21 Sep 2025
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced stricter guidelines for its Request for Proposal (RFP) process to address ongoing delays in highway development projects. These updated regulations focus on enhancing contractor qualifications, limiting unauthorized subcontracting, and ensuring financial accountability. The aim is to ensure that only experienced and technically capable contractors are awarded projects, thereby improving execution timelines and reducing lifecycle costs.Read more
20 Sep 2025
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) has signed a 30-year concession with JSW Infrastructure Ltd for a project valued at INR 740 crore. The project involves reconstructing Berth 8 and installing rail-mounted quay cranes at Berths 7 and 8 in the Netaji Subhas Dock, supported by a 25-acre backup area. Once operational, the terminal is expected to handle around 5 lakh TEUs annually. The move builds on previous upgrades at Kolkata port aimed at increasing container handling efficiency and reducing congestion, while JSW Infrastructure brings experience from earlier port development projects across India.Read more
20 Sep 2025
Sri Lanka has restarted the stalled 38-km Central Expressway connecting Colombo and Kandy with a new USD 500 million Chinese loan, marking the first funding from China since the country's 2021 debt default. Launched in 2016, the project was suspended in 2023 due to financial and material shortages, with one-third completed at the time. The government aims to finish the highway by 2028, which will improve connectivity and support economic activity. The funding comes on concessionary terms, amid Sri Lanka's ongoing debt restructuring and the competition between China and India for regional influence.Read more
20 Sep 2025
Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL), the flagship firm of the Gautam Adani-led group, has secured a contract to construct a 12.9-km ropeway linking Sonprayag with Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. Approved by the Union cabinet earlier this year, the INR 4,081 crore project aims to provide pilgrims with a safer, faster, and environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional 16-km uphill trek. The ropeway, expected to carry 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction, will form part of the National Ropeways Development Programme and is anticipated to boost tourism, create jobs, and enhance regional connectivity.Read more
19 Sep 2025
The United States has cleared a 130 million USD project to build a high-voltage transmission line in Moldova to strengthen electricity supply from European markets. Moldova continues to rely heavily on power produced in Transdniestria, a separatist region dependent on Russian gas. Following Ukraine's refusal to extend a Russian gas transit agreement, Transdniestria reduced its power generation, creating pressure on Moldova's energy security. The project, announced by the U.S. embassy, is expected to help the country integrate more closely with European networks and introduce U.S. technologies in areas such as grid infrastructure, ICT, nuclear energy, and battery storage.Read more
19 Sep 2025
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to expedite road repairs and pothole-filling works across the state ahead of the upcoming festival season. With over 6.78 lakh roads covering approximately 4.33 lakh km, authorities aim to ensure all major roads are restored to good condition before festivals like Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath. The Public Works Department (PWD) has made significant progress, with 84.82% of road renovation works completed on 31,514 km, while other departments are also working to improve road conditions.Read more
19 Sep 2025
The government of India is moving to rebid around 40 GW of stalled solar and wind projects due to missing power purchase agreements. Officials clarified that no investments have been made yet, only price discovery, with solar tariffs between INR 2.38-2.56/unit and wind between INR 3.70-3.90/unit. FICCI stated that CERC is close to finalizing guidelines for virtual PPAs, which could unlock financing for these stranded projects. Virtual PPAs allow corporate buyers to support renewable projects financially without direct electricity delivery, receiving renewable energy certificates for ESG compliance, addressing delays in traditional PPA payments.Read more
19 Sep 2025
NHAI has updated its RFP rules for national highway projects to ensure better project execution, cost control, and adherence to contractual norms. The new provisions clarify the definition of "similar work" to prevent misrepresentation by contractors, regulate subcontracting in EPC, HAM, and BOT projects, and prohibit the use of third-party-sourced bid and performance securities. These changes aim to enhance technical accountability, financial transparency, and enforceability, while penalizing practices that threaten quality and timelines. The measures reflect NHAI's ongoing efforts to reinforce discipline in highway project implementation.Read more
19 Sep 2025
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will suspend Mumbai Monorail services later this month to fast-track major modernisation works. The upgrade includes the installation of a new indigenously developed CBTC signalling system, expected to improve safety, reduce train intervals, and enhance reliability. Ten new Make-in-India rakes are being procured, with eight already delivered, while older rakes will undergo overhauls and retrofitting. The suspension allows round-the-clock work, as limited night-time windows had slowed progress. Officials assured commuters that once services resume, the monorail will return stronger, safer, and more dependable, reinforcing Mumbai's transport network with modern technology and better fleet integration.Read more
19 Sep 2025
A 150-feet double-storey Bailey bridge on the Ramban-Gool road at Metra, Ramban district, was inaugurated recently. Built jointly by the White Knight Corps, NHAI, and the local administration, the bridge is designed to support about 150,000 people in Ramban, Sangaldan, and Gool. It replaces a washed-away road stretch caused by heavy rainfall and landslides. The bridge will be opened fully for public use after safety and technical checks are completed.Read more
19 Sep 2025
The Maharashtra government has joined hands with Finland to modernise Mumbai's historic Sassoon Dock, one of the city's oldest and busiest fishing harbours. The project aims to introduce modular infrastructure to address overcrowding, hygiene, and operational challenges, while promoting sustainability. Discussions have included advanced fishing techniques, digital tools, and eco-friendly solutions to improve efficiency and fishermen's incomes. The initiative reflects a broader push for international cooperation and technology transfer in port development, ensuring Sassoon Dock evolves into a clean, modern, and efficient fishing hub.Read more
19 Sep 2025
The NCLT has deferred Vedanta's demerger hearing to October 8 following objections from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas over disclosure gaps, particularly relating to the RJ-ON-90/1 oil and gas block and loans secured against exploration assets. Vedanta maintains it has fulfilled all requirements and pointed to NCLAT's recent clearance of its restructuring plan for its power and metal units. Sepco's earlier dispute over a debt of INR 1,251 crore has been settled, removing one hurdle. However, investor concerns remain, reflected in a decline in Vedanta's share price.Read more
19 Sep 2025
Avaada Group has commissioned 11 solar power projects in Maharashtra's Yavatmal district under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY) 2.0 to provide reliable daytime electricity for irrigation. The projects, ranging from 2 MW to 5 MW, are expected to benefit nearly 14,900 farmers across 167 villages, improving irrigation, reducing costs, and creating additional income through land leasing. MSKVY 2.0, part of Maharashtra's push for clean energy, aims to solarise 30% of agricultural feeders and develop around 7,000 MW of decentralised solar power in the state.Read more
19 Sep 2025
Macquarie Asset Management has started selling its portfolio of nine toll road projects in India, valued at around INR 10,000 crore. Spanning 648 km across Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, these highways include stretches of NH-16 and roads connecting industrial hubs and ports. The assets have been bundled into three groups to attract a wider range of buyers. Acquired in 2018 through India's first Toll-Operate-Transfer (ToT) auction, the projects generated nearly INR 1,000 crore in toll revenue in FY25. JP Morgan has been appointed to advise on the transaction, which is expected to attract infrastructure investors looking for long-term cash flows.Read more
19 Sep 2025
The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, has entered a 30-year concession with JSW Infrastructure Ltd for a significant redevelopment project worth INR 740 crore. The initiative involves reconstructing berth 8 and installing rail-mounted quay cranes at berths 7 and 8, supported by a 25-acre backup area, aimed at boosting container cargo handling efficiency. The terminal is expected to manage around 5 lakh TEUs annually. Port authorities emphasised that the project aligns with the government's vision of modernising India's port infrastructure.Read more
19 Sep 2025
Vikram Solar has secured a supply order worth nearly INR 273 crore from AB Energia for 200 MW of M10R N-Type TOPCon modules. Rated at 590 Wp and above, the modules will be installed in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. Deliveries will begin in September 2025 and continue into early 2026. Both companies emphasised confidence in the partnership, highlighting technology reliability and project execution. Vikram Solar's international presence and recognition add weight to the development.Read more
18 Sep 2025
Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC) has initiated the transfer of Gurugram's rapid metro operations from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to Gurugram Metro Rail Limited, with joint management in place during the transition. Passenger numbers surged 13.6 per cent and fare revenue rose by nearly 12 per cent from April to July, reflecting public confidence in the service. Operational costs declined, while non-fare revenue from rentals and advertising increased significantly. Concurrently, detailed project reports for multiple high-speed regional corridors, including Delhi-Rohtak, Delhi-Panipat-Karnal, and Delhi-Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror, are progressing to enhance NCR connectivity.Read more
18 Sep 2025
WaterBridge Infrastructure, backed by private equity firm Five Point, has raised USD 634 million through its IPO in the United States. The company sold 31.7 million shares at USD 20 each, pricing them at the top of its range of USD 17 to USD 20. This valued the Houston-based water management firm at about USD 2.3 billion. WaterBridge, which operates mainly in the Delaware Basin, handles produced water for major energy players including BPX Energy, Chevron, Devon Energy, EOG Resources and Permian Resources. J.P. Morgan and Barclays led the offering.Read more
18 Sep 2025
Oman's ambassador to India has invited Indian businesses to invest in Khazaen Economic City, a large integrated hub being developed as part of the country's economic diversification strategy. He said Oman provides a predictable and cost-efficient environment for companies looking to expand into the Gulf and Indian Ocean Region. The Khazaen delegation presented opportunities in food processing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, logistics, textiles, and manufacturing. Located on the Muscat-Batinah Expressway, Khazaen offers modern infrastructure and good connectivity. Total investments in the project have already crossed USD 1 billion, with substantial foreign participation.Read more
18 Sep 2025
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has reopened for heavy vehicles after a three-week closure caused by heavy rains and flash floods. Authorities have prioritized the clearance of stranded fruit-laden trucks, which had been awaiting passage to markets across India. The prolonged closure had led to political tensions, with local leaders accusing authorities of negligence. In response, alternative measures, including a dedicated parcel train for transporting Kashmiri apples, were initiated. The reopening is expected to alleviate logistical challenges and support the region's economy.Read more