Hyderabad: The Telangana government has amended the rules governing Transferable Development Rights (TDR), allowing TDR certificates issued by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) for certain public projects to be utilised or disposed of anywhere within the HMDA area, subject to applicable rules and statutory requirements.
The amendment was issued through G.O.Ms.No.218 by the Metropolitan Area & Urban Development (Plg.III) Department on August 14, 2026. The order amends Rule 17(c) of the Telangana Building Rules, 2012.
What has changed?
Under the amended provision, where land is required or surrendered for projects implemented by HMDA within the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) and Peri Urban Region Economy (PURE), the TDR Certificate will be issued by HMDA.
The certificate issued in such cases will be eligible for utilisation or disposal anywhere within the HMDA area, subject to the Telangana Building Rules and other applicable statutory requirements.
A similar provision has been introduced for land falling within the Secunderabad Cantonment Area when such land is required or surrendered for public-purpose or project development. TDR certificates for such land will also be issued by HMDA and can be utilised or disposed of anywhere within the HMDA area, subject to the applicable regulations.
Why the government amended the rule
The government said it examined the need to streamline the issuance and utilisation of TDR in cases involving land required or surrendered for HMDA projects in CURE and PURE areas, as well as public projects involving land within the Secunderabad Cantonment Area.
According to the order, issuing the TDR certificate through HMDA in these specified cases is intended to bring uniformity in processing, proper accounting of TDR and more effective implementation of public projects.
TDR certificates to be processed online
The government has also directed HMDA to process all TDR Certificates through an online system.
A copy of the TDR certificate or proceedings issued by HMDA will have to be furnished to the concerned Municipal Corporation, Urban Local Body or the relevant planning authority for information and record.
The government has further directed that necessary changes be made in the BuildNow system to enable processing, issuance, accounting and utilisation of TDR in accordance with the amended provisions.
What is TDR?
Transferable Development Rights are development rights that can be transferred from one property or area to another under prescribed planning regulations. They are commonly used as a mechanism to compensate landowners when land is required for public infrastructure, roads and other development projects.
Instead of relying solely on conventional monetary compensation in applicable cases, eligible landowners can receive development rights that may subsequently be utilised or transferred in accordance with the rules.
Applicable rules remain in force
The latest amendment does not remove the other regulatory requirements governing TDR. The order specifically states that TDR issued under the amended provisions will remain subject to the Telangana Building Rules, 2012, subsequent amendments and other applicable statutory provisions.
The notification will come into force from the date of its publication in the Telangana Gazette.
The order has been issued by the Metropolitan Area & Urban Development Department in the name of the Governor of Telangana and signed by Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary to Government.
The amendment is expected to provide a more centralised framework for issuing and managing TDR associated with HMDA-led public projects, while allowing eligible certificates to be used across the wider HMDA jurisdiction rather than being restricted to a particular location.
