Archive · 19 Sep 2026
HMDA Permit Delays Threaten Industrial Growth and Trigger Corruption Allegations
Some companies in Hyderabad are waiting a long time for building permits.
These permits are handled by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, or HMDA.
The authority has one team that checks land records and another that checks building plans.
Applicants say their files are getting stuck with the land-records team.
Many of the delayed applications are for industries in the Cyberabad area.
Companies say delays are especially difficult because they cannot easily recover the extra costs.
They also allege that some delays may involve corruption.
HMDA officials in the relevant division did not respond to requests for comment.
Delays in processing HMDA building permits are affecting industrial growth in Hyderabad and Telangana.
TG-iPASS applications are reviewed by HMDA’s Revenue Division before reaching the Planning Wing.
Applicants allege that files are being stalled in the Revenue Division, especially in Cyberabad.
Industries say they have less ability than residential or commercial projects to absorb approval-related delays.
Applicants warned that delayed approvals can restrict investment, job creation and money circulation; HMDA revenue officials did not respond.
- Who
- Industrial applicants and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, including its Revenue Division and Planning Wing.
- What
- Building-permit processing delays are allegedly holding up industrial projects and prompting corruption allegations.
- When
- The article does not specify a date or duration for the delays.
- Where
- HMDA jurisdiction in Hyderabad and Telangana, particularly the Cyberabad region.
- Why
- Applicants say files are being stalled during Revenue Division checks before technical review, harming investment, jobs and economic activity.
Applicants’ concerns
HMDA position
Cause of the delays
Applicants’ concerns
Applicants allege that files are being intentionally stalled in the Revenue Division and have raised corruption concerns.
HMDA position
HMDA officials in the Revenue Division did not respond, so the authority’s explanation for the delays is unavailable.
Economic consequences
Applicants’ concerns
Applicants say delayed permits hinder industrial investment, job creation, money circulation and the state’s economic growth.
HMDA position
No response from HMDA officials was provided regarding the alleged economic effects.
- Authority
- Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA)
- Application system
- Telangana Industrial Project Approval and Self-Certification System (TG-iPASS)
- Review sequence
- Revenue Division scrutiny precedes Planning Wing technical clearance.
- Revenue checks
- Land records, prohibited lists, buffer zones and sale deeds.
- Most affected applications
- TG-iPASS industrial applications, particularly in Cyberabad.
- Reported employment impact
- An applicant said a mid-sized industry can generate around 400 jobs.
- Official response
- HMDA Revenue Division officials did not respond to phone calls.