18 Dec 2025

Sri Lanka's Road Development Authority has reported infrastructure losses of nearly INR 75 billion due to damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, with total rehabilitation needs estimated at around INR 190 billion. The cyclone damaged 316 roads and 40 bridges, severely disrupting regional connectivity. To fund restoration, the RDA is seeking financial support, including a proposed INR 2 billion loan from the World Bank, along with assistance from other lenders. Other public utilities were also hit, with significant losses reported by electricity and water supply agencies. While essential services have largely been restored, large-scale reconstruction remains a priority, highlighting the significant fiscal and infrastructure challenges facing Sri Lanka's recovery efforts.Read more

18 Dec 2025

Nagpur has received a major infrastructure push with projects worth INR 2,980 crore being inaugurated and launched across the city and nearby Vidarbha areas. The works cover roads, drainage, sewage, water supply, footpaths and civic facilities, involving agencies such as the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Nagpur Improvement Trust, Public Works Department, MahaMetro and MahaRail. The programme took place shortly before the State Election Commission announced municipal election dates, bringing attention to the scale of ongoing urban development and the focus on improving basic city infrastructure.Read more

18 Dec 2025

Dubai's Binghatti Developers and German luxury brand Mercedes Benz have announced a joint real estate project valued at AED 30 billion to build the world's first Mercedes Benz branded city in the Meydan area. The development, known as Mercedes Benz Places Binghatti City, will span over 10 million square feet and include branded residential towers, retail areas, cultural and leisure districts, parks, mobility hubs, wellness zones, and community spaces. This marks the second collaboration between the two companies following a previously successful residential project and represents Binghatti's first fully master planned community. The official launch is planned for early next year.Read more

18 Dec 2025

Real estate developer Doxa AB has won approval of the detailed plan for its project near Brunnsh gstorget in Lund from the Land and Environment Court of Appeal, lifting a prior suspension and allowing the project to proceed. The plan covers about 50,000 square meters in the Torgkvarteren area and is mainly for residential development. Archus will now assist Doxa with investment strategy and preparations for building permits. This decision supports ongoing urban growth in Brunnshg, a district designed with strong sustainability goals and mixed uses.Read more

18 Dec 2025

The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has decided to develop a satellite port at Pavinakurve on Karnataka's Uttara Kannada coast, after previous attempts by the Karnataka Maritime Board to attract private investment failed. The port, located near the Sharavathi and Badagani rivers, is planned to handle 14 million tonnes of cargo initially, with future expansion potential to 37.4 million tonnes by 2050. The authority will conduct feasibility studies before moving forward. The project aims to improve regional maritime trade and strengthen Karnataka's port infrastructure.Read more

18 Dec 2025

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated eight major rail road projects in Vidarbha as part of a wider set of 12 works costing INR 609 crore. These include four Road Over Bridges (RoBs), three Road Under Bridges (RuBs), and the long-awaited 1,372 metre Lakadganj flyover in Nagpur. The projects aim to eliminate level crossings, reduce traffic congestion, enhance commuter safety, and ensure smoother travel. Built jointly by the Ministry of Railways and Maharashtra government under a 50:50 cost sharing model, the works are expected to support regional mobility and economic growth.Read more

17 Dec 2025

The Centre has proposed a comprehensive revamp of the rural employment guarantee programme by replacing MGNREGA with a new law titled the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin). The proposed framework raises the annual employment guarantee to 125 days per household and shifts the scheme from an open-ended demand model to a centrally sponsored structure with a defined Centre state funding pattern. The redesign places stronger emphasis on durable rural infrastructure, improved planning, and tighter digital controls to address long-standing concerns over leakages and weak asset creation.Read more

17 Dec 2025

Tripura has taken a key step toward strengthening its industrial rail infrastructure after the Centre approved the final location survey for a proposed railway line connecting Jirania with the Bodhjungnagar industrial estate in West Tripura. The 14-km project, with the survey estimated at INR 42 lakh, is expected to improve freight movement and industrial connectivity. State officials believe the rail link will support logistics efficiency for existing industries and encourage future investments in the region while improving overall rail connectivity within the state.Read more

17 Dec 2025

Indian Railways has extended the MGR Chennai Central Vijayawada Vande Bharat Express to Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district, improving high-speed rail access to coastal towns. The service now runs on a branch line for the first time, with stops at Gudivada Junction and Bhimavaram Town. The extension shortens travel time between Narsapur and Chennai to about nine hours, offering a faster option than existing trains. Flagged off by Union Minister B. Srinivasa Varma, the move responds to long-standing passenger demand and supports students, professionals and medical travellers. The extension also complements station upgrades planned under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, strengthening regional rail connectivity.Read more

17 Dec 2025

Members of the Rajya Sabha recently raised serious concerns over rail safety, connectivity gaps and delays in project execution across several states. Lawmakers highlighted structural defects in a rail overbridge on the Narmadapuram Itarsi section, calling for strict action and proper reconstruction. They also pressed for extending premium train services, completing long-pending rail lines, and improving station infrastructure. Delays in operationalising a regional rapid transit corridor were questioned as well. The discussion reflected growing concern over safety standards and the slow pace of rail infrastructure delivery.Read more

17 Dec 2025

A Delhi Metro station operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has received the National Energy Conservation Award for its strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainable operations. The recognition highlights the station's use of energy-saving technologies such as efficient lighting, smart monitoring systems and renewable energy integration, including solar power. DMRC's wider sustainability efforts, including regenerative braking, building management systems and optimised power usage, have helped reduce energy consumption and operating costs. Officials said the award reflects the metro network's long-term commitment to green urban transport. The practices adopted at the awarded station are being replicated across the network, reinforcing Delhi Metro's role as a benchmark for sustainable public infrastructure.Read more

17 Dec 2025

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has instructed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to implement a detailed 28-point compliance plan to address worsening air quality in Mumbai. The directive follows a recent review that showed a steady decline in air conditions, with fine particulate matter emerging as the main concern. Officials have clarified that the problem is not linked to a sudden rise in construction activity alone but is largely driven by PM2.5 from vehicles, industries, and open waste burning. The civic body has been asked to submit an action-taken report.Read more

17 Dec 2025

The IIT-Kanpur Metro Station has received a Certificate of Merit at the National Energy Conservation Awards for its sustained efforts in reducing electricity consumption and improving energy efficiency. The recognition highlights Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation's initiatives that have led to a nearly 39% reduction in energy use across its metro operations, resulting in annual savings of around 7 million units of power and cost savings of about INR 5 crore. The award reinforces the metro's focus on efficient systems, renewable energy use and lower carbon emissions.Read more

17 Dec 2025

ReNew Energy Global has partnered with Google to develop a 150 MW solar power project in Rajasthan, strengthening corporate participation in India's clean energy transition. Scheduled for commissioning in 2026, the project is expected to generate around 425,000 MWh of renewable electricity annually, enough to power over 360,000 households. Under a long-term agreement, Google will procure the project's energy attributes, including carbon credits, supporting its decarbonisation goals while ensuring project viability. The collaboration expands ReNew's commercial and industrial renewable portfolio to 2.7 GW. The project aligns with India's target of scaling non-fossil fuel capacity and highlights growing demand for large-scale, corporate-backed renewable energy investments.Read more

17 Dec 2025

The Indore Metro project is moving into its next development phase, with authorities working to extend the operational corridor up to Radisson Square, a major commercial and hospitality hub. The expansion will convert the existing Super Priority Corridor into a longer stretch of nearly 17 km, improving connectivity and passenger reach. Most civil and systems work on the extended corridor is nearing completion. Chief Minister Shri Mohan Yadav is expected to review project progress soon, including timelines and alignment plans. Proposals such as limited underground sections in congested areas are also under consideration. The extension is aimed at boosting public transport usage, easing traffic congestion and supporting Indore's long-term urban mobility and infrastructure growth plans.Read more

17 Dec 2025

The central government has issued detailed guidelines to enhance safety and planning in road tunnel projects after several collapses, including the Uttarkashi incident in 2023. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways now requires a risk register and a Geotechnical Baseline Report (GBR) at the planning stage, which must be shared with bidders during tendering. Authorities overseeing tunnel projects are accountable at all stages, supported by expert teams covering design, execution, and safety. These steps aim to reduce disputes, improve project transparency, and ensure accurate risk assessment throughout the project lifecycle.Read more

17 Dec 2025

Bengaluru's Namma Metro Pink Line is approaching operational readiness as the first six coach prototype train from BEML arrives for testing. Under a INR 3,000 crore contract, BEML is supplying 318 standard-gauge metro cars for the Pink and Blue Lines, along with 15 years of maintenance support. Initial oscillation and safety trials will ensure the train's stability at higher speeds, with approvals required from the Ministry of Railways, RDSO, and the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety. The elevated 7.5 km section may open by May 2026, while the remaining 13 km underground stretch is expected by the end of 2026.Read more

17 Dec 2025

Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd has received an order worth INR 132 crore from its joint venture, Touax Texmaco Railcar Leasing Pvt Ltd, to supply a full rake of BLSS and BVCM freight wagons. The contract, executed at arm's length, will be delivered in phases, with completion expected by July next year. The deal adds to the company's growing order book and reflects steady demand for rail freight wagons in India. It strengthens Texmaco Rail's position in manufacturing modern wagons for bulk material and versatile freight movement.Read more

17 Dec 2025

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways has announced three inland waterway projects in Mizoram aimed at improving connectivity, trade, and tourism in the northeastern state. The projects target the Tlawng and Chhimtuipui rivers, involving navigability surveys, feasibility studies, and infrastructure development including terminals and jetties. Stage-I construction is already underway in Lunglei district. These initiatives align with broader regional waterway development efforts and complement strategic projects like the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project, connecting northeastern India to international trade routes through Myanmar.Read more

17 Dec 2025

ACME Solar Holdings Ltd clarified that its 300 MW solar power project in Rajasthan is operating without any transmission or evacuation constraints. The company said the project has received effective long-term General Network Access, allowing it to evacuate its entire capacity through dedicated transmission infrastructure. While several solar projects in the state are currently dependent on temporary grid arrangements due to pending transmission links, ACME's project is not affected. The commissioning of a key transmission line has also eased grid constraints for thousands of megawatts of solar capacity across Rajasthan.Read more