Noida News Desk

32 minutes ago

Residents of La Residentia Society in Greater Noida West renewed their protests earlier this week, highlighting unresolved maintenance problems, including irregular water supply, frequent power outages, and malfunctioning lifts. Around 2,200 of the society's 3,256 flats are occupied, and families, including children and the elderly, gathered outside the builder's sales office seeking urgent intervention. Demonstrators also stressed poor upkeep of common areas and security lapses. They plan a peaceful sit in and a 10-day agitation camp during the upcoming Navratras to press for immediate attention and a responsive maintenance system.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The Telangana High Court recently suggested that the state government consider creating specialised tribunals to deal with disputes related to building permissions, illegal constructions, and municipal enforcement actions. The observation came during a hearing related to a building approval dispute in Kothapet in Medchal Malkajgiri district. The court noted that a rising number of such matters are directly reaching the High Court, adding to the case burden. A dedicated tribunal with judicial and technical members could help resolve these issues faster while allowing constitutional courts to focus on more complex legal matters.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has introduced a scheme granting 90% relief on penalties for property tax defaulters, allowing them to pay only 10% of the penalty amount along with their pending taxes. This initiative aims to improve tax recovery ahead of the fiscal year-end, addressing arrears of around INR 308 crore, with penalties totaling INR 191 crore. Residents can pay online, at ward offices, or through a new WhatsApp and chatbot system. While it may ease financial burdens on defaulters, some on-time taxpayers have raised concerns about fairness.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Clean energy company ReNew Green Energy Solutions has raised USD 95 million (around INR 878 crore) in equity from a consortium led by LeapFrog Investments. The funds will support the expansion of its commercial and industrial (C&I) renewable energy platform. LeapFrog has committed USD 50 million directly, with the rest coming from co-investors Emerging Market Climate Action Fund and Carlyle AlpInvest. ReNew's portfolio includes 2.5 GW capacity, over 2 GW of which is commissioned, with 1.3 GW under long-term agreements with global companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The Reserve Bank of India has announced a seven-day variable rate repo auction worth INR 1.5 lakh crore, scheduled for the coming week, with funds set to reverse after seven days. This move comes amid a surplus liquidity of around INR 2.08 lakh crore in the banking system. Since January 2026, the RBI has injected INR 3.5 lakh crore through open market operations. The central bank's continuous liquidity support aims to maintain stable overnight rates and ease pressures from upcoming tax outflows, including advance tax and GST.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Acrophyte Hospitality Trust has terminated the proposed sale of the Hyatt Place Memphis Primacy Parkway property in the United States. The decision marks a change in the trust's earlier plan to divest the hotel asset as part of its portfolio management strategy. While the company had previously explored selling the property, the transaction will no longer move forward. Acrophyte Hospitality Trust, listed in Singapore, continues to review opportunities to manage and optimise its hospitality assets across markets. The development reflects the trust's ongoing approach to evaluating its portfolio and adjusting plans depending on market conditions and strategic priorities.Read more

17 Mar 2026

IndiGo has teamed up with Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) to allow members of its BlueChip loyalty programme to earn rewards while shopping duty-free at AAHL-operated airports. Under the collaboration, travellers earn five BlueChips for every INR 100 spent on pre-booked duty-free products through the Adani platform. Customers can browse, reserve, and pay for items online before their flight and collect them conveniently at the airport. Currently, the programme is active at several airports, with plans to expand to Guwahati's Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and the newly opened Navi Mumbai International Airport.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Vedanta Ltd has approved raising up to INR 2,575 crore via the issuance of unsecured, redeemable, rated, listed, non-convertible debentures, each valued at INR 1,00,000. This move is part of the company's strategy to diversify funding sources, refinance existing debt, and lower borrowing costs. Strong investor interest has marked previous offerings, including an oversubscribed USD 500 million bond last October. The company has steadily reduced net debt over the past three years and is pursuing a corporate demerger to simplify its structure and unlock value.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Sebi is taking multiple steps to strengthen India's investment advisory ecosystem, focusing on compliance, transparency, and guidance. Measures include a standardised light-touch penalty structure, a digital regulatory platform called SEBI SETU, and a common advertisement code for intermediaries. A working group is reviewing overlaps between Mutual Fund Distributors and investment advisers, while NISM is preparing a simplified certification module for non-core advisory staff. Despite a growing investor base, the number of registered investment advisers has declined since 2021, raising concerns about reliance on unregulated voices and influencer-driven guidance.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The Reserve Bank of India has levied an INR 3.1 lakh penalty on Cashfree Payments India Pvt Ltd for non-compliance with regulatory directives. The inspection covered the period from April 2024 to June 2025, and the penalty followed an initial notice and confirmation of violations. The RBI noted that the action addresses deficiencies in statutory and regulatory compliance, without challenging the validity of transactions with customers. Cashfree failed to follow specific guidelines for payment aggregators and gateways, and the penalty was applied under powers provided by the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust has acquired a freehold temperature-controlled logistics facility in the Netherlands for EUR 35 million through its manager, Stoneweg EREIT Management. The acquisition strengthens the trust�s logistics and cold-chain portfolio in Europe, where demand for specialised storage linked to food, pharmaceuticals and e-commerce continues to grow. Temperature-controlled logistics assets are considered a resilient segment due to stable tenant demand and long-term lease structures. The deal forms part of the trust�s broader strategy to expand its European logistics platform and enhance income-generating assets within its portfolio.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Hettich India has inaugurated a new automated manufacturing facility in Indore, strengthening its production capabilities in the country and supporting its long-term plan to position India as a global manufacturing hub. The plant will manufacture advanced undermount drawer runners used in premium furniture and modular kitchens. The facility forms part of the company's overall investment of about INR 2,000 crore in India and is expected to create around 300 additional jobs. With automation, sustainability measures, and advanced German-engineered machinery, the new unit also aims to meet growing domestic demand while supporting exports to multiple international markets.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The World Bank has agreed to provide USD 300 million to support Uttar Pradesh's Clean Air Plan, aiming to improve air quality while creating jobs for youth and women. The UP Clean Air Management Program will focus on transport, agriculture, and industry, installing nearly 200 new air quality monitors and transitioning over 700 brick kilns to efficient technology. The initiative will also provide clean cooking solutions to 3.9 million households and promote efficient fertiliser use among farmers. The programme leverages around USD 150 million in private investment, contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.Read more

17 Mar 2026

China's housing market remained under pressure as new home prices continued to decline in February, reflecting the prolonged stress in the country's property sector. Official data showed prices fell both annually and monthly, while most cities recorded declines. Although some top-tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai showed slight improvement, demand remained weak in many lower-tier markets due to high inventory and slow economic sentiment. The downturn, which began after stricter borrowing rules for developers, continues to affect consumer confidence and economic activity. Policymakers are focusing on stabilising the sector through structural reforms rather than returning to debt-led growth.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has permitted Brookfield-backed Chronos Properties to replace its bank guarantee for the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) headquarters property of IL&FS, which expired earlier this month. Chronos original bid was INR 1,080 crore, later revised to INR 1,481 crore under value-maximisation framework. The tribunal allowed the company a week to submit a fresh demand draft and confirmed that its earlier interim order restricting IL&FS from creating third-party rights on the property will continue until the appeal is decided.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) has joined hands with realty platform Magicbricks to enhance research, market intelligence, and policy discussions within the Indian real estate sector. The one-year partnership will position Magicbricks as NAREDCO's knowledge and official broadcast partner, providing research reports, monthly co-branded newsletters, and insights through MBTV. With the real estate industry moving towards greater transparency and structured frameworks, the collaboration aims to support developers, investors, and consumers by delivering accurate, timely data and digital reach, helping them make informed decisions in a complex market.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has given the Noida Authority a final opportunity to comply with its earlier directions related to the long-stalled Sports City project in Sector 150, Noida. The court stressed that the authority must implement the framework already laid down to revive the development. The project, which was planned as an integrated township with sports infrastructure and residential units, had been halted after regulatory action over policy violations. The delays have affected thousands of homebuyers. The latest order indicates that the court expects authorities to move forward with approvals and ensure that the revival process is implemented.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Enterprise technology infrastructure provider Aurionpro Solutions has secured a multi-year contract valued at nearly INR 350 crore from a hyperscale operator to develop a large data centre facility in southern India. The project involves the creation of an artificial intelligence-ready green data centre designed to support high-density computing workloads and next-generation digital infrastructure requirements. Under the contract, the company will undertake the design, detailed engineering and full execution of mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works. The project commenced earlier this month and is expected to be completed over the next six to seven quarters. The contract comes amid rapid expansion in India's data centre sector, where capacity reached approximately 1.5 gigawatts in 2025 and is projected to grow to around 2 gigawatts by the end of 2026.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Brigade Enterprises Ltd announced that its flexible workspace brand BuzzWorks has leased office space in Hyderabad to MyComplianceOffice. The deal adds another enterprise client to BuzzWorks managed office portfolio in the city's growing commercial market. BuzzWorks operates as Brigade's managed and flexible workspace platform, catering to corporates seeking ready-to-move office environments. The transaction reflects continued demand for managed offices from global firms expanding their presence in India. Brigade Group has been steadily scaling its flexible workspace segment, particularly in major technology hubs such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai, as companies increasingly prefer plug-and-play workspaces.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The State Government is enhancing emergency services in Amaravati by constructing fire stations at key locations. A new station will be established on a 50-cent site at Nelapadu within the Amaravati Government Complex, home to major administrative offices. Director General of Fire Services P. V. Ramana laid the foundation stone, with construction managed by the AP Police Housing Corporation at a cost of INR 1.28 crore. The project is set for completion by November 2026, reflecting the government's commitment to strengthening fire safety infrastructure.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Cella Space Ltd has received board approval to undertake real estate transactions through the creation of subsidiaries. The company informed that its board has authorised the purchase and disposal of real estate assets by forming subsidiaries and executing subsequent sales through these entities. The move indicates a structured approach to managing property-related investments and transactions within the company's corporate framework. Such arrangements are often used by companies to manage development projects, asset transfers, and ownership structures more efficiently. The decision forms part of the company's broader corporate and investment planning strategy.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority resolved 6,945 complaints from homebuyers during the past year, even though 5,073 new grievances were filed during the same period. This resulted in a record complaint disposal rate of 137%, indicating faster resolution of both new and older cases. Over the past two years, the authority has significantly improved its disposal performance compared to its earlier years, when resolution rates ranged between 50% and 70%. MahaRERA has also begun prioritising older complaints and speeding up hearings, while strengthening scrutiny during project registrations to reduce disputes and ensure timely delivery of housing projects.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to develop future-ready IT Parks across the Union Territory in phases, starting with an Innovation and Research Park at the IIT Jammu campus on the outskirts of Jammu city. The project received momentum after the institute's Board of Governors approved the Detailed Project Report earlier this year and the UT administration granted in-principle approval for collaboration. The plan includes upgrading existing space at the campus, constructing new infrastructure by 2028, and expanding the park outside the campus later to encourage greater industry participation, innovation, and employment generation.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Akasa Air has entered into a strategic collaboration with Noida International Airport to establish an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility within the airport premises. The initiative aims to strengthen India's aviation infrastructure and support the development of a domestic MRO ecosystem. The facility will handle a wide range of aircraft maintenance activities and is expected to improve operational efficiency while creating employment opportunities and promoting skill development in the region. The project also comes as India's aviation sector expands rapidly and seeks greater self-reliance in maintenance services.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The Union government has extended the implementation period of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 until September 30, 2026, allowing more time to complete houses under construction and release funds for pending projects. The scheme aims to support the housing needs of nearly one crore urban families over five years. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu informed Parliament that the extension would help states and implementing agencies finish ongoing projects smoothly. The programme continues the Centre's push to expand affordable housing access for economically weaker and low-income families in urban areas.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Sweden-based Prisma Properties AB has acquired a retail property in Lahti, Finland, as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the Nordic discount retail segment. The acquisition was completed at a property value of about EUR 9.6 million. The asset is fully leased on long-term agreements with a lease duration of around 11 years and generates an annual rental income of about EUR 750,000. The deal aligns with the company's focus on investing in retail properties anchored by discount operators across the Nordic region. The acquisition further expands Prisma's portfolio in Finland, a market where the company has been gradually increasing its investments.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Managed workspace provider COWRKS, part of Brookfield Properties, has leased 80,000 square feet of office space in Bellandur, Bengaluru to fintech company Cashfree Payments for its new corporate headquarters. The facility will accommodate around 800 desks within the managed office environment. The transaction adds to COWRKS expanding portfolio of flexible office spaces across major Indian cities. The company currently operates 45 centres across eight cities, with a total leasable area exceeding 2.1 million square feet and more than 26,500 desks under management. The leasing comes amid sustained demand for Grade-A office spaces and flexible work environments, particularly from technology companies and global firms establishing global capability centres across India's leading office markets.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Electricity demand from India's expanding data centre sector is projected to reach 13.56 gigawatts (GW) by 2031-32, according to information provided by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in Parliament. Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada stated that national data centre capacity has grown significantly in recent years, rising from about 375 megawatts (MW) in 2020 to roughly 1,500 MW by 2025. The anticipated surge in power demand reflects the rapid growth of artificial intelligence infrastructure and large-scale data processing facilities across the country. The government indicated that this rising energy requirement is already being factored into national power planning, while initiatives under the AI compute capacity framework are also expanding access to computing resources for startups, researchers and academic institutions.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The Karnataka government has approved industrial investment proposals worth INR 4,824.31 crore across 37 new projects and two expansion proposals during the 158th meeting of the State Level Single Window Approval Committee. The projects are expected to generate about 14,525 employment opportunities across 13 districts including Vijayapura, Bagalkote, Chitradurga, Kolar and Ramanagara. According to the state industries department, the approved investments cover a range of sectors such as IT infrastructure, technical textiles, compressed biogas, aerospace, electronics manufacturing, jewellery production, software services and hospitality development. Of the total approvals, 22 large and medium projects involve investments exceeding INR 50 crore, while 15 projects fall in the INR 15-50 crore range. The approvals form part of the state government's strategy to expand industrial capacity and attract investments across multiple districts.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Major homebuilders in the United Kingdom have raised concerns that the ongoing conflict involving Iran could further strain the housing market, which is already facing weak demand and affordability challenges. Rising oil and energy prices are expected to increase the cost of construction materials, while higher mortgage rates may make it harder for buyers to purchase homes. Developers such as Berkeley Group, Vistry, Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey, and Barratt Redrow have highlighted risks to demand, profitability, and construction costs. Although some indicators show early recovery in sales enquiries, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty continue to affect the sector's outlook.Read more

Gurugram News Desk

17 Mar 2026

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), Gurugram, carried out a demolition drive targeting several illegal colonies and unauthorised structures across multiple locations in the city as part of its enforcement action against unapproved real estate developments. During the operation conducted in the past week, officials demolished colonies and early-stage construction works in areas including Sadhrana village, Bhondsi and Sector 89. Structures removed during the drive included damp-proof course foundations, boundary walls, partially constructed buildings and internal road networks created to support illegal plotting activities. The enforcement action, supported by local police, is aimed at preventing unauthorised colonies being carved out on agricultural land without planning approval and curbing misleading plot sales to unsuspecting buyers. Authorities said such colonies typically lack civic infrastructure and violate planning regulations, and warned that strict action will continue against illegal development activities in Gurugram.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The Fifth State Finance Commission in Karnataka has recommended allowing property owners to pay property tax through monthly EMI-style instalments instead of a single annual payment. The proposal aims to reduce the burden of lump-sum payments and improve compliance among taxpayers in Bengaluru and other urban local bodies under the Greater Bengaluru Authority. The commission has also suggested measures such as door-to-door property surveys, digital verification through e-khata records, drone mapping and voluntary disclosure schemes to identify unassessed properties. Officials estimate that nearly 5 lakh properties remain outside the tax net, and bringing them under assessment could generate around INR 700 crore annually.Read more

17 Mar 2026

GMR Airports Ltd has secured the concession to upgrade, modernise and operate Cargo Terminal 1 at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi following a competitive bidding process conducted by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL). The development comes nearly ten months after DIAL terminated its cargo concession agreement with Turkish firm Celebi under directions from the civil aviation ministry. According to a regulatory filing, the project will be implemented under a revenue-share arrangement with DIAL and will run until 2036. The company estimated a revenue share payment of around INR 340 crore to DIAL during the first full year of operations. GMR Airports had been handling cargo terminal operations on an interim basis since the termination of the earlier concession agreement, ensuring continuity of services at the country's busiest airport.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Bengaluru-based real estate developer Brigade Enterprises Ltd has announced its entry into the industrial real estate segment with the launch of a 25-acre industrial park in Devanahalli, North Bengaluru. The proposed development, titled Brigade Industrial Park, will offer around 2 million square feet of leasable space aimed at high-growth sectors such as aerospace and defence, IT and IT-enabled services, and data centres. The company did not disclose the investment required for the project. In a separate development, the company's managed workspace subsidiary BuzzWorks has leased 550 office seats to Dublin-based regulatory technology firm MyComplianceOffice in Hyderabad, taking BuzzWorks total leased office footprint in the city to approximately 1.1 lakh square feet. Brigade Enterprises continues to expand its presence across multiple real estate segments including residential, commercial and hospitality projects.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Chinese property developer Fantasia Holdings has presented detailed terms of its offshore debt restructuring as it attempts to address about USD 4.66 billion in liabilities. The Shenzhen-based firm plans to settle creditor claims through a mix of new equity, mandatory convertible bonds and long-term secured notes. The proposal also includes conversion of a shareholder loan into equity and a fresh loan injection from its controlling shareholder. Fantasia had defaulted during the wider crisis in China's real estate sector in 2021. The restructuring plan forms part of ongoing efforts by several Chinese developers to stabilise finances and reach agreements with creditors.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The Government of Odisha has initiated a 10-day statewide road safety campaign aimed at curbing traffic violations and reducing the rising number of road accidents across the state. The initiative, led by the State Transport Authority, is scheduled to run from March 21 to March 31 and will combine enforcement actions with public awareness activities coordinated by regional transport offices. The drive will focus on common violations such as over-speeding, drink driving, triple riding on two-wheelers, riding without helmets, wrong-side driving and operating vehicles without valid licences. Authorities have instructed transport officials to intensify checks along national highways, state highways, mining corridors, urban arterial roads and accident-prone stretches. The campaign will also involve coordination with local police to conduct inspections and awareness programmes intended to improve compliance with traffic regulations and enhance road safety across Odisha.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Dar Al Majid Real Estate Company has increased its credit facility to SAR 684.5 million to support the expansion of its real estate business and the development of upcoming projects. The additional funding is expected to strengthen the company's financial capacity and help accelerate construction and project delivery. The move reflects the developer's focus on expanding its project pipeline and meeting growing demand in the property sector. Companies in the region have increasingly been using credit facilities and bank financing to support development activity, particularly as real estate markets in Saudi Arabia continue to see investment and infrastructure growth.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Shipwaves Online has secured a logistics digitalisation order worth INR 15.6 million from Hindalco Industries. The contract involves implementing digital solutions aimed at improving logistics management and operational efficiency within Hindalco's supply chain. The move highlights the growing adoption of technology-driven systems by large manufacturing companies to streamline freight tracking, documentation, and logistics coordination. Hindalco, one of India's major metals producers and part of the Aditya Birla Group, has been increasingly focusing on digital transformation across its operations. The project is expected to support more transparent and efficient logistics processes within the company's supply network.Read more

Ludhiana News Desk

17 Mar 2026

The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation has introduced a doorstep property tax collection service to make payments easier for residents and improve recovery of pending dues. Under the system, civic teams equipped with handheld POS machines will visit residential and commercial properties to assess and collect tax on the spot. The corporation has deployed 48 machines across four municipal zones and allows payments through cash, cards, UPI, bank drafts, and digital transfers with instant receipts. Officials said the move is aimed at recovering pending payments and helping the civic body reach its annual property tax target of INR 160 crore.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The Telangana government has initiated plans to develop ring roads around major district headquarters as part of a broader strategy to improve road connectivity and reduce congestion within urban centres. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed officials from the Roads and Buildings Department to prepare feasibility studies and detailed plans for the proposed corridors during a recent review meeting on road infrastructure. The proposed ring roads are intended to link district headquarters with nearby national and state highways while diverting through-traffic away from city cores. Officials have been asked to examine existing road alignments that could be integrated into the ring road network and prepare comprehensive proposals under the state's long-term road sector development strategy. The initiative forms part of Telangana's wider efforts to strengthen inter-district connectivity and support economic activity through improved transport infrastructure.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Gera Developments has appointed Rajesh Yashwant Shirwatkar as its new Chief Financial Officer to strengthen the company's financial leadership as it expands its real estate operations. Shirwatkar will oversee financial planning, strategy, treasury, compliance, and governance. At the same time, Swapan Mukherjee has been elevated to the position of Group Chief Financial Officer and will supervise financial operations across the broader organisation. The leadership changes are aimed at strengthening the company's financial structure and improving oversight as the Pune-based developer continues to scale its residential development portfolio.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The administration of Donald Trump has introduced two executive orders aimed at improving housing affordability in the United States by reducing regulatory barriers in residential construction and reviewing rules affecting mortgage lending. The measures are intended to address high home prices and elevated mortgage rates that have made homeownership difficult for many buyers, particularly first-time purchasers. Federal agencies have been directed to review permitting, environmental requirements, and lending rules that may slow housing supply or restrict credit. The move forms part of the government's broader economic agenda as political attention on housing affordability increases ahead of the midterm elections.Read more

17 Mar 2026

Several flyovers across Delhi are showing visible signs of structural deterioration, including cracks on road surfaces, potholes, damaged expansion joints and general wear caused by ageing infrastructure and heavy traffic loads. Authorities have identified at least 17 flyovers across the capital that require repair and maintenance to address safety concerns. Many of these elevated structures were built more than two decades ago as rapid interventions to ease congestion at key intersections and corridors. Over time, increased traffic volumes, delayed maintenance and ageing construction components have contributed to their current condition. Engineers and officials have indicated that repairs, inspections and structural audits will be required to maintain commuter safety and ensure the continued functioning of these transport links, which carry a substantial share of the city's daily vehicular movement.Read more

17 Mar 2026

The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has approved a 40% rebate on house tax for residential buildings that are more than 20 years old within the municipal limits. The decision was passed during a municipal house meeting and will be implemented from April 2026. Eligible property owners will receive the rebate automatically without submitting any application. The move is expected to benefit residents living in older neighbourhoods where many structures have crossed two decades. During the same meeting, the civic body also revised its 2025-26 budget, increased allocations for water services, and proposed a one-time settlement scheme to recover long-pending property tax dues.Read more

Indore News Desk

17 Mar 2026

The Indore Municipal Corporation is implementing an INR 416 crore river rejuvenation project to prevent untreated sewage from entering the Kanh river, a tributary that ultimately feeds into the Kshipra river in Ujjain. The initiative is being undertaken under the Namami Gange programme to ensure improved water quality ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela scheduled in 2028, which is expected to draw millions of pilgrims. The project includes the construction of three sewage treatment plants, installation of new sewer networks using trenchless technology, and monitoring infrastructure to manage wastewater flows across the city. Civic authorities are accelerating construction and have directed contractors to increase labour and machinery deployment where progress has lagged. The project is intended to stop polluted discharge from Indore's waterways so that cleaner water flows into the Kshipra during the large-scale religious gathering.Read more

17 Mar 2026

A quarterly meeting of the Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) was recently conducted at the headquarters of Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority in Rayapudi to review complaints and operational issues related to ongoing development works in the capital region. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Collector and Grievance Redressal Mechanism nodal officer P. Jayashree and attended by grievance officers and member secretaries from various committees. Discussions focused on labour welfare, wage-related complaints, safety awareness for residents and students, and compliance with traffic and operational guidelines at project sites across Amaravati.Read more

16 Mar 2026

The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has approved a proposal to establish electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at major road junctions, municipal parking spaces and other high-footfall locations across the city. The decision was taken during a recent municipal council meeting chaired by Mayor Rayana Bhagya Lakshmi, with civic officials stating that the initiative aims to support the growing adoption of electric mobility in Vijayawada. The project will identify suitable locations across the city where EV charging infrastructure can be installed to serve private vehicle owners, commercial fleets and public transport users. Authorities indicated that the rollout will align with national and state programmes promoting electric mobility, including the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT and the FAME India scheme. The initiative is intended to strengthen urban charging infrastructure and facilitate wider EV adoption within the city's transport network.Read more

Chennai News Desk

16 Mar 2026

Chennai has introduced a premium low-floor electric air-conditioned bus service operated by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), marking a new category of reserved-seat urban public transport in the city. The service, launched in the past week by Tamil Nadu's Transport and Electricity Minister S. S. Sivasankar, begins operations with electric buses running on two major routes linking key transport nodes and the IT corridor. Initial services include Route P91 connecting Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus, Kilambakkam, with Thiruvanmiyur, and Route P570S between Koyambedu's Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus and Siruseri IT Park. The premium buses require advance seat reservations through a mobile application and do not permit standing passengers. Authorities stated that the initiative aims to offer a more comfortable and predictable commuting option while encouraging a shift from private vehicles to cleaner public transport modes.Read more

16 Mar 2026

The government is reconsidering tenders for 1 GW of wind energy projects due to lower than expected industry interest and rising steel prices, a crucial material for project construction. MNRE is engaging with the World Bank and think tanks to create a roadmap for investment in wind energy. Alongside, the ministry is preparing a new policy to promote small hydro projects up to 25 MW. Financial assistance for solar component manufacturing, such as ingots and wafers, is also under consideration, reflecting a comprehensive approach to boost renewable energy development in India.Read more

16 Mar 2026

The Punjab government has earmarked INR 1,000 crore in the state budget to strengthen urban infrastructure through the Municipal Development Fund (MDF), marking a substantial increase from the previous allocation. The funding will be made available to urban local bodies across the state to support the creation and upgrading of civic infrastructure such as roads, water supply systems, sewerage networks, drainage, sanitation and solid waste management. State officials indicated that the enhanced allocation is intended to help municipalities address growing pressure on civic services caused by urban population growth and expanding city limits. A portion of the fund will also be used for the operation and maintenance of water supply and sewerage infrastructure to ensure continued service delivery. The initiative forms part of Punjab's broader urban development strategy aimed at improving municipal infrastructure and service efficiency.Read more