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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on March 30, 2026
The rise of Gurugram remains one of India’s most defining urban growth stories. Built on its proximity to Delhi’s airport and driven by private sector momentum, the city transformed into a corporate powerhouse over two decades.
Now, as the Noida International Airport at Jewar nears operationalisation, comparisons are inevitable. But the bigger question is not whether Jewar can replicate Gurugram, it is whether it is creating something entirely different.
Industry experts believe that while the scale of opportunity may be similar, the structure of growth is fundamentally different. What is taking shape along the Yamuna Expressway is not a repeat of Gurugram’s journey, but a more integrated and multi-layered urban evolution.
Unlike earlier developments in NCR that mainly unlocked residential corridors, Jewar is emerging as a larger economic catalyst.
Manoj Gaur, CMD, Gaurs Group, explains, “The Noida International Airport is set to emerge as a powerful gateway for the state, significantly enhancing global connectivity and attracting investments across sectors. We anticipate a strong ripple effect on the real estate market, with property values witnessing a steady upward trajectory in the coming years.
The development of this world-class airport will not be limited to Noida or Greater Noida but will serve as a strong gateway for the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. As a result, the region will evolve into a major hub for industrial and logistics activities. This will generate large-scale employment opportunities, leading to increased demand for quality housing and planned urban developments.
As jobs grow, so will the need for residential ecosystems, making this region one of the most promising destinations for both end-users and investors. Noida International Airport is truly a catalyst that will redefine the economic landscape of Uttar Pradesh.”
Recent developments support this outlook. The airport is set to become operational soon, positioning itself as a major alternative aviation hub for NCR.
At the same time, the state has already attracted investment commitments of nearly Rs 19,877 crore across data centres, logistics, and township projects, with the potential to create over 20,000 jobs.
This combination of infrastructure and investment is what sets Jewar apart from earlier growth corridors.
The Yamuna Expressway belt is already seeing strong traction, but the nature of growth is changing.
Between 2020 and 2025, apartment prices in the region rose by around 158 percent, while plot values surged by over 500 percent, reflecting the early stage of price discovery.
More recently, industrial activity has picked up pace. In the past year alone, 54 new industrial plots were added, over 700 lease deeds were executed, and the number of operational industrial units increased significantly.
These are not just speculative trends. They indicate that a functioning ecosystem is beginning to take shape.
Sahil Agarwal, CEO, Nimbus Group, says, “The Yamuna Expressway region is ready to take a new flight. The convergence of key growth drivers that includes the imminent operationalisation of the Noida International Airport, rapid progress in industrial and logistics hubs, the upcoming Film City, and the emergence of data centre clusters, is creating a more stable and diversified demand ecosystem.
At present, the market is no longer driven purely by early investors, but there is an increase in participation from end-users and long-term stakeholders. Formats such as low-rise projects and integrated townships are gaining traction. At the same time, as industries and institutions begin to operationalise, they have added to the demand for well-planned residential projects. Affordability also continues to be a strong advantage for the Yamuna Expressway when compared to established micro-markets like Noida and Gurugram. In short, the region is on the path to becoming a self-sustaining city, with residential, commercial, and industrial growth complementing each other.”
This shift from investor-driven demand to end-user participation is often seen as a key sign of long-term stability.
In its early phase, the corridor was largely driven by land investors and plotted developments. That is now changing.
Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group, says, “Every new corridor sees that initial excitement where prices move faster than the ecosystem. But what sustains a market is how it evolves as a place to live, not just invest. We’re already seeing a shift where buyers are looking beyond land appreciation to lifestyle, quality of living and future-ready infrastructure.”
She adds, “As the airport-led ecosystem develops, this region will start attracting a more premium buyer profile. That’s when you see the transition from plotted growth to more curated, lifestyle-driven developments, and that’s where long-term value really builds.”
Adding to this, Salil Kumar, Director – Marketing & Business Management, CRC Group, says, “What we are witnessing is the evolution of a corridor from an investment destination to a planned urban ecosystem. As infrastructure and economic activity pick up pace, there is a clear shift towards organised, well-designed developments. Buyers today are more discerning, and demand is increasingly moving towards projects that offer not just connectivity, but a complete living environment.”
This reflects a larger trend across NCR, where housing demand is now shaped by lifestyle, planning, and long-term liveability rather than just price growth.
The rise of the Jewar corridor is also reshaping NCR’s urban structure.
For years, development was concentrated in key hubs like Gurugram and parts of Noida. The growth of the Yamuna Expressway belt signals a shift towards a more distributed model.
Mohit Batra, Regional Director, Realistic Realtors, says, “NCR is no longer a single-centre market. What we are seeing now is the emergence of multiple growth nodes. Jewar has the potential to become an independent economic centre rather than just an extension of Noida.”
This transition is important for a region that has long faced challenges of congestion and uneven development.
There are clear similarities with Gurugram’s growth, especially in terms of airport-led development. But the differences are more important.
Gurugram grew gradually, often responding to demand. In contrast, the Jewar corridor is being shaped with a more integrated vision, where infrastructure, industry, and urban planning are developing together.
This gives it the potential to build a more balanced and sustainable ecosystem from the start.
Infrastructure-led markets typically evolve in stages, from early speculation to price discovery, and finally to demand driven by jobs and population growth.
The Yamuna Expressway region appears to be entering that final phase.
For developers, investors, and homebuyers, the opportunity now lies in aligning with this long-term growth story rather than just early gains.
The comparison with Gurugram will continue. But the more relevant question is not whether Jewar can replicate it, but whether it can redefine how NCR grows next.
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By Hariharan U
Published on October 18, 2026
Loca Loka brought Hyderabad's hand-painted signboards, vintage photography and classic Indian movie-poster art into a contemporary creative setting with Loca Frame & Art, an event held at Spirit Connect on October 10, 2026.
Part of the brand's Loca Season 1 programme, the evening celebrated the city's visual culture through an exhibition of street lettering, live artistic demonstrations, a zine launch and interactive experiences. Curated by Hyderabad-based artist Mandakini Rao and photographer Kishor Krishnamoorthi, the event explored how everyday visual expressions preserve the city's memories, identities and creative traditions.
The exhibition, titled Handpainted Hyderabad, focused on the city's hand-made signage, from the lettering outside neighbourhood shops and tea stalls to the distinctive typography that has long shaped its streetscape.
Often encountered in everyday life, these signboards represent a form of visual communication created through craftsmanship rather than standardised digital design. By presenting them in an exhibition setting, Loca Frame & Art invited visitors to look again at familiar details of Hyderabad's urban landscape.
The event also featured live painting by artists associated with India's classic movie-poster and cinema-hoarding tradition. Vintage Canon cameras offered a glimpse into the evolution of photography, while a collective canvas invited guests to contribute to a shared artwork throughout the evening.
Another highlight was the launch of a new issue of Concorde Zine, adding an independent publishing dimension to the programme. A fireside chat with actor and entrepreneur Rana Daggubati was also part of the evening's schedule.
Artist Mandakini Rao, known for her watercolour work, mixed-media art, urban sketchbooks and streetscapes, has spent years documenting Hyderabad through drawings made at street level.
Photographer Kishor Krishnamoorthi documents contemporary Indian art and the artists behind it, capturing creative practices and moments that might otherwise pass from view. Together, their perspectives shaped an event centred on the relationship between a city's everyday imagery and its cultural memory.
The exhibition also brought Loca Loka's own identity into the visual narrative. Bottles from the brand were hand-painted by artists for the occasion and displayed alongside the street signs, connecting traditional lettering practices with contemporary brand expression.
Loca Frame & Art forms part of Loca Season 1, a six-week programme bringing together Hyderabad's creative communities through invitation-only events held across October. The initiative is building towards a planned finale on Road No. 45 in mid-November, celebrating Loca Loka's launch in the city.
Co-founded by actor Rana Daggubati, composer Anirudh Ravichander and entrepreneur Sree Harsha Vadlamudi, Loca Loka positions the programme as a platform for people and communities driven by their craft.
By bringing street lettering, cinema art, photography, independent publishing and contemporary branding into one space, Loca Frame & Art highlighted the continuing relevance of Hyderabad's visual traditions within its evolving creative landscape.
Loca Loka is a premium tequila brand made from 100% Blue Weber agave. Co-founded by Rana Daggubati, Anirudh Ravichander and Sree Harsha Vadlamudi, the brand was conceptualised in India and is produced in Jalisco, Mexico, in collaboration with third-generation distillers.
Its name combines the Spanish word loca, meaning “crazy”, with the Sanskrit word loka, meaning “world”. The brand debuted in the United States and Southeast Asia in 2024 before entering India in November 2025. Its Blanco and Reposado expressions received Gold and Silver medals, respectively, at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025.
Loca Season 1 events are restricted to guests of legal drinking age, 21 and above in Telangana. Responsible drinking is encouraged.
Published on October 17, 2026
The Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI), in collaboration with the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and the UK Government, participated in a high-level interactive roundtable at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, focusing on opportunities to strengthen bilateral food and drink trade under the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
The session brought together government representatives, industry leaders and trade associations to discuss commercial opportunities, regulatory compliance and measures to facilitate market access for food and beverage businesses operating between the two countries.
The roundtable was attended by The Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, and The Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), as chief guests.
Providing the keynote address, Amit Lohani, Founder Director of FIFI, outlined the Indian food and beverage industry's perspective on emerging trade opportunities, regulatory alignment and the need to streamline processes under CETA. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between government bodies, trade organisations and industry stakeholders in easing market entry and expanding distribution networks across India.
The meeting brought together representatives from major international companies, including Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Annandale Distillery and Walkers Shortbread. Trade associations participating in the discussions included the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), Salmon Scotland and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), alongside FIFI.
Discussions centred on practical measures to address regulatory bottlenecks, strengthen food safety compliance and facilitate trade across multiple categories, including spirits, seafood, meat, dairy and processed foods.
The participants also explored how CETA's preferential trade framework could support stronger commercial relationships and improve access to market intelligence for businesses looking to expand their presence across the UK and India.
The session concluded with a shared commitment to deepen bilateral commercial ties and establish structured avenues for continued trade support, information exchange and industry engagement.
The discussions reflect the importance of cooperation between government institutions, trade bodies and businesses in translating bilateral trade agreements into practical opportunities for the food and beverage industry. Regulatory clarity, efficient compliance processes and stronger distribution networks remain key considerations for companies seeking to expand cross-border trade.
Published on October 16, 2026
Wyndham Rewards brought together travel, hospitality and running at the 2026 Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival, serving as the event's official hotel partner and giving members opportunities to turn their loyalty points into a race weekend experience.
Held in Melbourne, the festival brought together runners, supporters and members of the wider running community. Wyndham Rewards' participation extended beyond accommodation, with race weekend packages, post-race hospitality and interactive activities designed to make the event more memorable for participants.
The programme brought together more than 40 Wyndham-nominated runners, including members who had bid on race weekend packages, hotel owners, senior company leaders, local running club members, content creators and consumer advocates.
Ahead of the festival, Wyndham Rewards members could use their points to bid on race weekend packages through the global Wyndham Rewards Experiences platform. The packages combined race participation with accommodation and other experiences, allowing members to use their accumulated points towards a personal sporting goal.
For participating members, the experience offered an opportunity to explore Melbourne, connect with fellow runners and complete their races at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The initiative highlights how hotel loyalty programmes can extend beyond traditional room redemptions by connecting members with experiences that reflect their personal interests. Through its Experiences platform, Wyndham Rewards offers members opportunities to bid on access to live events and other special occasions.
Following the races, the Very Important Runners (VIR) Lounge, presented by Wyndham Rewards at the MCG, provided a dedicated space for eligible guests to recover and unwind.
Those with VIR hospitality access could make use of post-race massages and dedicated facilities to freshen up after completing their runs.
The Wyndham Rewards Partner Hub offered additional activities for runners and spectators, including a recovery area, a photo booth and wellbeing trivia games, with points and giveaways available to participants.
These activities extended the brand's presence beyond the race itself, creating opportunities for runners, families and supporters to participate in the festival atmosphere.
Commenting on the initiative, Eyvonne Lin, Vice President, Marketing & Commercial Performance, Asia Pacific, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said:
"Crossing the finish line is a personal achievement, made even more meaningful by the people who support you along the way. Through Wyndham Rewards, we want to be part of the moments our members look forward to, whether that is a getaway, a special experience, or a race they have spent months preparing for. When members can use their points for meaningful occasions like these, membership becomes more relevant beyond the hotel stay."
Ahead of race weekend, Wyndham Rewards also ran the #RunWithWyndham Four-Week Challenge on Facebook and Instagram. The initiative invited participants to complete weekly distance goals from their own locations, extending the festival's running theme beyond Melbourne.
Individual prizes of up to 45,000 Wyndham Rewards points were available, providing another opportunity for participants to engage with the loyalty programme.
Through its Experiences platform and event partnerships, Wyndham Rewards is seeking to connect membership with travel, entertainment and personal interests. Members can use points towards eligible stays and bid on experiences, creating additional reasons to travel beyond a conventional hotel visit.
Membership in Wyndham Rewards is free, with details available at WyndhamRewards.com.
Wyndham Rewards is the loyalty programme of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, with more than 126 million enrolled members worldwide, according to the company. Members earn a guaranteed 1,000 points with every qualified stay and can redeem points for free nights at participating hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals, starting at 7,500 points.
Through Wyndham Rewards Experiences, members can also bid on live events and other special experiences using points. The programme additionally offers Wyndham Rewards Insider, a travel subscription providing savings and benefits across travel-related services.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is one of the world's largest hotel franchising companies, with approximately 8,400 hotels across around 100 countries and six continents. Its portfolio comprises 25 hotel brands and more than 873,000 franchised and affiliated rooms, with a presence across the economy and midscale lodging segments.
The company's brands include Super 8, Days Inn, Ramada, Microtel, La Quinta, Baymont, Wingate, AmericInn, ECHO Suites, Registry Collection Hotels, Trademark Collection and Wyndham.
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