17 Sep 2025

The US government is working on a wide-ranging plan to counter China's growing hold over global port assets. The strategy includes supporting Western companies to acquire Chinese stakes, reviewing key maritime chokepoints, reviving US shipbuilding, and tightening controls on vessels linked to China. Major Chinese state-owned enterprises such as COSCO, China Merchants, and SIPG already own or manage significant port infrastructure worldwide, including Greece's Piraeus Port. Washington has expressed concern about the security and supply chain risks of this dominance and is looking for ways to strengthen its maritime position.Read more

17 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear over two dozen review petitions challenging its May verdict that barred retrospective environmental clearances for projects violating environmental laws. Several firms, including public sector entities like Steel Authority of India Ltd, have requested clarifications or modifications. The court has scheduled the hearing for October 7. The May ruling highlighted the constitutional obligation of both the government and citizens to protect the environment and emphasized the right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere under Article 21.Read more

17 Sep 2025

The Indian government is planning a INR 5,000 crore scheme to promote sustainable practices in the steel sector. Targeting both primary and secondary steel makers, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by incentivizing the adoption of cleaner technologies and alternative materials. Companies will be rewarded based on the reduction in emissions compared to previous years. This step aligns with India's commitment to the Paris Agreement and its net-zero ambitions. The domestic steel industry, which contributes 12 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions, stands to be a major focus of decarbonisation efforts.Read more

17 Sep 2025

Land acquisition for Bhopal Metro's Orange Line is gaining pace as more landowners opt for the Mutual Purchase Policy under Madhya Pradesh's Aapsi Kharid Niti - 2014. So far, 40 property owners have consented, ensuring compensation within two months and avoiding lengthy acquisition disputes. Owners of structures will be reimbursed for buildings, while landholders will receive double the collectorate rate. In areas where consent hasn't been given, acquisition is moving forward through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, with objection periods now closing. With three acquisition notifications issued and final surveys planned, the project is advancing smoothly, signalling reduced resistance and steady progress for metro development.Read more

17 Sep 2025

Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari stated that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to use all municipal solid waste from across the country in road construction by 2027. NHAI has already utilized 8 million tonnes of waste from Delhi and Ahmedabad in roads, demonstrating its potential to improve durability and sustainability. This initiative aims to address waste management challenges, reduce environmental impact, and promote long-lasting road infrastructure. The government sees this as a step toward greener and more resilient highways nationwide.Read more

17 Sep 2025

China's first provincial solar auction under a new pricing mechanism has drawn attention after bids in Shandong settled at 225 yuan (USD 31.58) per MWh, levels that analysts say may challenge project viability. The new system replaces guaranteed coal-linked returns with competitive bidding, raising concerns for developers in provinces with weaker power demand. Analysts believe while coastal provinces may still attract new investments, oversupply in regions like Shandong highlights risks for returns despite government efforts to introduce market-driven pricing.Read more

17 Sep 2025

India has rolled out its first national geothermal energy policy to boost clean power generation from underground heat sources. The move opens doors for oil, gas and mineral companies to form joint ventures with renewable developers. With 381 hot springs and 10 geothermal provinces identified, states like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat are set to lead initial projects. Global leaders such as the US, Indonesia and the Philippines have already established capacity, and companies in sectors like AI are also exploring geothermal for low-carbon electricity. Indian firms including ONGC have earlier piloted geothermal studies in Ladakh.Read more

17 Sep 2025

Jaipur's Urban Development Department has released a draft policy proposing Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zones around transit hubs to encourage mixed-use growth, curb private vehicle dependence, reduce congestion and improve environmental outcomes. The framework designates land within 800 metres of metro, railway and regional stations as TOD zones, with a defined 'Intense Development Area' closer to stations. It lays down rules on road width, land use mix and criteria for landowners contributing land under the scheme, while also seeking public feedback on the proposal.Read more

17 Sep 2025

India is setting its sights on emerging as a major global shipbuilding hub by 2047. The government plans to lift the country's share in the global shipbuilding market, currently less than 1%, and position India among the top five maritime nations. This initiative involves establishing large-scale shipbuilding clusters in multiple states, upgrading infrastructure, and entering partnerships with international firms. Policy reforms and financial support through the Maritime Development Fund are key elements of the plan. The strategy is expected to create significant employment and strengthen India's role in global trade.Read more

16 Sep 2025

India has secured a USD 126.42 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to promote sustainable tourism and rural development in the Tehri Lake area of Uttarakhand. The project aims to improve infrastructure, sanitation, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, benefiting over 87,000 residents and attracting around 2.7 million annual visitors. It includes support for women, youth, and small businesses, development of inclusive tourism facilities, and implementation of nature-based solutions to reduce flood and landslide risks. The initiative aligns with Uttarakhand's policy of boosting year-round tourism while ensuring community participation and resilience.Read more

16 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for multiple projects worth more than INR 9,000 crore in Mizoram, including the first railway line connecting Aizawl to India's national railway network. The Bairabi-Sairang rail line, covering 51.38 kilometres and built at a cost of about INR 8,070 crore, was the most significant among them. He also launched new train services, key road and bridge projects, educational institutions, an LPG bottling plant, and a sports facility. These developments are expected to enhance connectivity, improve public services, and open economic opportunities across the state.Read more

16 Sep 2025

ACME Venus Urja, part of ACME Solar Holdings, has secured INR 3,892 crore from the State Bank of India to develop a 400 MW Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy project in Barmer, Rajasthan. Scheduled to be repaid over 19 years, the financing will support the installation of solar panels and a Battery Energy Storage System to maintain reliable power supply under a contract with NHPC at INR 4.64 per unit. This represents ACME's largest SBI funding and SBI's first investment in ACME's FDRE projects. The company has a 2,890 MW operational capacity across diverse renewable energy solutions.Read more

16 Sep 2025

The Sarai Kale Khan station on the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System is expected to be inaugurated on 17 September. It will become the capital's first fully integrated multimodal interchange hub, linking services like Metro, city buses, interstate buses, and Indian Railways. The station is 215 metres long, 50 metres wide and 15 metres high, and has been built with six platforms and four tracks. With trial runs complete, travel between Sarai Kale Khan and Meerut will take less than an hour. The project is part of the Make in India initiative and aims to increase public transport's share on this corridor.Read more

16 Sep 2025

Mumbai is set to witness a major leap in urban mobility with Metro Line 2B, the east-west corridor, approaching a key milestone. Phase I, spanning Mandale to Chembur over 5.39 km, has entered the statutory safety approval stage. Authorities, including the Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, have inspected the stretch and issued directives to ensure timely completion. Once certified, the line will enhance travel efficiency, reduce road congestion, and seamlessly integrate with other metro lines, monorail, and suburban rail networks, promising a transformative urban commuting experience.Read more

16 Sep 2025

L&T is planning to sell over 90 per cent of its Hyderabad Metro stake to the Telangana or Central Government through a new SPV due to ongoing operational and financial difficulties. Delays in government support, property acquisition, alignment changes, and COVID-19 impacts have increased losses and cost overruns. Revenues declined by 21 per cent in 2024-25, while losses rose 13 per cent. Previous claims against the state reached INR 5,000 crore. L&T has also stated that it cannot participate in the upcoming Phase II-A and II-B expansions due to these financial and operational challenges.Read more

16 Sep 2025

Serentica Renewables, an independent power producer established in 2022, is preparing to expand its renewable capacity from 1 GW at present to 7.5 GW by late 2027. The plan includes 3 GW of government-backed projects, making up 40 per cent of its overall target. In the current financial year, the company has secured power purchase agreements and a Letter of Award totalling 650 MW with NTPC, SECI, NHPC, and SJVN. These projects will come up across Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Serentica also continues to work towards its 2030 goal of 17 GW with storage-linked clean energy solutions.Read more

15 Sep 2025

The construction of the new Sadhu Vaswani Bridge in Pune's Koregaon Park area has reached around 50% completion, with the completion timeline now extended to March 2026. The delay is mainly due to the challenges of building over active railway tracks and rerouting essential utilities. Since the old bridge's demolition in 2024, commuters have faced long traffic diversions, affecting daily travel. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is working closely with railway authorities to manage disruptions and ensure the project progresses efficiently, while the new bridge aims to improve connectivity and ease congestion in the area.Read more

15 Sep 2025

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is set to expand its capacity to 100 million passengers annually with the reopening of Terminal 2 in late October. Built 40 years ago, the terminal was closed for renovation earlier this year to upgrade facilities and improve passenger handling. From the night of October 25-26, around 120 daily domestic flights operated by Air India and Indigo will move to T2, while Terminals 1 and 3 continue operations. The airport, with four runways, currently handles about 1,400 flight movements each day.Read more

15 Sep 2025

The Maharashtra government has cleared the INR 23,487 crore Metro Line 11 project, running 17.5 km from Wadala's Anik Bus Depot to SPM Circle near the Gateway of India, with 14 stations-13 underground. The project will be funded jointly by the state (INR 3,137 crore), the centre (INR 3,137 crore), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (INR 2,411 crore) and Mumbai Port Authority (INR 804 crore), with a 60% loan from financial institutions. The fare slab is fixed between INR 10 and INR 70, rising by INR 10 every three stations, and the line aims to ease traffic congestion and integrate with other metro lines.Read more

15 Sep 2025

Mumbai's historic Elphinstone Road Over Bridge, a key east-west link connecting Parel and Prabhadevi, will be closed for vehicular traffic ahead of its demolition and reconstruction. The bridge, over a century old, will be replaced with a modern double-decker structure as part of the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project by MMRDA. The upgraded bridge will feature dual carriageways on both levels, enhancing connectivity between central Mumbai, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. A detailed traffic management plan has been devised to minimise inconvenience during the closure.Read more