20 Jan 2026

A Guwahati-based luxury hospitality company, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, has secured the official catering contract for India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, marking a first for a Northeast-based firm in premium rail services. The contract was awarded in partnership with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) ahead of the inaugural service between Howrah in West Bengal and Kamakhya (Guwahati) in Assam. The on-board menu has been curated to showcase regional cuisine from West Bengal and Assam, with dishes such as basanti pulao, Assamese joha rice, seasonal vegetable preparations and traditional sweets, designed for overnight travel comfort using locally sourced ingredients. The Vande Bharat Sleeper service is equipped with modern amenities across fully air-conditioned berths and aims to significantly reduce travel time while providing enhanced comfort and regional culinary experiences.Read more

20 Jan 2026

GAIL (India) Ltd has completed the 694-kilometre Mumbai-Nagpur Natural Gas Pipeline, marking a first-of-its-kind integration of a high-capacity gas pipeline within a narrow utility corridor along Maharashtra's Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway. Built largely inside a three-metre-wide strip, the project showcases the potential of the PM GatiShakti framework to align transport and energy infrastructure while minimising land acquisition and social impact. Despite complex engineering challenges, including difficult terrain in the Western Ghats and multiple statutory clearances, the pipeline is nearing full operational readiness. With significant implications for city gas distribution, cleaner fuel adoption and industrial growth across Maharashtra, the project is now being viewed as a blueprint for future multi-utility corridor development in India.Read more

20 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of the country's rail network. The fully air-conditioned sleeper service was flagged off from Malda Town railway station in West Bengal and will operate between Howrah in West Bengal and Kamakhya (Guwahati) in Assam, aiming to reduce travel time on the busy eastern corridor by around 2 hours compared with existing services. The train is designed to offer an airline-like experience with modern onboard amenities at economical fares and is part of a broader package of rail and road infrastructure projects worth over INR 3,250 crore unveiled by the prime minister during his visit. The service is expected to boost connectivity, support tourism and improve long-distance travel options for passengers in the region.Read more

20 Jan 2026

JSW Infrastructure reported an 8.7 per cent year-on-year increase in its consolidated net profit for the December quarter of FY26, supported by higher income and growth in cargo volumes across key ports. The country's second-largest private port operator posted a net profit of INR 364.85 crore for the October-December period, compared with INR 335.62 crore a year earlier. Total income rose to INR 1,409.38 crore, while expenses declined to INR 962.97 crore, aiding profitability. Cargo handled during the quarter increased 8 per cent to 31.7 million tonnes, driven by strong performance at the South West Port and Dharamtar Port. The company also saw an improvement in third-party and domestic cargo volumes, underscoring operational momentum.Read more

20 Jan 2026

Three Indian entrepreneurs have launched LNK Energy, a next-generation integrated clean energy platform, with an initial investment of INR 10,000 crore planned over five years. The company will start with a 6 GW solar cell and module plant in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, and expand into green fuels, including green hydrogen, and renewable energy generation. LNK Energy aims to support sustainable industrial growth, energy security, and domestic clean-energy development. Co-founders emphasized combining scale, technology, and capital discipline to create a long-term, fully integrated energy platform.Read more

20 Jan 2026

Indian Railways has completed the widening of four platforms at Ghaziabad railway station in Uttar Pradesh to address chronic congestion and enhance passenger movement, particularly during peak hours. The Railway Board said the upgrade forms part of ongoing efforts to improve safety, comfort and operational efficiency at one of the country's busiest junction stations. The project involved expanding the width of Platform Nos 5/6 and 3/4 by several metres over substantial lengths to accommodate higher footfall and reduce crowding. Officials stated that the widened platforms were finished within the planned timeline and will contribute to smoother boarding and deboarding as well as overall station handling capacity. The work reflects the broader focus of Indian Railways on enhancing infrastructure at key stations to support growing passenger demand and travel comfort.Read more

20 Jan 2026

Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum certification for six more of its existing office buildings in North Delhi under the LEED v4.1 Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance rating system. With this recognition, the company now has 10 office buildings holding the highest level of LEED certification. The newly certified facilities include the Learning and Development Centre, the Rani Bagh Protection Office and four district offices. The certification follows a detailed assessment of energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable operations and indoor environmental quality. Tata Power Delhi Distribution stated that the milestone reflects its continued focus on reducing environmental impact and strengthening sustainability practices across its operational infrastructure.Read more

20 Jan 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has terminated the user fee collection contract at the Bara Fee Plaza in Uttar Pradesh after reports of misbehaviour and alleged assault of a highway user. The incident occurred on January 14, 2026, at the toll plaza located on the Lucknow Sultanpur stretch of NH-731. NHAI said it has taken a serious view of the matter and ended the contract of the toll collection agency, M/s Skylark Infra Engineering Pvt Ltd. In addition, the authority has issued a show-cause notice to the agency and proposed debarring it from participating in NHAI bids for one year. NHAI has also proposed forfeiture and encashment of bank guarantees worth INR 5.3 crore linked to the contract.Read more

20 Jan 2026

Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL) has completed the sale of its entire equity stake in Vindhyachal Expressway Private Limited to global sustainable infrastructure investor Actis for an enterprise value of INR 775 crore, subject to closing adjustments. The transaction marks a significant milestone in KPIL's asset monetisation strategy and reflects its ability to develop, operate and successfully divest long-term infrastructure assets. Vindhyachal Expressway is a special purpose vehicle that operates an 89.30-kilometre four-lane highway project connecting Rewa and Hanumana on National Highway-7 under a DBFOT toll-based concession from the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation. KPIL said the divestment aligns with its focus on unlocking value from non-core assets while redeploying capital into its core EPC businesses to drive growth and improve returns.Read more

19 Jan 2026

Indian Railways has introduced nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains to expand affordable long-distance rail connectivity across the country. The services will originate from West Bengal and Assam and connect multiple states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Designed as non-air-conditioned, budget-friendly trains, Amrit Bharat Express offers improved seating, better toilets and modern safety features while keeping fares low. Key routes such as Kamakhya Rohtak and Dibrugarh Lucknow Gomti Nagar aim to link major urban and regional centres. The new trains are expected to ease pressure on existing services, improve travel access for cost-conscious passengers and support Indian Railways goal of inclusive and reliable long-distance travel.Read more

19 Jan 2026

CapitaLand India Trust has finalized a second long-term lease agreement for Tower 2 of its CapitaLand DC Navi Mumbai data centre in Airoli. The move strengthens the trust's portfolio in India's growing data centre market and highlights rising demand for secure and scalable digital infrastructure. Tower 2, part of a larger campus designed for enterprises and cloud providers, follows previous leasing successes, reflecting tenant confidence in CapitaLand's offerings. The campus's strategic location ensures high connectivity and accessibility for businesses.Read more

19 Jan 2026

Bihar has mandated the use of geo-spatial analytics for infrastructure projects costing INR 50 crore and above to improve planning efficiency and reduce delays. The decision, taken at a review of the Bihar Remote Sensing Application Centre (BIRSAC) led by Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, requires departments to integrate geo-spatial inputs into Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) before financial approvals. Departments will pay 0.25 per cent of the project cost for BIRSAC services. A digital tool, developed with BISAG-N, will further support planning, alignment, and monitoring of projects.Read more

19 Jan 2026

Bhubaneswar is set to modernize its traffic signal infrastructure as part of a major push to improve urban mobility and reduce congestion in the rapidly expanding city. The proposal, spearheaded by the municipal corporation in coordination with the traffic police, calls for the installation of adaptive traffic signal systems, upgraded controllers, and real-time monitoring capabilities at key intersections. The move aims to reduce travel times, improve road safety and better manage peak-hour traffic flows through intelligent signal timing adjustments based on live conditions. The project also includes enhanced pedestrian facilities, upgraded signage, and integration with the city's broader transport management systems. By adopting next-generation traffic signal technology, Bhubaneswar expects to support sustainable urban transport and create smoother, safer commutes for residents.Read more

19 Jan 2026

The Ministry of Civil Aviation reviewed the ongoing Phase II expansion of Chennai International Airport's T2 terminal, urging officials to address delays and ensure timely completion. The New Integrated Terminal Building, covering 86,135 sqm, aims to increase passenger handling capacity to 35 million annually and enhance passenger movement and accessibility. Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha instructed the Airports Authority of India (AAI), contractor L&T, and the project management team to meet immediately and resolve pending issues. The expansion builds on earlier upgrades, supporting growing domestic and international traffic in the region.Read more

18 Jan 2026

The Tambaram railway station in Chennai is poised for an ambitious INR 890-crore redevelopment aimed at transforming it into a modern transit hub capable of handling significantly higher passenger volumes and enhanced services. The Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA) is preparing to float tenders under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with project completion expected within three years. Key aspects of the revamp include increasing the station's peak-hour handling capacity from around 13,500 to 28,750 passengers, adding three new platforms, expanding tracks from 12 to 16, and constructing a direct-access platform from the east entrance to reduce reliance on foot overbridges. Additional improvements will include a new concourse, more foot overbridges, and upgraded station facades that align with broader modernization efforts in the Southern Railway zone.Read more

18 Jan 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath has ordered a comprehensive review and removal of bottlenecks hindering road construction across the state, underscoring the government's focus on improving connectivity and accelerating infrastructure delivery. During the review, he instructed the chief secretary to convene regular meetings with senior officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department to monitor progress and resolve project delays. District magistrates have been tasked with weekly reviews of land acquisition and other local challenges, with an emphasis on direct engagement with affected landowners without involving intermediaries. The move is part of broader efforts to ensure smoother execution of widening and strengthening works on key road networks, improve accessibility, and bolster economic development through enhanced mobility.Read more

18 Jan 2026

Southern Railway is set to revamp the retiring rooms and dormitories at MGR Chennai Central station with a star-hotel-style makeover aimed at offering passengers a more comfortable short-stay experience. The station's existing facilities including nine air-conditioned rooms, a 23-bed male dormitory and a five-bed female dormitory at the concourse level will be modernised, and unused space will be developed to enhance premium stay options. The project will be executed under a renovate, operate, maintain, and transfer (ROMT) model, with management outsourced to a hospitality-experienced agency through an open tender. The upgraded facilities are intended to meet contemporary comfort standards for travellers arriving early, departing late, or in transit, while retaining convenient access to commercial amenities and platforms.Read more

18 Jan 2026

The Noida International Airport at Jewar is being developed as India's first net-zero airport with Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Green Campus certification. Designed to minimize energy, water, and waste consumption, it features an 83-acre solar farm generating over 51,900 megawatt-hours, fully electric airside operations, and EV charging in 20% of parking areas. Sustainable water use includes rainwater harvesting ponds, while waste is managed through segregation, recycling, and scientific treatment. A monthly environmental monitoring plan will track air, water, soil, and sewage quality, making the airport a benchmark in sustainable aviation infrastructure.Read more

18 Jan 2026

The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has proposed a coastal passenger ferry service connecting Mangaluru to Maravanthe in Udupi district, covering around 110 km along the Arabian Sea coast. The plan includes jetties at Old Mangaluru Port, Hejmadi, Malpe, Kota, and Maravanthe, aiming to reduce congestion on NH66 and support regional tourism. With an estimated investment of INR 37.8 crore and a 20 year concession period, the initiative is expected to provide reliable transport for commuters and tourists while complementing Mangaluru's upcoming water metro project and broader coastal development plans.Read more

Dr. Karthikeyan S, MD & CEO, Relux Electric

18 Jan 2026

India's electric vehicle transition is entering a phase where infrastructure, rather than technology alone, will determine adoption momentum. Residential EV charging is emerging as a critical pillar of this shift, as most vehicles spend a majority of their time parked at home. While public charging networks are essential, they cannot substitute for reliable and convenient home charging, especially in dense urban environments dominated by apartment living. Developers, resident welfare associations and urban planners are increasingly recognising EV charging as a core residential amenity, much like power backup or elevators. From new developments to retrofitting existing housing societies, residential charging infrastructure is set to influence property value, urban planning and everyday mobility choices, shaping how cities adapt to an electric future.Read more