01 Feb 2026
The Airports Authority of India has awarded a contract worth INR 17.16 crore to SoftTech Engineers Limited for the deployment of an AI-powered, BIM-based Project Monitoring System across its infrastructure projects. The system is designed to digitally monitor projects across planning, execution and reporting stages, improving transparency, coordination and decision-making. Powered by SoftTech Engineers proprietary CivitINFRA platform, the solution integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide real-time insights into cost management, progress tracking, documentation and reporting. The web- and mobile-enabled platform will allow stakeholders to access project data and analytics on a unified interface, supporting governance and operational efficiency. The award reflects AAI's growing focus on technology-led project oversight and reinforces SoftTech Engineers role in India's broader infrastructure digitisation and digital transformation efforts.Read more
01 Feb 2026
Highway Infrastructure Limited has started toll operations at the Kaza Fee Plaza on the Chilakaluripet Vijayawada section of NH16 in Andhra Pradesh, following a contract from NHAI worth INR 328.77 crore. Covering 82.5 km, this marks the company's largest toll assignment and brings its consolidated order book to INR 1,144 crore. The project, operated under an asset-light model for one year, is among the highest toll-collecting public-funded plazas in South India. It enhances Highway Infrastructure's presence on key national corridors while contributing significantly to its revenue and operational portfolio.Read more
01 Feb 2026
Tiruchirappalli International Airport has posted a double-digit growth of around 10% in international cargo handling, reflecting stronger trade activity from central Tamil Nadu. Average monthly international cargo volumes increased from nearly 540 metric tonnes to about 590 metric tonnes, supported by new operational facilities. The airport has also begun using its transhipment facility to improve cargo connectivity and lower logistics costs. In parallel, plans for a domestic cargo terminal and the activation of an international courier facility are expected to widen cargo options for exporters and logistics players.Read more
01 Feb 2026
Kundli in Sonipat is steadily emerging as one of the National Capital Region's most promising residential destinations, driven by large-scale infrastructure investments, improving connectivity and comparatively affordable pricing. As Gurugram grapples with land constraints, rising congestion and steep property values, demand is gradually shifting towards well-connected peripheral markets with room for planned growth. Located at the northern edge of NCR, Kundli benefits from direct access to NH 44, the Western Peripheral Expressway, and upcoming mass transit projects including the Delhi Panipat RRTS and the Delhi Sonipat Metro extension. The presence of major educational institutions, industrial corridors and logistics infrastructure is further strengthening end-user demand. Together, these factors are transforming Kundli from a peripheral township into a self-sustaining residential and employment catchment with long-term growth potential.Read more
01 Feb 2026
Indian Railways has enforced stricter safety protocols for power cars after repeated lapses were found in fire safety systems installed in these coaches. The Railway Board has directed that no power car will be allowed into service without a joint inspection and certification by mechanical and electrical staff. The move follows inspections that revealed faulty Fire Detection and Suppression Systems, low nitrogen pressure, damaged valves and systems being kept inactive. The revised process introduces detailed checklists, clearer accountability and aims to reduce fire-related risks on passenger trains.Read more
01 Feb 2026
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has set out a detailed development roadmap focusing on public transport electrification, Metro expansion and infrastructure upgrades. The plan aims to convert the city's entire public bus fleet to electric over the next three years while expanding the Metro network to around 500 km. Higher capital expenditure has been earmarked for transport and civic projects, alongside initiatives in health, education, safety and welfare. The roadmap positions public mobility and infrastructure as central to Delhi's long-term urban development strategy.Read more
01 Feb 2026
Mumbai Metro Line 9, an extension of the Red Line (Metro Line 7), is nearing the launch of its first operational stretch between Dahisar East and Kashigaon, marking a significant upgrade in connectivity for the Dahisar Mira-Bhayandar belt. The 4.5-km Phase I section has received clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety, with operations expected to commence by the end of January or early February. Once opened, the corridor will provide Mira-Bhayandar with its first metro-based rapid transit link, connecting the region to the Western Express Highway and onward metro corridors. Even ahead of full commissioning, the impending launch has begun influencing residential sentiment, with developers and buyers responding to improved accessibility, reduced commute times, and the prospect of stronger integration with Mumbai's wider transport network.Read more
01 Feb 2026
The Delhi government has unveiled a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving living conditions in informal settlements across the capital, with a total allocation of around INR 327 crore for jhuggi-jhopri (JJ) cluster development projects. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at a Republic Day event, where she hosted representatives of slum communities and reaffirmed the administration's commitment to enhancing basic amenities. Works already approved include public convenience complexes and cement-concrete road infrastructure, with a further INR 700 crore earmarked for broader JJ cluster development covering housing, sanitation, health and social welfare. Officials said the comprehensive plan will fast-track essential upgrades such as drains, toilets, parks and community facilities to elevate the quality of life in these areas. Government ministers and civic leaders attended the event.Read more
01 Feb 2026
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to launch a barrier less Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system on the under construction 12.75 km Aroor Thuravoor elevated corridor in Kerala. Vehicles will pay tolls electronically at highway speeds using FASTag and advanced sensors, eliminating the need to stop. The Eramalloor toll point will cost around INR 30 crore. Once complete, this corridor will be India's longest six lane elevated highway. The MLFF rollout is part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana and aligns with NHAI's efforts to modernize toll collection across major national highways.Read more
01 Feb 2026
The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has revised toll rates for the 91.3 km Gorakhpur Link Expressway, setting INR 285 for a one-way trip for private cars, which equals about INR 3.12 per kilometre. Officials explained that the higher toll reflects the increased costs due to alignment changes, monsoon damage, and complex engineering requirements like bridges and interchanges. The four-lane expressway, inaugurated last year, connects eastern Uttar Pradesh districts and integrates with the broader expressway network, aiming to improve regional connectivity and travel efficiency.Read more
01 Feb 2026
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has stepped up enforcement against single-use plastic as part of its ongoing citywide plastic prohibition drive, collecting penalties worth INR 75,000 and seizing around 44.5 kg of plastic bags. The action forms part of special inspection campaigns conducted in line with directives issued by the Central and Maharashtra Pollution Control Boards. The latest drive, carried out earlier this week across markets, shops and hawker zones, focused on curbing the use and storage of banned plastic items. Civic officials said the campaign combined awareness initiatives with strict penal action to ensure compliance. The municipal administration reiterated that the sustained enforcement is aimed at eliminating single-use plastic from daily commercial activity, while urging both citizens and traders to shift towards environmentally friendly alternatives such as cloth bags.Read more
01 Feb 2026
The Himachal Pradesh government has allocated around 3,428 bighas of land for the development of the proposed Him-Chandigarh City township near Baddi in Solan district, marking a significant step in advancing the planned urban project. Officials have also identified an additional 5,000-6,000 bighas from the common land pool for potential inclusion in the development. A cabinet sub-committee meeting chaired by the state's revenue minister reviewed land availability and revenue records, and directed the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) to conduct a drone-based digital survey of the parcels. The agency will coordinate with the revenue department and local officials to consolidate land within a month into a contiguous parcel suitable for project implementation. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to create a structured urban centre near the Chandigarh border.Read more
31 Jan 2026
Eight years after the Union environment ministry approved the diversion of 51.12 hectares of forest land for the Badshahpur Sohna stretch of the Delhi Mumbai Expressway, official data on compensatory afforestation remains unclear. While 42,468 saplings were planted in the Nuh division in 2025-26, there is no consolidated record of plantations since 2018, nor details of precise locations, monitoring, or survival rates. Environmental activists have highlighted that some plantations occurred far from the project site, raising questions about regulatory compliance, ecological effectiveness, and transparency in large infrastructure projects.Read more
31 Jan 2026
Puducherry is set to undertake major road infrastructure projects with Union funding of INR 437 crore to ease urban congestion and improve safety. Plans include a 4 km four lane flyover connecting Indira Gandhi Square, Rajiv Gandhi Square, and Marapalam, and a 13.5 km four lane arterial road from Ariyankuppam to Mullodai, along with widening of existing roads. The initiative is expected to reduce traffic by about 55 per cent, enhance commuter safety, and support the growing tourism sector. These works align with broader connectivity improvements across road, rail, and air networks.Read more
31 Jan 2026
Southern Railway has assigned MIC Electronics Limited to modernise passenger information systems across five stations in its Salem Division under the Amrit Bharat Scheme. The INR 56.43 lakh project involves supplying and installing RDSO-compliant display boards, Full HD and 4K UHD units, network monitoring devices, public address systems, cabling, and related infrastructure. The work also includes civil, signalling, and telecom tasks, along with testing, commissioning, and a five-year maintenance contract. The initiative aims to improve real-time passenger communication, enhance station-level digital infrastructure, and support operational efficiency.Read more
31 Jan 2026
Global technology firm HERE Solutions India Pvt Ltd has signed a long-term lease for about 2.1 lakh square feet of office space in the Mindspace Airoli West business park in Navi Mumbai, reaffirming strong demand for institutional-grade office assets in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The lease, spanning more than ten years, covers four floors of office space in the Gigaplex commercial tower, with a monthly rental and annual escalation structure agreed under the terms of the agreement. The transaction includes a significant security deposit and dedicated parking provision, highlighting tenant commitment to the location's business ecosystem. The deal adds to ongoing corporate expansion in Navi Mumbai's office market, where large-format leases continue to form a key component of Grade A office demand, particularly from technology and services firms seeking sustainable, long-term operational bases.Read more
31 Jan 2026
Kerala has recently seen the launch of three Amrit Bharat Express trains aimed at improving long-distance connectivity. While these trains were largely welcomed, passengers using the Alappuzha route have raised concerns since the new services bypass this corridor in favor of the Kottayam route. The single-line Alappuzha section, coupled with limited track capacity, continues to restrict additional train operations. Commuters are calling for more MEMU services, better scheduling, and stoppages at key stations to ease travel, while passenger groups highlight delays due to the pending doubling project along this coastal line.Read more
31 Jan 2026
Kerala's Vizhinjam International Seaport is moving into a larger expansion phase, with the state government expecting significant employment creation and local economic activity. The port has already begun regular operations, reducing dependence on foreign transshipment hubs. The ongoing second phase, backed by a major private operator, aims to scale capacity sharply over the next few years. Government leaders have highlighted benefits beyond cargo handling, including tourism support, crew services, and related infrastructure, positioning Vizhinjam as a key maritime asset for the state and the country.Read more
31 Jan 2026
Southern Railway has announced a scheduled halt for the Chennai Bengaluru Double Decker Express at Tiruvallur railway station, responding to long-standing commuter demand from the suburban region. Although the halt has come into effect from earlier this week, passengers are currently unable to book tickets to or from Tiruvallur as the station has not yet been updated in the Passenger Reservation System. Railway officials have stated that such system updates usually take a few days. Commuters have also flagged unresolved ticket printing issues following a recent reservation system upgrade.Read more
31 Jan 2026
Kochi Municipal Corporation is evaluating the future of the RoRo ferry service between Fort Kochi and Vypeen after sustained financial losses and operational issues. The civic body is considering ending its agreement with Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd (KSINC) and exploring alternatives such as transferring operations to Kochi Water Metro or inviting new tenders. Audit findings revealed discrepancies in revenue and expenditure reporting, while high maintenance costs and vessel downtime added pressure. Safety concerns, infrastructure decay, and commuter challenges have also intensified the need for a sustainable solution.Read more