03 Jan 2026

India's premium housing market experienced strong growth in 2025, with capital values rising by up to 36% across major cities, primarily driven by under construction projects. Mumbai, Noida, Gurugram, and Bengaluru recorded notable appreciation due to improved infrastructure, connectivity projects, and sustained end user demand. Completed homes also saw steady gains, while rental values increased sharply across urban centers due to limited supply. Luxury segments, especially in central and south Mumbai, and growth corridors in Bengaluru and Noida, attracted buyer attention. Analysts expect steady price growth to continue, supported by timely project delivery and evolving buyer preferences.Read more

03 Jan 2026

The Union Cabinet has approved a INR 1,526.21 crore project to upgrade a 243-km stretch of NH 326 from Mohana to Koraput in southern Odisha. The project will convert the existing two-lane road into a two-lane highway with paved shoulders under the EPC model, addressing sub-standard lane widths, sharp curves, and steep gradients. It aims to improve safety, reduce travel time by 2.5-3 hours, strengthen freight movement, and connect industrial, logistics, educational, and healthcare hubs, while linking NH 326 to NH 26, NH 59, NH 16, Gopalpur port, Jeypore airport, and nearby railway stations.Read more

03 Jan 2026

Indian Railways is set to introduce the country's first Vande Bharat sleeper train on the Kolkata Guwahati route later this month. The 16-coach fully air-conditioned train has completed testing and certification, and will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It offers 823 berths across 3AC, 2AC, and First AC classes, with fares significantly lower than air travel. The train features modern safety systems, improved suspension, automatic doors, upgraded toilets, and regional cuisine onboard, marking a key step in enhancing long-distance overnight rail travel in India.Read more

03 Jan 2026

The Union Cabinet has approved the development of a six-lane, access-controlled greenfield highway corridor connecting Nashik, Solapur and Akkalkot in Maharashtra at an estimated cost of INR 19,142 crore. The project will be implemented on a build-operate-transfer (toll) basis and is designed to significantly cut travel time and distance across the region. By linking key expressways and national highways, the corridor is expected to improve freight movement, strengthen regional connectivity, and support economic activity across several districts in the state.Read more

03 Jan 2026

At least nine people have died and over 200 have been hospitalised in Indore following a diarrhoea outbreak linked to contaminated drinking water, according to local authorities. The illness was traced to a leak in a water pipeline in the Bhagirathpur area, where tests confirmed bacterial contamination. Health officials said most patients are receiving treatment across city hospitals, while final test reports are awaited. Authorities have repaired the leakage point, deployed medical teams for door-to-door health checks, and distributed chlorine tablets to residents. Thousands have been screened so far, with several cases showing mild symptoms. The incident has raised concerns despite Indore's reputation as India's cleanest city.Read more

Kolkata News Desk

03 Jan 2026

The Calcutta High Court has permitted the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to undertake repair and maintenance work on buildings deemed unsafe, even as civil litigation remains pending between the property owners and the civic body. The order enables the corporation to carry out structural rectification to ensure safety and prevent potential hazards, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods. The ruling underscores the court's emphasis on protecting life and property, balancing legal rights with urgent civic responsibilities. While the civil dispute continues to be adjudicated separately, the civic agency has been authorised to proceed with remedial works to avert risks associated with deteriorating structures.Read more

02 Jan 2026

Kalpataru Projects International Ltd (KPIL) has secured a new order worth INR 719 crore in its urban infrastructure business, further strengthening its position in India's fast-expanding urban mobility segment. The order pertains to an elevated metro rail project in Thane, Maharashtra, highlighting growing investments in metro rail networks across major cities. The win reinforces KPIL's capabilities in executing complex engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects in urban transportation. With infrastructure-led growth gaining momentum, the latest contract adds to the company's strong order book and underlines its focus on metro rail, flyovers and other urban mobility solutions in India and overseas.Read more

02 Jan 2026

The Tiruchirappalli City Municipal Corporation has taken decisive action against contractors responsible for delays in smart city development works, issuing penalty notices and pressurising timely completion of ongoing infrastructure projects. The action follows concerns over missed deadlines on key components of the smart city initiative, which aims to improve urban amenities, traffic management and public utilities. Corporation officials have emphasised adherence to contractual timelines and quality standards, warning that continued non-compliance will result in further punitive measures. The drive underscores the civic body's commitment to accelerating smart city outcomes and addressing bottlenecks in project delivery, with a renewed focus on accountability and execution efficiency.Read more

02 Jan 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said that several long-pending infrastructure and energy projects in the state are now being completed in a time-bound and effective manner through the IT-based PRAGATI monitoring platform. He highlighted that projects such as the modernisation of the Bhilai Steel Plant and the NTPC Lara Super Thermal Power Project have gained renewed momentum due to real-time tracking, inter-agency coordination and continuous reviews under PRAGATI. According to the Chief Minister, the platform reflects a result-oriented governance approach and has strengthened energy security, industrial growth and employment generation in Chhattisgarh.Read more

02 Jan 2026

CapitaLand India Trust has announced plans to divest a 20.2% equity stake in three data centres for approximately INR 702 crore, marking a strategic capital recycling move. The divestment involves a partial sell-down in assets under the trust's data centre portfolio. Proceeds from the transaction are expected to strengthen the trust's balance sheet and support future acquisitions or growth initiatives across its diversified real estate portfolio. The move reflects broader industry trends where data centre assets are increasingly attracting investor interest due to robust demand for digital infrastructure. The remaining 79.8% stake will continue to be held by CapitaLand India Trust after the transaction.Read more

02 Jan 2026

The Gujarat government has approved the establishment of the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) at GIFT City, aimed at strengthening artificial intelligence research and development. The institution will be set up under a public-private partnership involving the state government, the Union government and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, and will operate as a non-profit special purpose vehicle from early January 2026. An estimated budget of around INR 300 crore has been earmarked for the first five years, with funding shared equally among the three partners. IAIRO will focus on advanced R&D, creation of AI-based products and solutions, collaboration with academia and industry, and capacity building to support India's AI ecosystem.Read more

Lucknow News Desk

02 Jan 2026

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has carried out a significant enforcement action, dismantling 12 illegal structures across the city in a bid to uphold planning regulations and protect public land. The crackdown targeted unauthorised buildings that had been erected without requisite approvals or in violation of sanctioned land use, including encroachments on roadsides and open spaces. LDA officials said the action forms part of ongoing efforts to prevent unauthorised real estate activity and to ensure orderly urban development. The authority has reiterated its commitment to continued monitoring and enforcement, warning that future violations will be acted upon promptly under applicable planning and municipal laws.Read more

02 Jan 2026

The long-pending Kumarichantha flyover project has resumed after the district administration stepped in to address safety concerns and ease tensions with local traders and residents. Construction had stalled earlier due to protests over the flyover's design. NHAI has decided to continue with its original three-pillar structure, citing technical feasibility, despite demands for a wider five-pillar layout. Following discussions led by the district collector, police security was assured and work restarted. The contractor has completed piling and begun preparations for major construction. The 800-metre flyover is expected to reduce traffic congestion and accidents at the busy Kumarichantha junction and is estimated to cost around INR 22 crore.Read more

02 Jan 2026

Opposition AIADMK councillors raised allegations of misuse of Smart City Mission funds during a Salem Municipal Corporation meeting and staged a walkout after heated exchanges with the ruling DMK members. They claimed that development works worth several crore rupees had not been properly implemented and that no new projects were initiated under the current administration. The opposition also questioned the decision to outsource tax collection to a private agency. The protest highlighted ongoing concerns over fund utilisation, project execution and accountability in Salem's urban development programmes.Read more

02 Jan 2026

Maharashtra's smart city projects are nearing completion, yet works worth INR 1,555 crore under the Smart Cities Mission remain unfinished. While most tasks under the mission, which aims to improve urban infrastructure, mobility, and sanitation, have been delivered, the pending works include road construction, public space improvements, water supply upgrades, and other civic projects. Delays are due to coordination issues, land acquisition challenges, and procedural clearances. City Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are being urged to complete these tasks quickly so that citizens can fully benefit from the planned infrastructure.Read more

02 Jan 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated preparations for the detailed project report (DPR) to widen the Kopargaon Malegaon highway to four lanes, a key route connecting north-west Maharashtra. As part of the DPR, NHAI will assess the feasibility of a bypass around Yevla to divert heavy traffic away from the town centre. The Pimpalgaon Jalal toll plaza has been closed following the end of its contract, and the highway is now fully managed by NHAI. The project addresses long-standing concerns over traffic congestion and safety along this important freight and commuter corridor.Read more

01 Jan 2026

The Odisha government has ordered an urgent road safety audit of the Janpath-Cuttack Road flyover in Bhubaneswar, following repeated accidents along this busy corridor. Transport officials will evaluate risks for pedestrians, including the visually impaired, and suggest both immediate and long-term safety improvements. Temporary measures like speed restriction signs, marked crossings, and improved night lighting are already being implemented. The audit will follow Indian Road Congress guidelines to examine footpaths, crossings, signage, and traffic calming measures, aligning with Odisha's wider push to enhance urban road safety and protect vulnerable commuters.Read more

01 Jan 2026

Mappls, the digital mapping and navigation platform from MapmyIndia, has expanded its services by introducing multimodal public transport routing across metro rail and bus networks. The new feature allows users to plan journeys using different public transport modes within a single app, showing routes, stations, stops and interchange points. Currently available on web and iOS platforms, the service covers several major Indian cities and will be extended to Android users and more urban centres in phases, with support from transport authorities to improve data accuracy and coverage.Read more

01 Jan 2026

IRB Infrastructure Trust has approved an investment in IRB Harihara Corridors for the TOT-17 highway project, reinforcing its focus on toll-based road assets. The trust will invest up to INR 36 billion in the SPV, which has also been allowed to raise term loans of up to INR 72 billion. The move supports the acquisition and operation of a national highway under the toll-operate-transfer model. This decision adds to IRB Infrastructure Trust's growing portfolio of long-term, revenue-generating road infrastructure projects.Read more

01 Jan 2026

The mayor of Panchkula has inaugurated infrastructure works worth around INR 7 crore, aimed at improving rural and urban development across the city's wards 19 and 20. The project package includes investments in road connectivity, drainage systems, power supply, sanitation and solid waste management. Key components include scientific waste management facilities, new peripheral roads with drainage, concrete drains and utility upgrades. The works also feature enhancements to sewage treatment plants and electricity infrastructure. The mayor said the focus is on enhancing core infrastructure and civic amenities to benefit residents in both urban and adjoining rural areas, signalling an ongoing push to strengthen citywide development.Read more