15 Apr 2026

The second phase of Amaravati's land pooling scheme has gathered pace following amendments to the Andhra Pradesh State Reorganisation Act (APSRA), which have reaffirmed Amaravati as the state's capital. The Andhra Pradesh government is seeking to pool an additional 16,666 acres across multiple villages in the capital region to support infrastructure projects, including a greenfield airport and industrial developments. Participation from landowners, initially limited due to concerns over political uncertainty and delays in earlier commitments, has shown signs of improvement. The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has undertaken outreach measures to rebuild confidence among farmers, while also initiating land acquisition in cases where voluntary pooling has not progressed. The scheme forms a key component of the state's strategy to advance capital region development.Read more

15 Apr 2026

The Maharashtra government is preparing to launch a digital portal that will enable citizens to access property valuation reports online, based on official ready reckoner rates. Developed by the Department of Registration and Stamps, the platform will allow users to generate indicative market valuations by entering property-specific details such as location, type, and age. The reports, expected to be digitally signed in subsequent phases, aim to provide clarity on property values and associated stamp duty liabilities before transactions are executed. The initiative is part of a broader push towards digitisation in land and property administration across the state, following earlier measures to grant legal validity to digital land records. The portal is also expected to ease pressure on sub-registrar offices and streamline transaction planning for buyers and sellers.Read more

Chennai News Desk

15 Apr 2026

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced a lake restoration initiative worth INR 35 crore aimed at rejuvenating three key urban waterbodies Nolambur, Ramanthangal and Subramaniya lakes. The project, planned in the past week, adopts a blue-green infrastructure approach combining ecological restoration with urban design improvements. Works will include desilting, strengthening of bunds, creation of wetlands and bio-filtration systems to enhance water quality and groundwater recharge. Public amenities such as walkways and viewing decks are also proposed. The initiative responds to persistent urban flooding, declining groundwater levels, and degradation of natural drainage systems due to rapid urbanisation. Authorities intend the project to serve as a model for future waterbody restoration efforts across Chennai.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

15 Apr 2026

The Maharashtra government is advancing a slum cluster redevelopment scheme in Mumbai aimed at rehabilitating nearly seven lakh slum dwellers through integrated housing projects. The initiative, reviewed during a recent meeting of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), seeks to address stalled and unviable redevelopment projects while improving living conditions in densely populated areas. Authorities are in the process of identifying eligible slum clusters for redevelopment under a structured framework aligned with the state housing policy. The scheme is designed to promote large-scale redevelopment by aggregating land parcels and enabling better infrastructure planning. Additional approvals, including funding allocations for select projects and administrative restructuring within the SRA, were also discussed as part of efforts to streamline implementation and accelerate execution.Read more

Delhi News Desk

15 Apr 2026

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has initiated a mid-life refurbishment programme covering 70 trains operating on the Red and Blue Lines, targeting ageing rolling stock introduced between 2002 and 2007. The upgrade, announced in the past week, is being executed in phases and is scheduled for completion by November 2027. So far, 31 trains have been refurbished, with further units under various stages of upgrade. The programme includes improvements to train interiors, electrical systems, and safety mechanisms such as fire detection systems and CCTV surveillance. Passenger-facing enhancements such as real-time information systems and charging points are also being introduced. The initiative aims to align older trains with current operational standards while maintaining service reliability across two of the network's busiest corridors.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has announced a brownfield expansion of its Bokaro Steel Plant in Jharkhand with an investment of INR 20,000 crore, aimed at increasing production capacity from 5.25 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 7.55 MTPA. The plan, outlined recently, involves installation of new industrial infrastructure including a blast furnace, coke oven battery, and upgraded rolling facilities. The project is expected to generate around 2,500 direct jobs and up to 10,000 indirect employment opportunities. Positioned within India's broader objective of scaling domestic steel output to 300 MTPA by 2030, the expansion also incorporates modernisation and efficiency improvements to existing systems, supporting both industrial growth and regional economic activity in Jharkhand.Read more

14 Apr 2026

The Delhi-Dehradun economic corridor, a 213-km six-lane access-controlled expressway built at a cost exceeding INR 12,000 crore, is set to be inaugurated, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities from over six hours to about two and a half hours. Spanning Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the project includes advanced traffic systems and multiple interchanges to improve connectivity. It also incorporates extensive wildlife mitigation features, including a 12-km elevated corridor and animal passages, reflecting a focus on balancing infrastructure development with ecological considerations. The project is expected to support regional economic activity, tourism, and trade across northern India.Read more

14 Apr 2026

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has implemented a nationwide shift to fully digital toll collection across national highways, effective from April 10, eliminating cash payments at toll plazas. Under the new framework, commuters must use FASTag or Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for toll transactions, with penalties imposed for non-compliance. Vehicles without FASTag are required to pay up to 1.25 times the standard toll fee through digital modes. The move applies to more than 1,100 toll plazas and is aimed at improving traffic flow, reducing congestion, and enhancing operational efficiency. The transition builds on India's electronic toll collection system and forms part of a broader push towards digitisation in transport infrastructure and revenue management.Read more

14 Apr 2026

Enviro Infra Engineers has secured sewage infrastructure projects worth INR 972 crore in Maharashtra under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0, strengthening its presence in the urban wastewater segment. The contracts, awarded for multiple urban local bodies, involve development of sewage treatment plants (STPs), interception and diversion networks, and extensive sewer pipeline systems across Pune and Nashik regions. The projects will be executed on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis within a 24-month timeline. The initiative is aimed at improving sanitation infrastructure and wastewater management in smaller and mid-sized urban centres, particularly those with populations below one lakh. The orders also expand the company's project pipeline and align with ongoing government efforts to enhance urban sanitation coverage across Maharashtra.Read more

14 Apr 2026

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) has acquired a 51% controlling stake in Sri Lanka-based Colombo Dockyard PLC for INR 249.5 crore, marking its first international acquisition. The transaction, completed following a mandatory offer to shareholders, increases MDL's holding from around 41.73% to majority control. The Colombo-based facility is a key shipbuilding and repair yard in the region, and the acquisition enables MDL to expand its operational footprint beyond India. The deal forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen presence in the global shipbuilding and maritime services sector. It also follows earlier equity infusions and share purchases from existing stakeholders, including Japan's Onomichi Dockyard, culminating in the transfer of controlling interest.Read more