Nearly 70% of companies in India are prioritising commute infrastructure and connectivity when selecting office locations, highlighting how employee travel and surrounding infrastructure are increasingly influencing commercial real estate decisions.
The findings come from CBRE’s 2026 India Office Occupier Survey, which was conducted between April and June among more than 200 senior executives overseeing office portfolios across India’s major markets.
Public Transport Can Command a Premium
The survey found that around 18% of occupiers are willing to pay a premium for office properties with better access to public transportation.
This indicates that companies are looking beyond factors such as rent, building quality and available amenities when evaluating commercial space. The ability of employees to reach the workplace conveniently is becoming an important part of location strategy.
Traffic congestion and long commute times have emerged as major infrastructure challenges for companies, particularly in India’s large metropolitan areas.
Air Quality Is Another Major Concern
The concerns extend beyond transportation. Around 50% of occupiers identified poor air quality and AQI levels as a major infrastructure threat to business operations and employee experience.
Water availability and quality were identified as a concern by 31% of companieswhile 29% said waste management and sanitation challenges could affect workplace productivity.
The findings suggest that companies are increasingly assessing office locations based on the broader urban environment rather than the commercial property alone.
Infrastructure Could Reshape Office Demand
Better connectivity could influence which commercial districts attract corporate tenants in the coming years. Metro expansions, improved roads and other transport infrastructure could make previously less-preferred locations more attractive to businesses.
In Pune, for example, infrastructure development linked to the proposed Purandar Airport could open up additional locations for technology Global Capability Centres.
Similar infrastructure-led opportunities are emerging in other cities, including upcoming metro corridors in Mumbai and transport projects around Delhi-NCR and Chennai.
Companies Continue to Expand Office Portfolios
The focus on connectivity comes as corporate demand for office space remains strong. CBRE’s survey found that 77% of occupiers expect their India office portfolios to expand over the next two yearswhile 30% expect their portfolios to grow by more than 30%.
This combination of expansion and greater focus on accessibility could make connectivity an increasingly important factor in India’s commercial real estate market.
Summary
Nearly 70% of companies now consider commute infrastructure and connectivity important when selecting office locations. Around 18% are willing to pay a premium for better public transport access, while air quality, water availability, sanitation and waste management are also influencing commercial real estate decisions.