21 Jul 2025

STL (Sterlite Technologies Ltd.), a global leader in optical and digital solutions, has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable manufacturing by collaborating with Hygenco to establish Maharashtra's first green hydrogen and green oxygen production facility for optical fibre. Located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, this pioneering project will supply green hydrogen and oxygen to STL's glass preform manufacturing unit. The initiative positions STL as one of the world's first optical fibre manufacturers to fully deploy green hydrogen in its production processes, marking a crucial step towards its ambitious Net Zero by 2030 goal and contributing to India's broader decarbonization efforts.Read more

21 Jul 2025

Navi Mumbai has been honoured with entry into the prestigious 'Super Swachh League' under Swachh Survekshan 2024, recognising cities that ranked in the top three at least twice over the past three years. It is the only city from Maharashtra with a population over 10 lakh to receive this recognition. The city also retained its 'Seven Star' garbage-free rating and top-tier 'Water Plus' certification. Navi Mumbai's smart, decentralised waste management system, inclusive workforce, and eco-friendly initiatives have set national benchmarks. The award was accepted by civic leaders and sanitation workers in New Delhi, marking a proud moment for the city and state.Read more

21 Jul 2025

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has initiated key infrastructure projects in Chhattisgarh's Maoist-affected Bastar division, aiming to boost connectivity and security. Targeting districts like Bijapur, Sukma, Narayanpur, and Dantewada, the BRO will build 13 roads covering 683 km and 11 bridges spanning over 6,211 metres. These developments are vital for improving access for security forces and delivering essential services to isolated communities. In partnership with the Chhattisgarh government, the BRO seeks to bridge decades of neglect and help integrate these regions into the national framework, fostering long-term development and stability in historically underserved areas.Read more

21 Jul 2025

Ahmedabad's urban lakes are under threat, as outdated planning schemes by AUDA have led to the loss of significant waterbody areas. Early town planning models applied uniform land deductions even on lake beds, shrinking lakes in areas like Bopal, Vastrapur, Thaltej, and Memnagar. Vastrapur Lake alone lost over 22,000 sq m. Merged land parcels and unclear boundaries have triggered ownership disputes and complicated restoration. Despite AMC's updated planning norms, older legally binding maps have caused irreversible damage. A Gujarat government report noted a 46% decline in lake areas due to construction and encroachment. The National Green Tribunal has launched formal proceedings to address the crisis.Read more

21 Jul 2025

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has released its third master plan, introducing higher Floor Space Index (FSI) allowances near transport corridors to promote vertical, transit-oriented development. This move aims to curb urban sprawl and support compact, sustainable growth across the newly expanded Chennai Metropolitan Area. The plan includes a phased rollout of FSI norms, tied to infrastructure upgrades in roads, water, sewage, and public transit. Built on extensive stakeholder input, it emphasises inclusivity, accountability, and performance monitoring. Key features include TOD zones, walkable neighbourhoods, blue-green infrastructure, and satellite town development-signalling a bold shift toward smarter urban planning and climate resilience.Read more

21 Jul 2025

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) concluded its final public consultations for the Draft Master Plan-2041 after extensive stakeholder engagement across Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Vizianagaram. Concerns over potential land-use favoritism prompted a deadline extension and the formation of a technical committee to review feedback. Spanning 6,700 sq km, the plan includes key infrastructure like Vizag Metro, Bhogapuram Airport, and the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor. It also proposes transit-oriented zones, slum upgrades, and smart infrastructure. Focused on sustainable, inclusive development, the plan aims to balance growth with environmental protection and decentralised urban expansion across the fast-growing coastal region.Read more

21 Jul 2025

To manage Jaipur's rapid urban expansion, the Rajasthan government has begun feasibility studies for developing satellite towns in Bassi, Bagru, Chomu, and Kotputli. These towns, within 20-40 km of the capital, are being considered for high-tech township models inspired by Gujarat and Hyderabad. A multinational firm is assisting with planning, and Jaipur Metro extensions are being explored to ensure strong connectivity. The new Township Policy 2025 mandates green zones, public utilities, and housing for workers to promote sustainable, inclusive growth. These efforts aim to decentralize Jaipur's population, reduce congestion, and encourage private investment through simplified, eco-conscious urban planning frameworks.Read more

21 Jul 2025

Juniper Green Energy, through its subsidiary Juniper Green Cosmic, has inked a significant 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with state-owned NHPC. The agreement, signed recently, is for the development of a 250 megawatt Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) project in Haryana. This project, which integrates solar, wind, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), is crucial for providing assured, round-the-clock green power. It underscores Juniper Green Energy's growing footprint in the renewable sector and its contribution to India's goals for a stable and sustainable energy supply.Read more

21 Jul 2025

Pipeline Infrastructure Ltd (PIL) and Crown LNG Holdings Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish vital pipeline connectivity in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. This agreement will link Crown LNG's proposed 7.2 million tonnes per year regasification terminal with PIL's extensive existing pipeline network, enhancing gas transportation capabilities across India. The collaboration aims to efficiently evacuate imported natural gas to key demand centers, signifying a strategic step to boost gas infrastructure and utilization in the country. The terminal construction is slated to commence next year.Read more

20 Jul 2025

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with PS Group Realty for the redevelopment and beautification of Nimtalla Immersion Ghat. This partnership, part of PS Group's corporate social responsibility efforts, is aimed at enhancing the ghat's cultural, spiritual, and community value. SMPK will assist with utilities and necessary clearances during the redevelopment, and will take on maintenance responsibilities once the work is completed. The initiative mirrors a recent agreement with the Adani Group for Kumartoli Ghat, reflecting growing public-private interest in revitalising Kolkata's historic riverfronts.Read more

20 Jul 2025

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari to seek immediate assistance for repairing and reconstructing roads damaged by flash floods. He highlighted the delays in National Highway projects, advocated for tunnelling in strategic areas, and pushed for inclusion of roads under the PM Gati Shakti Yojana. Sukhu also requested approval for additional ropeway projects to address traffic concerns. Separately, he briefed Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah about infrastructure losses exceeding INR 1,000 crore due to monsoon-triggered disasters, with total damages since 2023 amounting to nearly INR 21,000 crore.Read more

20 Jul 2025

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved a significant hike in NTPC's investment autonomy, allowing the power PSU to invest up to INR 20,000 crore in renewable energy projects. This move, nearly tripling the earlier cap of INR 7,500 crore, will fast-track NTPC's efforts to add 60 GW of green energy capacity by 2032. The enhanced delegation will also empower its subsidiary NGEL to scale up projects, generate employment, and support India's broader goal of reaching 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.Read more

20 Jul 2025

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah recently led a high-level review of the Delhi Master Plan 2041, bringing together key officials including Delhi CM Smt Rekha Gupta and Union Housing Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar. The meeting focused on finalising the city's long-term development strategy, which aims to make Delhi more inclusive, green, and well-connected. Key issues discussed included slum redevelopment, regularising unauthorised colonies, managing Yamuna floodplains, and expanding public transport. The draft plan, submitted in April 2023, still awaits central notification. Once cleared, it's expected to guide structured urban growth and reshape how Delhi evolves over the next two decades.Read more

19 Jul 2025

Maharashtra's Chief Minister has directed swift clearance of the long-stalled Maan-Mhalunge town planning (TP) scheme, a flagship part of PMRDA's urban masterplan. Proposed in 2018 as a model "farmer-inclusive" initiative, the scheme lets landowners retain 50% of developed plots, avoiding full acquisition. Though four of six planned TP schemes in Hinjewadi have state clearance, final approvals remain pending. Elections and administrative delays have stalled progress and funding use, despite INR 150 crore in allocated support. Additional schemes in Vadachiwadi, Handewadi, Holkarwadi, and Manjari Khurd-Kolwadi are also in limbo. The government is expected to expedite approvals to align with the proposed Pune ring road.Read more

19 Jul 2025

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has proposed mandatory installation of automatic weather stations (AWS) at wind and solar plants of 50 MW or above. This move aims to enhance grid reliability and efficiency of green energy projects. The directive, issued on July 7, seeks to optimize renewable energy generation and improve predictability, addressing issues like inaccurate weather forecasts that lead to financial penalties. Guidelines specify AWS placement, parameters, and data transmission. All renewable energy implementing agencies are directed to include this requirement in bid documents.Read more

18 Jul 2025

Ludhiana has launched a long-delayed construction and demolition (C&D) waste-processing plant in Dhandhari, with a capacity to handle 100 tonnes of debris daily. Originally budgeted at INR 2.69 crore, the cost swelled to INR 7.3 crore due to foundational work on a former dumpsite, with an additional INR 2.2 crore spent on machinery. This facility, funded under Swachh Bharat and Smart City missions, converts debris into tiles, bricks, and blocks. Despite past struggles with underutilised civic projects, officials hope the plant will curb illegal dumping and ease landfill pressure provided residents and contractors comply.Read more

18 Jul 2025

Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) Mayor Dipak Majumder yesterday reviewed development work at the Lake Chowmuhani Bazaar, a long-standing and unique vegetable market in Agartala. The Mayor promised modern facilities and technological integrations as part of a broader urban upgrade initiative. This project aims to transform the historic market into a well-planned space, ensuring dignity and ease of business for its small-scale vendors. The modernization is part of a larger city master plan to enhance urban living and address past challenges like encroachments, aiming for sustainable market development and economic empowerment for local traders.Read more

18 Jul 2025

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri N Chandrababu Naidu today met with Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, seeking substantial central funding to bolster sports infrastructure across the state. The Chief Minister requested over INR 538 crore for stadium development and an additional INR 25 crore to organize the Khelo India Martial Arts Games this year. Emphasizing the state's ambitious new sports policy, Naidu outlined plans for world-class training centers and sought expedited completion of existing projects, underscoring Andhra Pradesh's vision to emerge as a national sports hub.Read more

18 Jul 2025

Reliance Infrastructure's board has given its nod to raise up to INR 9,000 crore through a mix of equity and debt instruments. This includes a proposed INR 6,000 crore via equity shares or equity-linked instruments through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP), follow-on public offer, or a combination of both. Additionally, the board approved the issuance of redeemable non-convertible debentures of up to INR 3,000 crore through private placement or other methods. These plans remain subject to statutory and regulatory approvals.Read more

18 Jul 2025

PCMC has wrapped up public consultations on its revised development plan (DP) for the city's old limits, receiving a record 49,000 objections and suggestions. This marks the first major update since 1995, outlining new zoning rules, land use, and transit routes. The proposed High Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMTR) sparked major protests, with residents in areas like Rahatni and Tathawade opposing routes cutting through homes and community spaces. Other flashpoints included a now-withdrawn municipal abattoir near Alandi and TP schemes in Chikhali and Kudalwadi. A technical committee will now review all objections before public hearings are held and the plan is finalised.Read more