Premium FAR now available across GBA limits after HC clearance

Bengaluru

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has officially enabled the utilisation of Premium Floor Area Ratio (FAR) across its jurisdiction, following a favourable High Court order that dismissed two petitions challenging the amendment.

In a press note, GBA’s chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao asked the developers and builders to apply for the scheme, which allows maximising the use of high-value urban land, by paying fee as per the guidance value of the property.

It noted that provisions already exist to award additional FAR through premium charges under Section 18(B) of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning (KTCP) Act, 1961, and Rule 37(E) of the Planning Authority Rules. The government had issued a notification on April 2, 2025, adding Chapter 11 — “Premium F.A.R Granted by Levy of Premium Charges” — to the RMP-2015 zoning regulations through amendments made under Section 13(E) of the KTCP Act.

As per the notified framework, applicants may obtain additional FAR over and above the permissible base FAR by paying premium charges calculated on prevailing guidance values. The schedule specifies that up to 0.4 times the base FAR (40%) may be availed as Premium FAR. In addition, 0.2 times the base FAR (20%) may be secured through Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), allowing a maximum of 0.6 times the base FAR (60%) as total additional FAR.

Two writ petitions — WP No. 6347/2025 and WP No. 11201/2025 — had sought to challenge the amendment. However, on December 5, 2025, the Karnataka High Court dismissed both petitions, clearing the path for full-scale implementation within GBA limits.

Following the court approval, GBA has clarified the process for developers and property owners:

• Applicants seeking building permissions may include Premium FAR in their plans and submit proposals accordingly.
• When the municipality issues fee intimation for building approval, it will also calculate and include premium FAR charges based on the additional area sought.
• Once all fees — including building licence fees and premium charges — are paid, the municipality will issue building plan approval allowing construction using both base FAR and Premium FAR.
• The system is already operational and integrated into the EODB software, enabling seamless application and approval.

GBA expects the five municipal corporations under its jurisdiction to collectively generate around ₹2,000 crore annually through Premium FAR charges.