Speaking on the occasion, Patil said, “The times have changed and so has the quality of construction. You have to recognise what is needed for the future market.” The truth is prices have gone beyond anybody’s expectations, he added.

Patil cited two problems which the city is facing today, mainly, the encroachment of sea into mainland and traffic congestion and said that the city would have to spend more money to protect land from sea.

The commercial and residential awards were given away under various categories like space planning, amenities galore, aesthetic excellence, absolute quality, hospitality among many others.

Sanjana Developers bagged the most number of awards. The Best of the Best award was given to Sanjana Developers of Thane and Kalpataru properties private limited, Mumbai. Other developers who were presented awards were Swastik builders, Thane, Ekta Supreme Housing private limited, Keystone Realtors, Mumbai, Puranik Builders Pvt Ltd, Thane, Akruti Nirman private limited and Soham Real Estate company pvt ltd. The awards were orgainsed by Express Estates and Loksatta Vasturang along with MCHI Thane unit and IRB developers infrastructure limited. “The award is to promote quality and aesthetics of infrastructure in the city,” Kumar Ketkar said.

During the question and answer session, various builders urged the finance minister to lower the stamp duty charge and also urged for a single window clearance system.

The builders complained that it took ages to clear files as they had to be cleared through various departments of the government machinery. Patil agreed that there was need for a single window clearance system. Patil also stated that people who were in the island city should go to the outskirts and show their skills. Citing examples of various questions posed to him while on his trips abroad, Patil said that people abroad expected better roads and infrastructure for the city.

“People outside compare us with China and ask why we can’t have proper infrastructure if China can do it.”