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11 Jan 2026
Allegations of collusion and procedural irregularities have surfaced against officials of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in relation to the collection of impact fees for houses built on government land. Members of a co-operative housing society in Ghatlodia have filed an appeal under the Gujarat Regularisation of Unauthorised Development Act, claiming that AMC's North West Zone officials wrongly linked two illegally constructed houses on government land to their society to collect impact fees and regularise them. The complaint asserts that this misrepresentation facilitated an unlawful regularisation and demands cancellation of the impact fee approvals as well as legal action against the municipal officials involved. Multiple hearings have been held before the appellate authority, with society members seeking clarity and accountability in how irregular approvals were granted for properties on government parcels.Read more
11 Jan 2026
The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack urban region has introduced strict construction time restrictions to tackle worsening air pollution, banning all construction activity from 6 PM to 10 AM. The decision aims to reduce dust generation and related particulate pollution during peak night and early-morning hours when air quality tends to deteriorate. Daytime work will be allowed during the prescribed hours with enforcement measures in place, and authorities have warned of penalties for violations. The ban applies to all building and infrastructure works, with exemptions only for essential emergency services. The move reflects growing concern over air quality in the twin cities and is part of a broader set of pollution control measures designed to protect public health and ensure cleaner urban living conditions.Read more
11 Jan 2026
The Indian Railways is redeveloping six major railway stations in Bihar to nearly double their train and passenger handling capacity in the coming years. Patna Junction will get five new suburban terminals to reduce congestion, while Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU), and Bhagalpur stations will receive upgraded yards, improved line capacity, and modern facilities. The Patna Jhajha DDU rail corridor is also being expanded with additional tracks. These projects aim to support growing rail traffic, enhance connectivity across Bihar, and improve passenger experience.Read more
11 Jan 2026
The Kaziranga elevated corridor project in Assam is set to move into the construction phase with the Prime Minister scheduled to lay its foundation later this month. The project involves upgrading the Kaliabor Numaligarh section of NH-715 at an estimated cost of over INR 6,000 crore. A key component is a 34.5-km elevated stretch through Kaziranga National Park aimed at reducing wildlife fatalities and improving traffic flow. The plan also includes four-laning, bypasses, and improved connectivity to airports and railway stations, supporting safer travel and regional economic activity.Read more
11 Jan 2026
Authorities have launched a major crackdown on widespread illegal construction activity in the Raisina Hill area of New Delhi, targeting boundary walls, unauthorised roads and borewells that were developed without requisite approvals. In a bid to enforce planning norms and protect the sensitive hillside environment, enforcement teams demolished encroachments, removed unauthorised road work and sealed borewells that lacked legal clearances. The action aims to restore compliance with master plan regulations and prevent ad-hoc development that could compromise soil stability, drainage and landscape integrity in the ecologically vulnerable zone. Local residents and stakeholders have generally welcomed the operation, noting that unchecked construction had disrupted natural topography and exacerbated erosion risks. The move underscores renewed focus on upholding building standards in areas prone to environmental sensitivity and infrastructure stress.Read more
11 Jan 2026
Construction on a controversial housing and commercial project in Carambolim village, Goa, has been halted after sustained protests by local residents and regulatory scrutiny. The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department issued a show-cause notice and stop-work order, responding to villagers complaints that the project's technical clearance was granted without following due process and violated planning norms, including building setbacks and access road requirements. The halt came after a joint site inspection revealed multiple discrepancies, prompting authorities to suspend all construction activity pending further review. The Goa Chief Minister has directed a formal inquiry into the matter to identify lapses and ensure compliance with planning regulations. The action marks a significant victory for residents advocating sustainable development and stricter enforcement of land use rules.Read more
11 Jan 2026
The 63 km Lucknow Kanpur expressway will require at least three more months for completion due to the relocation of a 400 kV power transmission line. While most civil work is complete, moving the high voltage infrastructure demands careful coordination with power authorities. The expressway, once ready, will cut travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur from 120 minutes to 70 minutes, allowing speeds up to 120 km/h. An interchange linking it with the Ganga Expressway near Unnao will enhance regional connectivity toward Meerut and Prayagraj. NHAI is managing the costs of relocation.Read more
11 Jan 2026
Bhopal's SCADA-based water monitoring project, planned under the Smart City programme, continues to fall short of its objective of real-time water quality and distribution monitoring. Despite most overhead tanks being connected, the system's first phase remains incomplete, limiting its ability to detect contamination or supply disruptions. The recent drinking water crisis in Indore has brought renewed focus on these gaps. Past audits and studies had already flagged weaknesses in urban water testing and infrastructure, issues that remain unresolved in Bhopal's water management system.Read more
10 Jan 2026
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi to seek approvals for key national highway projects aimed at improving connectivity, safety, and economic activity in the state. Proposed works include the four lane Rishikesh Bypass, widening of Almora Danya Panar Ghat route, and realignment of Jyolikot Khairna Gairsain Karnprayag corridor. The state also reviewed ongoing projects under Char Dham Mahamarg worth INR 12,769 crore and other strategic corridors. Officials assured timely consideration, with several new tunnels, bypasses, and elevated stretches planned to improve traffic flow and environmental safety.Read more
10 Jan 2026
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a fine of INR 1 lakh on the Union Ministry of Urban Development for failing to appear at a scheduled hearing related to a sewage treatment plant (STP) matter in Uttar Pradesh's Jalaun district. The tribunal noted that despite receiving notice, the ministry remained absent, leading to an unnecessary adjournment. Stressing that government bodies have a constitutional duty to participate in environmental proceedings, the NGT granted the ministry another opportunity to respond, subject to payment of the cost.Read more
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10 Jan 2026
Dharavi's Ward 185, home to around 40,000 voters, is at the centre of Mumbai's civic election debate due to ongoing concerns over the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). The ward, historically a Congress stronghold, was previously won by T M Jagdish of the undivided Shiv Sena. Residents, especially the 150-year-old Kumbharwada pottery community, demand in-situ rehabilitation and safeguards for livelihoods. Political parties, including BJP, Congress, and AAP, are addressing housing, infrastructure, and trade preservation. Long-term residents remain cautious, weighing promises of modernisation against fears of displacement and limited living space.Read more
10 Jan 2026
Delhi's Public Works Department has introduced QR codes on all existing and upcoming road signs under its jurisdiction to improve public access and monitoring. The codes will carry information on the manufacturer, manufacturing date, reflective sheeting specifications, and warranty coverage. Linked to the PWD Sewa app, they will allow citizens to report damaged or faded signage. This initiative follows a Ministry of Road Transport and Highways audit highlighting inconsistent signage standards. The step is aimed at improving uniformity, visibility, maintenance accountability, and public participation in reporting infrastructure issues.Read more
10 Jan 2026
The Himachal Pradesh government is prioritising planned development of affordable, eco-friendly housing across the state as part of its broader urban and rural infrastructure agenda. The housing minister outlined initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable design, efficient land use and environmentally conscious construction, with an emphasis on public-private partnerships and policy support. Key strategies include incentivising green building practices, streamlining statutory approvals for energy-efficient homes, and facilitating access to affordable finance for developers and buyers. Special focus is being placed on hillside towns and growing urban centres to ensure balanced development that respects the state's fragile ecology. By aligning housing growth with sustainability imperatives and community needs, the government aims to enhance accessibility to quality affordable homes while protecting the environment, supporting livelihoods and improving living standards across regions.Read more
10 Jan 2026
Gurugram's building code enforcement has come under renewed scrutiny following a recent High Court ruling that flagged widespread violations of development norms and regulatory lapses in the city. The judgment directed civic and planning authorities to audit and address breaches related to setbacks, floor area ratio (FAR) limits, building heights, and unauthorised construction practices. It also highlighted concerns over compromised urban infrastructure, including road capacities, stormwater drainage and public utilities, that have worsened due to non-compliant development. The court's order empowers local bodies to take corrective measures, including issuing show-cause notices, initiating demolition actions for serious breaches, and tightening approval processes. Stakeholders say the ruling could mark a turning point in curbing irregularities and improving planning discipline in Gurugram's rapidly expanding real estate landscape.Read more
10 Jan 2026
The Kochi Metro integrated transport network recorded its highest single-day ridership during the recent New Year period, with 1,61,683 passenger trips across metro rail services, electric feeder buses and the Water Metro. Metro trains carried the bulk of commuters, supported by extended late-night operations. Feeder buses and Water Metro services also saw strong usage following extended schedules. The day also marked the network's highest single-day revenue collection of INR 44.67 lakh, reflecting growing public reliance on Kochi's integrated urban transport system.Read more
10 Jan 2026
The Delhi Public Works Department has received approval of INR 38 crore to carry out repair and rehabilitation work on the Zakira and Seelampur flyovers, two key traffic corridors in west and east Delhi. The sanction includes INR 20.18 crore for the Zakira Flyover and INR 17.85 crore for the Seelampur Flyover. The scope covers structural repairs, replacement of expansion joints and bearings, and strengthening of critical components. The move follows citywide structural inspections of ageing flyovers aimed at improving safety and extending asset life.Read more
10 Jan 2026
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is set to create its longest operational corridor after approval was granted for a new underground extension of the Magenta Line. The sanctioned stretch will add 9.9 km and nine stations between Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and Indraprastha. With this addition, the Magenta Line will expand to nearly 76.6 km, overtaking the Pink Line. The extension is expected to strengthen connectivity in Central Delhi and improve interchange access with multiple existing metro lines across the network.Read more
10 Jan 2026
The Thiruvananthapuram metro project's revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been delayed as Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) waits for clear guidelines on population norms under the National Metro Rail Policy, 2017. The 31 km corridor with 27 stations, connecting key hubs like Technopark, the airport, and Thampanoor, is intended to enhance urban mobility. While the core city population remains below the typical threshold, the broader metropolitan area exceeds 23 lakh, raising questions about eligibility. Preparatory civil works continue despite DPR uncertainty, reflecting ongoing commitment at the state level.Read more
09 Jan 2026
Pune's proposed Yerawada Katraj underground tunnel project has progressed with the completion of a pre-feasibility report by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority. The report will be submitted to the Pune Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority after the model code of conduct is lifted. The project is aimed at easing traffic congestion through a north south underground corridor. While initial feedback from the state government has been encouraging, decisions on alignment, costs, execution and funding will depend on further evaluations and approvals in the next stage.Read more
09 Jan 2026
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) recently directed the shutdown of 19 construction sites after air quality levels exceeded 200 in multiple localities, marking poor pollution conditions. Alongside these closures, notices were issued to 42 other sites for failing to meet environmental safety standards. Enforcement teams, including flying squads of assistant commissioners and engineers, are actively monitoring compliance with a 27-point air pollution control plan. The civic body is also increasing dust suppression measures, installing air quality monitoring devices, and issuing penalties to developers to control rising particulate pollution during the winter season.Read more
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