30 Jun 2025

The RailTrans Expo 2025 was inaugurated in the capital this week by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Urban Infra Group. With the theme centred around "Viksit Bharat @2047 - Rail & Mobility for a Developed India", the event assembled key voices from government, industry, and academia. Speakers underscored the pivotal role of Indian Railways in shaping the nation's economic and sustainable transformation, with particular focus on digital infrastructure, talent development, green innovation, and global benchmarking.Read more

29 Jun 2025

The Union Cabinet has approved Phase II of the Pune Metro Rail Project, marking a major boost to the city's public transit network. The new phase includes two elevated corridors-Vanaz to Chandani Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi-spanning 12.75 km at a cost of INR 3,626 crore. These extensions build on the existing Vanaz-Ramwadi line and are expected to be completed in four years. The plan includes integration with intercity buses and other metro lines to enhance multimodal connectivity. Aimed at easing traffic congestion, the project is set to transform commuting in Pune's rapidly growing areas through more efficient and accessible transport.Read more

29 Jun 2025

DPIIT has reviewed 18 long-pending issues across 11 infrastructure projects in Eastern and Northeastern India, representing investments over INR 34,213 crore. Chaired by DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Bhatia, the review focused on resolving implementation hurdles through inter-ministerial and state-level coordination. Key discussions included Jharkhand's Patratu Thermal Power Station Expansion and Arunachal Pradesh's INR 1,000 crore hydrocarbon project by GeoEnpro Petroleum, both facing operational delays. The session, held under DPIIT's Project Monitoring Group (PMG), aims to fast-track clearances and boost regional infrastructure. The initiative reflects a focused effort to unlock investments and improve execution efficiency across critical sectors in underserved states.Read more

28 Jun 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to complete the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel and similar infrastructure projects in the state within a three-year timeframe. During a recent review meeting, he insisted on fast-tracking rehabilitation efforts for displaced families, acquiring forest clearances, and expediting work on the Borivali-end. The 11.84-km tunnel, scheduled for completion by the end of 2028, is set to slash travel time from over an hour to just 15 minutes. With an estimated cost of INR 12,057 crore, the project also promises substantial fuel savings and a sharp cut in carbon emissions.Read more

28 Jun 2025

The Deharji Dam in Palghar district marked a major milestone as it achieved its first live impoundment with partial water storage reaching 5.147 Mcum about 5% of its full capacity- due to steady monsoon rainfall. Funded by MMRDA and executed by KIDC, the dam reached a reduced level of 90.00 metres, triggering overflow at the spillway and indicating both structural integrity and operational readiness. With 80% of construction already completed, the project aims to supply 255 MLD of drinking water to Vasai-Virar, CIDCO Palghar, and nearby villages, with full commissioning targeted by end-2027.Read more

28 Jun 2025

In a major move to combat groundwater depletion, the Uttar Pradesh government is expanding its rainwater harvesting programme under the 'Catch the Rain 2025' campaign. Building on the success of earlier efforts on 34,000 buildings, the new phase targets an additional 2.35 lakh government and semi-government structures. Led by the Jal Shakti Department, the initiative involves close coordination across districts and urban agencies. Sixteen districts have already achieved full coverage. Beyond infrastructure, the campaign aims for long-term water conservation by recharging aquifers. Regular monitoring ensures quality and accountability. This marks a shift toward sustainable water management in urban and peri-urban UP.Read more

27 Jun 2025

Bank of India has announced plans to raise INR 20,000 crore during the ongoing financial year through long-term infrastructure bonds, marking a strategic move to support infrastructure financing. The bank's board approved this initiative, aligning with a broader trend among major banks, including SBI, to prioritise infra bonds over traditional AT-1 and Tier-2 instruments. These bonds offer regulatory exemptions from CRR and SLR, making them an attractive financing tool. Their full deployability for lending adds to their appeal in the current economic climate.Read more

27 Jun 2025

Rapido has partnered with the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to introduce metro ticket booking through its app. As part of this initiative, the company will provide first-time users a free ride and offer fixed-fare rides to and from metro stations for INR 25. Initially rolled out at 30 Delhi metro stations, the service will include designated pick-up and drop-off points. Rapido, which already facilitates metro ticketing in Kochi and Chennai, claims to serve over 8 lakh daily users, 40% of whom are women drivers.Read more

27 Jun 2025

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved INR 20,000 crore to resume land acquisition for the 800-km Shaktipeeth Expressway, which will link Pavnar in Wardha to Patradevi at the Goa border. Funded through a HUDCO-backed loan, the project aims to cut Nagpur-Goa travel time from 20 to 8-10 hours and will connect 18 pilgrimage and heritage sites. Estimated to cost INR 84,000-86,000 crore, the project faces renewed farmer protests over compensation and displacement. Land measurement is to conclude by August, with acquisition targeted for December. Modeled on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, it's part of MSRDC's larger push to fast-track key infrastructure corridors statewide.Read more

27 Jun 2025

Just weeks after opening, the 76-km Igatpuri-Amane stretch of the Samruddhi Expressway has developed large potholes on its asphalt bridge surfaces, raising concerns over construction quality. Built at a cost of INR 1,182 crore, this section adds to a series of issues along the 701-km Nagpur-Mumbai corridor, including earlier cracks near Shahapur, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. While the expressway boasts features like Maharashtra's widest tunnels, wildlife crossings, and smart tolling, recurring surface failures may undermine its goal of halving travel time. Constructed under MSRDC, the six-lane expressway was launched in phases from 2022, but quality control remains a growing public concern.Read more

27 Jun 2025

The BMC has opened public consultation on a draft regulation (33(27)) to define and incentivise "iconic buildings" under Mumbai's DCPR 2034. Eligible structures must display standout design, scale, or architectural vision. Developers may receive FSI relaxations by paying a premium up to 50% of land value, split between BMC and the state. A high-powered committee, chaired by the Municipal Commissioner and including global and Indian experts, will vet proposals. Public scrutiny of designs is encouraged. The draft mandates non-residential use, 18 m road access, and public plazas. The move echoes Mumbai's legacy of iconic architecture, aiming to blend innovation with heritage-conscious development.Read more

26 Jun 2025

The Maharashtra government has allocated 30 acres in Bandra East's government colony for the new Bombay High Court complex, addressing severe space constraints at the existing 1878 Fort premises. Architect Hafeez Contractor will design the facility, featuring 75 courtrooms, judge residences, lawyers' chambers, archives, and amenities like daycare and parking. The move follows Supreme Court directives and a 2019 ruling, with phased handovers already underway. The broader 90-acre site will also host up to twelve 16-storey towers for civil servant housing and revenue-generating residential sales. The current Fort building, originally meant for 15 judges, now struggles to house 35 in overcrowded conditions.Read more

26 Jun 2025

The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation has ramped up enforcement against unauthorised construction and water theft ahead of the monsoon. In Gulmandi, officials razed two dozen illegal shop extensions and a hazardous building, while traders near Rangar Galli were warned to self-demolish encroachments. In Kiradpura, over 100 illegal water connections were cut, restoring supply to legal users. Recent drives also cleared 340 encroachments on Beed Bypass Road and bulldozed 229 structures in Mukundwadi, sparking protests over alleged due process violations. Earlier efforts used robotic tools to detect hidden pipelines. Authorities warn that unpaid irrigation dues could delay the city's main water project.Read more

26 Jun 2025

MMRDA has launched a INR 325 crore programme to upgrade rural roads across ten villages in Alibaug, following its recent appointment as the region's planning authority. The plan includes cement-concrete resurfacing on key stretches connecting villages to Alibaug's town centre. With tenders issued for detailed design and management, on-ground construction is slated to begin soon. This initiative forms part of a wider connectivity vision including multimodal corridors and ring-road projects that aims to improve access and boost land and tourism value in Alibaug and adjacent areas.Read more

26 Jun 2025

Adani Group plans to invest USD 15-20 billion annually over the next five years to fuel its next growth phase, Chairman Gautam Adani announced at the group's AGM. The company aims to reach 100 GW power capacity by 2030 across renewables and conventional sources, while also expanding in ports, airports, data centres, cement, gas, and energy. Despite scrutiny from US authorities, Adani assured investors of strong financials, reporting INR 2.71 lakh crore in revenue and an 8.2% rise in EBITDA. Key projects include the 50 GW Khavda renewable park, smart metering initiatives, Navi Mumbai Airport, and the transformative Dharavi redevelopment project.Read more

25 Jun 2025

The Maharashtra government has appointed MMRDA as the nodal agency for the Dharavi Multi-Modal Transit Hub (MMTH), aimed at transforming connectivity across Mumbai. The hub will integrate Mahim, Sion, and Chunabhatti railway stations with Metro Lines 2B, 3, 8, and 11, and connect to the BKC Bullet Train station, Mumbai airport, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport. It will also extend BKC's Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system to Dharavi. The project includes amenities like offices, retail, hotels, and a convention centre. MMRDA will soon begin feasibility studies, with officials describing the hub as a key step in Dharavi's inclusive urban redevelopment.Read more

25 Jun 2025

Suntech Infra Solutions, a B2B civil construction company, has rolled out its INR 44.39 crore initial public offering (IPO), marking a key step in its growth strategy. The IPO, which opened for public subscription earlier this week, includes both a fresh issue and an offer for sale, priced between INR 81 and INR 86 per share. The fresh capital will fund working capital needs, acquisition of construction equipment, and general corporate purposes. The shares are set to be listed on the NSE's SME platform, underlining the company's commitment to long-term infrastructure expansion.Read more

25 Jun 2025

The Union government has overhauled its highway bidding process to improve execution and prevent delays. Under new guidelines from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, all land, environmental, forest, and wildlife clearances must be secured before inviting project bids-replacing the earlier norm of 90% land acquisition. Land acquisition must begin 60 days after finalizing highway alignment, and 90% of the right-of-way must be awarded before a Letter of Award is issued. These reforms aim to streamline approvals, minimize contractual disputes, and curb cost overruns. The Centre plans to award 9,000 km of highways in FY26 under this new, more efficient framework.Read more

25 Jun 2025

Maharashtra CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis has announced a INR 4,000 crore road upgrade plan for Nashik ahead of the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, with central government support. Nine key routes connecting Nashik, along with the Nashik Ring Road and Nashik-Trimbak road (to be widened to six lanes), have received in-principle approval from Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari. A Detailed Project Report is underway. Roads such as Ghoti-Trimbakeshwar, Dwarka-Sinnar, and Nashik-Dhule will be developed to handle the massive influx of devotees. These upgrades aim to ensure safe and efficient movement during the world-renowned religious event, enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure resilience.Read more

25 Jun 2025

GAIL (India) Ltd has announced an investment of INR 844 crore to expand the capacity of its Dahej-Uran-Dabhol-Panvel (DUPL-DPPL) natural gas pipeline network from 19.9 to 22.5 million standard cubic metres per day (mmscmd) over the next three years. The company also disclosed revised completion dates for major projects, including the Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda (MNJPL) and Srikakulam-Angul pipelines, now scheduled for phased completion by the end of 2025. Delays have been attributed to permissions and land acquisition issues, necessitating an additional INR 411.12 crore investment for the MNJPL project.Read more