MAM
Sahara group announces Rs 1180b infrastructure, housing projects
MUMBAI: The Sahara India Pariwar, with total estimated assets of Rs 320 billion, has unveiled its ambitious infrastructure and housing projects valued at Rs 1180 billion (USD 25.65 billion).
Sahara Infrastructure and Housing will strive to develop well planned townships; build cities within cities in India to promote growth in areas of infrastructure, retailing and entertainment.
According to a release, Sahara City Homes, the new initiative of Sahara Infrastructure and Housing, which is being developed in 202 cities across India. The total cost of this venture is estimated to be worth Rs 830 billion (USD 18.04 billion). It will be spread over 18,575 acres (75.17 million sq.m) of land with a built-up area of 6.88 crore sq. m (69 million sq.m) having more than 6.75 lakh (0.67 million) houses.
The release adds that the other projects under Sahara Infrastructure and Housing include Amby Valley, Sahara Lake City, independent India’s first planned and finest hill city shall be spread over 10,000 acres (40.47 million sq.ft.) and is estimated to be worth Rs 340 billion (USD 7.4 billion).
Announcing the mega expansion plans of Sahara Infrastructure and Housing at a press conference in Mumbai, Sahara India Pariwar managing worker and chairman Subrata Roy Sahara has been quoted as saying: ” Sahara India Pariwar believes in the spirit of nationalism, which it seeks to propagate across all sections of the society and every effort of ours will contribute to sound nation building. Our new projects will create abundant infrastructure facilities and provide quality housing to fellow Indians”.
He further added: “Every project of Sahara Infrastructure and Housing will implement and maintain international quality certification systems along with earthquake resistant construction.”
Sahara City Homes will stake its claim to be the world’s largest chain of quality residential township. The release says that the value added facilities and services offered by Sahara City Homes shall include broadband Internet connectivity; digital communication network; modern health care services with 24-hour emergency medical aid supported by well-equipped ambulance, telemedicine; primary and secondary schools to impart quality education and e-learning through electronic media – computer and TV.
The release adds that a highlight of these townships is an enchanting ambience with 55-60 per cent area dedicated to greenery and open spaces with comprehensive multilevel security measures. The township is backed up by well integrated infrastructure and efficient transportation facilities including petrol filling stations, 16 to 30 mts. wide, well-lit metalled roads with organised civic amenities and facilities. Bharat Maa Naman Sthal (worship place for motherland- India) is an integral part of every township – claims the release.
Recreation and entertainment will be provided in all Sahara City Homes with the star attraction being the mini artificial seashore, snow theme and water parks. Each city will also be equipped with a club with indoor game facilities, swimming pool, gymnasium and playgrounds for outdoor games like cricket, hockey and football. The nationwide chain of 202 shopping malls and 202 multiplexes with 808 screens located at the Sahara City Homes townships will be the largest chain in the field of retailing as well as entertainment.
Roy reiterated that “Sahara City Homes will address all the basic requirements of a self-sufficient township while additional efforts have been put in to include top of the line, international facilities and services”. The price of houses shall be from Rs 4.5 lakhs onwards (0.45 million).
Sahara has also announced its intention to develop another global destination project – apart from Amby Valley Sahara lake city in Lonavala – which will be unique and first in world. Spread over 26,000 sq. km of water area, which is the biggest delta in the world and shall provide facilities for accommodation, shopping malls, and entertainment avenues like theaters and even restaurants. An exclusive sea beach of five km along with tourism attraction likes river cruises, water sports, wildlife and adventure tourism will ensure that this project is the greatest and a grand global destination.
Brands
Kwality Wall’s reports standalone losses following strategic HUL demerger
Ice cream major faces Rs 64 crore Ebitda loss amid commodity inflation and muted Q3 sales
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited (KWIL) has released its first set of financial results as a standalone entity, revealing a challenging start to its independent journey. Following its successful demerger from Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on 1st December 2025 and its subsequent listing on 16th February 2026, the company is navigating a transition period marked by structural changes and high input costs.
For the quarter ended 31st December 2025, the company reported revenue of Rs 222 crores. Despite the revenue base, the bottom line was impacted by several factors, resulting in an Ebitda loss of Rs 64.2 crores. When calculated on a Pre-IND AS 116 basis, the Ebitda loss stood at Rs 83.8 crores.
Organic Sales Growth (OSG) declined by 6.5 per cent year-on-year during the quarter. Volume growth, however, saw a marginal increase of 1.2 per cent. The company reported a gross margin of 41.5 per cent. Additionally, exceptional expenses amounting to Rs 94 crores were recorded, primarily linked to non-recurring costs during the transition phase.
Performance across portfolios and channels was mixed. Within the impulse portfolio, brands such as Magnum and Cornetto recorded mid-single digit volume growth, indicating steady demand in on-the-go consumption. However, the in-home portfolio, which includes take-home packs, experienced muted consumption. The company is planning a relaunch of this category with improved offerings ahead of the 2026 season.
Quick commerce (Q-Com) continued to emerge as a strong growth driver, delivering robust double-digit growth during the quarter. Meanwhile, the company also expanded its physical distribution network by increasing the number of company-owned cabinets across markets.
Margin pressure during the quarter was driven by a combination of one-off factors and broader cost inflation. Gross margins were impacted by around 600 basis points due to trade investments made for stock liquidation. Additionally, cocoa price inflation contributed to another 400 basis points of pressure on margins.
Deputy managing director Chitrank Goel attributed the muted performance partly to prolonged monsoons and transitional challenges linked to the GST framework. Operating expenses also increased as the company invested in establishing its standalone supply chain, operational systems and corporate infrastructure following the demerger.
Looking ahead, the management remains focused on a volume-driven growth strategy. To restore profitability, the company has initiated a cost productivity programme aimed at reducing non-consumer-facing costs. It is also working on building regional manufacturing networks to optimise logistics expenses and improve operational efficiency.
The commodity outlook for the near term remains mixed. Dairy prices are expected to remain firm due to tight supply conditions and rising fodder costs. Sugar prices may also move higher following increases in the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). While cocoa prices have moderated recently, currency depreciation has offset some of the potential cost relief for the company.
