names.

But these roadblocks are not insurmountable. In fact, several investors are forming SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles) with established developers, enabling cleaner entries and faster resolution.

In a market chasing stable returns and defensible assets, stressed projects are finding unexpected favour. Where some see risk, others now see a reset. With the right alignment between policy, capital, and delivery expertise, the sector may well witness its most profitable stories emerge from its most problematic pages.

“In real estate, timing is everything. And for stressed assets, the time is now,” concludes Mr. Jain.

Shobha Kapoor Honoured with Ramanand Sagar Lifetime Achievement Award, says, ‘I had never thought that I will reach so far’

Shobha Kapoor’s name is synonymous with Indian television. A visionary, a powerhouse, and the silent architect behind some of the most iconic shows on Indian screens, she has shaped narratives that defined generations and connected deeply with millions of households. At the Indian Telly Awards 2025, this extraordinary contribution was honoured with the Editor’s Choice: Ramanand Sagar Lifetime Achievement Award, a tribute to her enduring impact on the industry.

For over two decades, Shobha Kapoor has been the driving force behind Indian television’s most defining moments. As Managing Director of Balaji Telefilms, she has masterfully balanced creativity and commerce, leading the creation of era-defining shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasamh Se, Pavitra Rishta, Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Naagin, and many more. With sharp business acumen, emotional insight, and a deep commitment to storytelling, she has helped shape the daily viewing habits of millions, building not just a content empire but a cultural legacy.

Reflecting on the recognition, Shobha Kapoor said, “Thank you so much, Indian Telly Awards, for honouring me with this Lifetime Achievement Award. Honestly speaking, I had never thought that I would reach so far. It was Ekta’s dream to tell stories, and I, just being her mother, decided to support her because she was so young at that time. And slowly, slowly, her dream became my passion too — my strength too. Balaji Telefilms gave me my own identity. So, thanks to Ekta for reinventing my life as well.

She further added, “And a special thanks to my husband Jeetu and my son Tushar. If they had not encouraged me and supported me, I would have never achieved this. Thanks to all the channels who trusted us and gave us the freedom to express ourselves. And last but not the least, thanks to our audience — it’s all because of their love. Ye award sabse zyada unka hai. Jai Mata Di!”

This prestigious honour, named after the legendary Ramanand Sagar, celebrates individuals who have left a lasting imprint on Indian television, and few embody that spirit more profoundly than Shobha Kapoor. While this is a moment of reflection and recognition, her journey of storytelling continues.

Chef Jasen Joins Shangri-La Delhi for Chinese Showcase

New Delhi, 25th July 2025: Shangri-La Eros New Delhi is delighted to present a culinary narrative woven through flavours, traditions, and heartfelt artistry. From 30th July to 3rd August 2025, Shang Palace – the hotel’s acclaimed Chinese restaurant – sets the stage for an exclusive five-day dining experience with celebrated Chef Qiu Zhiqiang, affectionately known as Chef Jasen.

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Renowned for his masterful knife skills and soulful cooking, Chef Jasen brings a cuisine that speaks not only of technique but of deep cultural emotion. Currently leading the Chinese kitchens at Shangri-La Colombo, Chef Jasen arrives in New Delhi with a repertoire built over decades in Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, and beyond. His work has earned accolades across Asia, including recognition as TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Restaurants in Asia, where his ability to balance authenticity with refinement has made him an icon in the world of Chinese gastronomy.

At Shang Palace, Chef Jasen will serve a selection of dishes that showcase his deep-rooted connection to traditional Chinese cuisine, interpreted through the culinary cultures of Sichuan, Canton, and Beijing. His menu is designed to offer a meaningful glimpse into the regional stories and cooking techniques that have shaped his journey.

Guests can look forward to dishes such as the Deep-Fried Chicken with Shrimp Paste and Garlic, Marinated Sichuan Chicken with Spring Onions, and the elegant Wen Si Tofu in Spring Onion Broth. The mains include the aromatic Steamed Lobster with Garlic on Glass Noodles, Braised Lamb Shank with Sichuan pepper and five spices, Stir-Fried King Oyster Mushroom with Bell pepper in Soya Sauce each highlighting the diversity and depth of Chinese culinary traditions.

The menu also offers a delectable selection of vegetarian dishes, including Mapo Tofu, Hot Stone Pot Rice with Pickled Yunnan Chili, and Stir-Fried Mock Fish with Asparagus, ensuring a balanced and inclusive dining experience. To conclude the meal on a special note, guests can relish a delicately crafted Sesame Rice Ball, a nod to nostalgic Chinese desserts and simple comforts.

Each dish is a study in restraint and refinement, brought together not just by recipes, but by memory, discipline, and deep respect for the provenance of ingredients.

Set in the warm, contemporary refinement of Shang Palace, with its refined interiors and private dining spaces, this residency offers an immersive and intimate way to experience Chef Jasen’s interpretation of Chinese cuisine.

The special menu will be available for lunch and dinner at Shang Palace priced at INR 4,000 plus taxes per person.

“We are honoured to welcome Chef Jasen to Shang Palace and share his unique culinary philosophy with our guests, His ability to bring regional flavours to life with such precision and passion promises an unforgettable experience for anyone who appreciates the depth of Chinese cuisine.” says Abhishek Sadhoo, General Manager, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi.

For those who appreciate subtlety, depth, and timeless technique, this five-day celebration at Shang Palace promises something far beyond the expected, a quiet invitation into the heart of Chinese cuisine, told through the hands of a true craftsman.

Indira IVF Marks World IVF Day with Launch of IVF Success Calculator

Mumbai, India, 25 July 2025: In a move that introduces a new way that fertility care may be accessed in India, Indira IVF Hospital Limited has introduced the ‘IVF Success Calculator’ — a digital tool that offers personalised estimates of IVF success rates and the number of cycles potentially required, based on an individual’s medical data. Launched on the occasion of World IVF Day, the calculator is designed to empower aspiring parents with clarity even before their first consultation. This innovation is another step towards achieving optimal patient outcomes by offering guidance at the earliest stage of the journey. The calculator is free to use, fully confidential, and available online, making it accessible to individuals across geographies and backgrounds.

This calculator analyses key medical inputs and, within a few minutes, generates a downloadable report that outlines success probabilities while also highlighting potential fertility concerns such as PCOS or abnormal sperm morphology. It offers early treatment considerations along with general lifestyle recommendations. The IVF Success Calculator allows users to manually enter key medical details, including AMH values, sperm count and motility or upload existing reports to receive a personalised success estimate, delivered securely in a few minutes.

Speaking about the launch, Dr. Kshitiz Murdia, CEO and Whole-Time Director, Indira IVF, said “The IVF Success Calculator offers individuals a way to understand their likelihood of success based on their key medical details, and allows them to begin the process with a sense of direction rather than uncertainty. As part of our continued focus on innovation, we see this technology as a way to bridge the information gap that often exists at the start of the journey”

The calculator’s predictions present projected success rates across one, two, and three IVF cycles. This may help individuals make informed decisions with greater clarity and confidence at every stage of their journey.

Mr. Nitiz Murdia, Managing Director, Indira IVF, added, “Many individuals approach IVF with a limited understanding of what their treatment path might involve, often relying on generalised information that does not reflect their specific medical circumstances. The IVF Success Calculator offers a personalised view, helping couples see what is medically realistic for them before they begin. It encourages timely decision-making, reduces hesitation, and supports a more informed approach to treatment. This initiative is part of our broader vision to ensure awareness, accessibility and reliability for the patients.”

With over 165 clinics across the country and more than 1.75 lakh IVF pregnancies, Indira IVF continues to expand its efforts to make fertility care more reliable and accessible to patients across geographies. The IVF Success Calculator is now live on the Indira IVF website and is can serve as an important first step for individuals as they begin their journey toward parenthood.

13-Year-Old Boy Survives pelvic, limb and spine surgeries from Fifth-Floor fall

Pune, 25th July 2025: A 13-year-old child who fell from the fifth floor of a residential building and was taken to the hospital with severed injury and unconscious state was successfully saved by doctors at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi. The child had sustained severe injury to the entire left side of his body, including fractures in the Femur (Thigh bone), hand, foot, pelvis, internal bleeding and spinal injury. His blood pressure on arrival was 50mmhg and his hemoglobin level was critically low at 5g/dL.

Due to Internal bleeding and a low platelet count led to the kid’s condition significantly deteriorate. Between 12:00 am and 3:00 am, a Three-hour emergency surgery was conducted to fix the hand and Femur (Thigh) fracture.

While speaking about the case, Dr. Vinay Kumar Gautam, Consultant – Orthopedic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi said, “Blood transfusions and close observation were carried out after the resuscitation. To check for any interior damage, imaging took place. Because the child was moving his limbs, unsafe blood pressure seemed to indicate a spinal injury, but head damage did not seem severe enough to necessitate brain surgery. The boy experienced a series of surgical treatments over the span of the next three days, including separate procedures for the pelvis and the feet, then separate spine surgery, separate long bone fixation for the femur, Humerus fracture, Elbow fracture and wound debridement as the final major procedure. To reduce the risk of bleeding and infection, drainage treatments were also carried out.

The patient was under treatment of pediatric intensive care unit under Dr. Rohan Chougule, Consultant – Pediatrics. Spine stabilization was led by Dr. Mohit Mutha, Consultant – Spine Surgery, while Dr. Manoj Pawar, Consultant – Pulmonology, assisted in managing respiratory stability in the ICU.

Mr. Parmeswar Das, Director, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune said, “This is a case example of the preparation and excellence of our trauma and emergency team. The severely injured child’s successful recovery from his tragic fall is evidence of our hospital’s dedication to providing excellent multidisciplinary treatment and quick emergency response.”

The surgery was successfully completed by Dr Vinay Kumar Gautam, Consultant – Orthopedic, and patient was under the supervision of paediatric consultant Dr. Rohan Chougule, the patient was kept under observation in the paediatric intensive care unit. Dr. Mohit Mutha, Consultant in Spine Surgery, oversaw the stabilization of the spine, while Dr. Manoj Pawar, Consultant in Pulmonology, helped to oversee respiratory stability in the intensive care unit.

CII MediBuddy Report Maps Corporate India’s Digital Health Readiness

Wellness is No Longer a Cost, Its Capital: CII–MediBuddy Report Maps Corporate India’s Digital Health Readiness

DIGITAL HEALTH SUMMIT

25 July 2025MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare company, in collaboration with CII, today unveiled the second edition of its corporate wellness report, marking a continued effort to decode the evolving landscape of employee well-being in India Inc. The latest edition, titled Workplace Health Reimagined: Corporate India’s Readiness for Digital Health Leadership, highlights how employee wellness is evolving from a peripheral initiative to a strategic lever for workforce productivity, talent retention, and business continuity.

India’s healthcare and workplace wellness landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with wellness emerging as a national priority in the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. This is being shaped by rising medical inflation (14%), increased chronic disease risk, a digitally empowered workforce, and growing demand for inclusive and preventive care models. In a post-pandemic world, where hybrid work models have become the norm, organisations are rethinking wellness, placing equal weight on physical and mental health, and moving from episodic to always-on care models. Technology is at the heart of this transformation; AI-driven insights, data-enabled personalisation, and mobile-first platforms are enabling more impactful care delivery. The nation’s digital health infrastructure demonstrates remarkable scale. Public health initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and the IRDAI’s push for 100% cashless insurance claims are further accelerating the shift toward digitally integrated, OPD-first healthcare systems. Together, digital infrastructure and insurance are proving to be critical enablers of equitable, future-ready wellness delivery across India.

The report reveals a stark reality of over 70% of employees carrying at least one lifestyle-related health risk, yet only 20% of employers providing routine health screenings. This alarming scenario calls for a shift from episodic, event-based health programs to always-on, digital-first ecosystems that drive workforce productivity, talent retention, and business continuity, all fostering business growth in today’s evolving times of shifting workforce priorities.

Key findings/highlights from the report:

Macro View: The National Wellness Landscape

  • Rising Burden of NCDs: Non-communicable diseases now account for 63% of all deaths in India, with heart disease, diabetes, and stroke impacting the workforce at median ages of 32, 34, and 36, respectively.
  • Healthcare Infrastructure Crisis: The doctor-to-population ratio remains below WHO guidelines, with 70% of Indians in rural/semi-urban areas facing significant access barriers to diagnostics and routine care
  • Healthcare Coverage Crisis: Only 41% of Indian households have any form of health insurance, leaving over 50 crore people, belonging largely from India’s 40-crore “missing middle” population, particularly comprising gig, daily wage, and informal workers, vulnerable to catastrophic health expenses
  • Low OPD Insurance Penetration: OPD insurance penetration in India remains below 0.1%, a significant gap compared to over 85% in the US and 95% in Singapore, leaving most outpatient expenses uncovered, despite OPD accounting for nearly 70% of out-of-pocket healthcare spending
  • High Out-of-Pocket Spending: OOPE accounts for 63% of India’s total health spend
  • Within Workplaces: The Corporate Lens
  • Productivity Loss: Presenteeism and chronic illnesses cost Indian companies up to ₹1.12 lakh per employee annually, while structured wellness programs deliver a 3–4x return on investment
  • Limited Access to Diagnostics: Less than 20% of corporate health programs cover essential diagnostics, despite their role in 60–70% of clinical decisions
  • Low Preventive Screening for Women: Only 1.9% of eligible Indian women undergo cervical cancer screening, and just 36% of corporates provide targeted wellness benefits for women
  • Gaps in Women-Centric Benefits: Just 36% of corporates offer targeted wellness benefits for women, with even fewer extending support for eldercare and mental health
  • Lifestyle Risks and Screening Gaps: Over 70% of employees have at least one lifestyle-related risk factor, yet only 20% of employers provide routine health screenings
  • SMEs Lag in Wellness Coverage: Although SMEs employ over 111 million people, only 9% offer structured wellness programs
  • Corporate Wellness Readiness: India’s average Corporate Wellness Quotient (CWQ) score stands at 55/100, with fewer than 15% of companies achieving a ‘Mature’ wellness readiness level

Satish Kannan, Co-founder & CEO, MediBuddy, said, “India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 cannot rest on economic metrics alone; it must be built on the health, productivity, and well-being of its people. As we stand at this inflection point, employee wellness can no longer be treated as an optional benefit but must be considered a strategic imperative. With rising health risks and evolving workforce expectations, this report in collaboration with CII offers actionable insights and data-driven frameworks to help organisations transition from annual health camps to always-on, digital-first ecosystems. At MediBuddy, we are happy to support this transformation by delivering care that is proactive, personalised, and powered by technology.”

Insights from the report: Trends reshaping care culture

The report highlights how employee wellness in India is moving beyond one-size-fits-all health programs to more integrated, inclusive, personalised, and digitally powered wellness solutions. Employees now expect benefits that reflect their life, role, and risk profile across domains such as mental health, chronic care, eldercare, and preventive screenings. At the same time, employee engagement is being increasingly driven by features such as gamified health journeys and wellness wallets. Additionally, mobile-first platforms and OPD access for dependents are now becoming differentiators in how employees engage with corporate wellness programs, with inclusion-focused benefits becoming key in addressing diverse workforce needs.

To direct this shift, the report introduces the Corporate Wellness Quotient (CWQ), an original and comprehensive benchmarking tool measuring digital wellness maturity and readiness across four pillars: access & affordability, policy integration, digital enablement, and employee engagement; and the ten-step wellness blueprint, which offers companies a strategic roadmap to build resilient and inclusive care ecosystems.