Guwahati: The Telegraph Realty Expo 2018 got off to a grand start on Friday with Assamese actress Aimee Baruah inaugurating the three-day fair at Roodraksh Mall in Bhangagarh here.

In her inaugural speech, Aimee praised the organisers for providing an opportunity to the people in the region to invest in Calcutta real estate.

Around 12 established real estate companies are offering the best of properties in Calcutta and the suburbs. Special offers have been lined up for the duration of the fair, till Sunday. Companies and brands like Ambuja Neotia, Belani Group, BGA Realtors, Dhoot Group, Diamond Group, Greenfield Group, Sanhita, Siddha, Swan Housing, Rajwada, Bengal Peerless Housing Development Co Ltd have set up stalls.

Baruah said, "Contrary to the perception about property prices in the metros among people here, the price of flats in Calcutta is less than that in Guwahati. Many people want to acquire property in Calcutta but it is tough to go around searching for good flats. This fair is a blessing for these people as the best companies have come here. People can compare the amenities and prices before taking a decision. I hope people will visit the fair in large numbers."

She added, "I am very fond of the food in Calcutta, like the kachoris of Khidirpur and I would love to stay in that city. I have a dream of acquiring a house for myself there. I hope it will be fulfilled soon."

The guests present included ABP Group vice-president Pramod Dabke, ABP Group deputy general manager (ad sales) Sandeep Chakraborty and Roodraksh Mall MD Sanjoy Chabra.

Ambuja Neotia Group chairman Harshavardhan Neotia said in a message, "Kolkata has a strong liveability quotient and offers a good quality of life with modern infrastructure, well-connected transportation networks, disciplined traffic management, an overall sense of cleanliness and a wide range of leisure and entertainment options. This represents a decisive factor in any real estate investment decision and Kolkata ranks high in this regard."

Among the cheaper options, BGA Realtors is offering 1 BHK flats in Siliguri for Rs 7 lakh and the 2 BHK ones for Rs 14.30 lakh.

The firm is waiving off registration fees of around Rs 67,000 and Rs 1,30,000 for bookings during the fair. Eye-catching properties at the fair include the skywalk apartments by Siddha, New Kolkata township by the Hooghly, centrally located Urbana and the luxurious Utalika.