09 Nov 2023

The revenue department in Kochi has issued an 11(1) notification for land acquisition for five metro stations on the Phase II line of the Kochi Metro, with two more notifications expected soon. The proposed stations at Palarivattom Junction, Kakkanad, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukara, and Kinfra will require the acquisition of 0.9544 hectares of land from Edappally South and Kakkanad villages. KMRL aims to create eco-friendly, modern architectural designs for the stations. Construction work is planned to be expedited, with a precast method for station construction. There are some concerns about the proximity of the St Michael's Church to the metro alignment which had earlier led to protests.Read more

08 Nov 2023

The Pune metro extension to Nigdi, a project worth over Rs 900 crore, has received the Union government's approval and is set to begin work in February. The extension, covering 4.4 km, will connect Chinchwad, Akurdi, and Nigdi. The project does not require any major land parcel, except for the stations, due to its alignment along the existing Pune-Mumbai highway median. The viaduct will extend from PCMC station to Chinchwad, with discussions to determine station locations and land requirements in coordination with the PCMC. This extension will benefit industrial workers in Chinchwad and Akurdi, as well as students traveling to Nigdi and Akurdi. Some commuters express disappointment at the three-year wait for these metro services.Read more

08 Nov 2023

The Gautam Buddh Nagar administration in Noida will enforce GRAP III as invoked by CAQM amid deteriorating air quality, implementing a strict ban on construction activities across Noida and Greater Noida. The ban excludes essential works but covers all others, following CAQM guidelines. Violations recorded in October led to penalties of approximately Rs 89 lakh. The main contributors to pollution in Noida are construction and road-side dust, along with vehicular emissions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuated between "very poor" and "severe". Measures like an odd-even scheme and road rationing have been proposed to combat the issue.Read more

07 Nov 2023

In Trichy, a resolution was passed to allocate 14.1 acres of land in Panjapur near the Trichy-Madurai national highway for the construction of Tidel Park. The previous allotment of 8.9 acres was cancelled to accommodate the Tidel management's request for a larger land parcel to build a mega office space for IT and ITES companies near the upcoming integrated bus terminus (IBT). The Trichy corporation has agreed to transfer ownership of the land to Tidel Park Limited at a cost of Rs. 282 per sqft. The construction is expected to begin in March 2024. Additionally, the council approved road improvements at the Central bus stand.Read more

04 Nov 2023

Nagpur District Collector Vipin Itankar conducted a meeting to expedite the land acquisition process for the second phase of the Nagpur Metro project. The meeting addressed several pending land acquisition proposals and emphasised the need for timely planning to avoid delays. Itankar instructed the revenue department to ensure prompt disposal of all acquisition proposals and encouraged better coordination between the revenue department and the Metro for quicker results. Additionally, discussions with the defence department about land issues on Wardha Road were urged. The Metro project aims for completion by 2024 but has been hindered by lingering land acquisition proposals.Read more

04 Nov 2023

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated three significant development projects, further enhancing the bilateral ties between the two nations. The projects include the historic Agartala-Akhaura cross-border rail link, the Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line, and Unit 2 of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant in Bangladesh's Rampal. The rail link is crucial for improving cross-border trade, reducing travel time, and expanding connectivity between India’s Northeast and Bangladesh. These projects reflect the strong collaboration and friendship between the two countries, ultimately contributing to regional development and cooperation. India has played a vital role as Bangladesh's largest development partner.Read more

03 Nov 2023

In the midst of a wave of urban beautification projects sweeping through the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has now turned its attention to the iconic Shivaji Park in Dadar. This latest development was spurred by a recent visit from Member of Parliament Rahul Shewale, during which he unveiled a comprehensive plan to revamp the beloved park. The proposed enhancements encompass a wide range of changes, including measures to combat pollution and dust, the installation of smog towers, and the addition of impressive new features like the country's tallest tricolour flag. However, these beautification plans have not been without controversy, as concerns arise regarding their impact on the park's historical and recreational significance.Read more

03 Nov 2023

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved an additional Rs. 880 crore as compensation for the second phase of the Noida International Airport, bringing the total pay out to landowners to Rs 4,780 crore. Approximately 70% of the 1,181 hectares of land required across six villages in Jewar has been acquired, with Rs 2,800 crore already distributed to farmers. The remaining land will be used for a maintenance, repair, and overhauling (MRO) hub. NIAL plans to attract international investments for the MRO centre, positioning the region as an aviation hub in India. The first phase of the airport is set to commission in October 2024, with future phases expanding its capacity and facilities. NIAL would be India’s largest airport once completed.Read more

02 Nov 2023

Suburban Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has responded to local opposition to the reconstruction of the Malabar Hill Water Reservoir by instructing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to establish a technical assessment committee. This committee will include professors from IIT (Bombay), BMC engineers, and local residents with technical expertise. Its primary task is to evaluate the reservoir and decide whether it should be repaired or demolished. The controversy arose due to the reconstruction plan's potential impact on trees and opposition from residents. This committee's diverse composition and its technical assessment will play a crucial role in determining the reservoir's fate, balancing historical preservation with contemporary needs.Read more

02 Nov 2023

Amid worsening air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), real estate developers have requested that the government not impose bans on construction activities that don't contribute to pollution. The revised graded response action plan (GRAP) mandates construction bans during "severe" air quality conditions. Developers argue that not all construction activities cause pollution and have urged authorities to allow non-polluting work to continue to meet project deadlines. They emphasize the impact on laborers, who often return home due to frequent bans, causing delays in apartment deliveries and then hefty RERA fines for delivery delays.Read more