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

16 Dec 2025

The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has launched an etender to seek proposals from qualified firms, joint ventures, or consortiums to carry out a techno commercial feasibility study for a potential third runway at the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The six month consultancy will assess both technical and commercial viability to support future air traffic growth and operational needs. Bidders who meet eligibility criteria will be evaluated, and the consultant will be chosen through the Least Cost Selection method. Tender details are available on CIDCO's eportal from mid December.Read more

16 Dec 2025

The National Highways Authority of India has intensified safety measures across national highways as dense winter fog continues to affect visibility in several regions. The move focuses on improving on-ground infrastructure, increasing driver awareness, and strengthening emergency response systems. Actions include restoring road signage, enhancing reflective markings, deploying electronic warning systems, and conducting regular night inspections. NHAI has also directed field teams to coordinate closely with local authorities to address accident-prone stretches quickly and ensure smoother traffic movement during foggy conditions.Read more

16 Dec 2025

Construction of the 508 km Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train corridor marked another step forward with the installation of a 130 metre steel bridge span near Bharuch in Gujarat. The bridge, part of a 230 metre continuous structure over National Highway 64 and the Bharuch–Dahej freight line, was completed in a carefully coordinated 12 hour operation that maintained road and freight traffic flow. Designed for a 100 year lifespan, the project continues to progress across viaducts, track bed construction, noise barriers, tunnels, and station development toward operational readiness.Read more

16 Dec 2025

PRAMA showcased a wide range of indigenously manufactured smart video security products and AI-led surveillance solutions at IFSEC India Security Expo 2025 in New Delhi. The company highlighted AI Sense cameras, IoT-enabled systems and integrated security technologies designed for Indian operating conditions. The display featured solutions for sectors such as retail, residential, transportation, defence, safe cities, healthcare and hospitality. PRAMA emphasised its local manufacturing capabilities, aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, and its focus on AI-driven video analytics, predictive monitoring and operational intelligence. With expanding production capacity near Mumbai, the company aims to meet rising demand for advanced, scalable and India-ready security solutions.Read more

16 Dec 2025

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has intensified its cleanliness drive by combining mechanised deep-cleaning of roads with large-scale public awareness initiatives. Over the past 20 days, civic teams have cleaned major roads, industrial zones and high-traffic areas using mechanical sweepers and treated water to reduce dust and air pollution. Alongside this, the civic body has rolled out community-led campaigns involving students and volunteers to promote waste segregation, curb plastic use and encourage responsible disposal practices. Cleanliness pledges, door-to-door outreach and on-ground demonstrations of wet waste composting are key elements of the programme. The integrated approach aims to improve environmental quality while building long-term civic participation across Navi Mumbai.Read more

16 Dec 2025

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has intensified its cleanliness and dust control drive across major residential colonies and commercial zones in the city. The campaign involved coordinated efforts from its Public Health (Sanitation), Horticulture, and Civil Engineering departments, focusing on mechanised sweeping, side drain cleaning, minor repairs, and upkeep of green spaces. Areas covered include Kaka Nagar, West Kidwai Nagar, Jor Bagh, Shahjahan Road officer quarters, Barakhamba Road, KG Marg, Maulana Azad Road, and Connaught Place. The initiative aims to reduce dust pollution, improve environmental conditions, and enhance public health in densely populated urban neighborhoods.Read more