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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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09 Jan 2026
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has expanded its automatic fare collection (AFC) infrastructure at busy stations to reduce congestion and manage increasing passenger flows during peak hours. New bi-directional entry and exit gates have been installed at Thiyagaraya College and Saidapet stations, while additional gates are planned at other high-traffic stations. Excess fare counters have also been added to help commuters with longer trips. These upgrades complement earlier initiatives like Normally Open AFC gates and increased train frequencies, aiming to improve efficiency and overall commuter experience.Read more
09 Jan 2026
The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the issuance of A-khata certificates to properties holding B-khata in unauthorised layouts under urban local bodies. The decision applies to plots, buildings, flats, and apartments developed without layout approvals, subject to compliance with planning laws. By extending a framework earlier applied in Bengaluru to the rest of the state, the government aims to formally recognise long-standing properties, improve documentation, and strengthen urban governance. The move is expected to bring greater legal clarity for property owners and local authorities.Read more
09 Jan 2026
Hartek Power has won an INR 353.77 crore contract for an integrated solar and battery energy storage project in Karnataka. The order includes EPC work for a 280 MW AC or 410 MWp DC solar photovoltaic plant along with an 80 MW, 320 MWh battery storage system at Challakere. The scope covers design, supply, construction, commissioning and one year of operations and maintenance. The project highlights the increasing role of energy storage in supporting reliable and continuous renewable power supply in India.Read more
09 Jan 2026
A significant share of large infrastructure projects monitored under the PRAGATI platform has been successfully commissioned, reflecting the growing role of digital governance in accelerating execution. Out of 53 high-value projects reviewed at the prime ministerial level, 43 projects with a combined investment of over Rs 3 lakh crore have been completed as of the end of 2025. The remaining projects are at various stages of construction and represent substantial ongoing investment in the power sector. Public sector utilities such as Power Grid Corporation of India and NTPC account for a majority of the commissioned projects, highlighting the platform's impact on central infrastructure agencies. Since its launch in 2015, PRAGATI has emerged as a key mechanism to track progress, resolve bottlenecks and ensure timely delivery of critical projects.Read more
09 Jan 2026
Highway Infrastructure Limited has received a toll operations contract worth INR 32 crore from the National Highways Authority of India for a section of National Highway 530B in Uttar Pradesh. The one-year contract covers toll collection and facility management at the Jawar Fee Plaza on the Mathura Devinagar Bypass. With this addition, the company's consolidated order book has crossed INR 1,000 crore. The order strengthens its toll operations segment, which complements its existing EPC business across multiple Indian states.Read more
09 Jan 2026
The BMC has deployed ward-level flying squads to enforce pollution-control measures across Mumbai, with a focus on construction sites. During December 2025, 557 sites received showcause notices, while 233 faced stop-work orders for non-compliance. Winter conditions and low winds worsen air quality, with industrial emissions, road dust, construction, and vehicle smoke as primary contributors. Citizens are urged to follow official CPCB and MPCB data, as private platforms often rely on unverified sources. Revised 2024 guidelines mandate stricter control measures, including netting, water sprinkling, and air monitoring systems.Read more
09 Jan 2026
Odisha has taken measures to address rising air pollution in its urban centres, particularly Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The government has banned all construction and demolition work between 6 PM and 10 AM to limit dust and particulate matter in the air. Heavy vehicles face restricted entry into city limits, while roadside eateries are barred from using firewood or coal. Authorities have also prohibited open burning of waste and mandated regular water sprinkling on roads. Officials have stressed strict enforcement, warning that violations will attract legal action and penalties.Read more
09 Jan 2026
The Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal (BSABT) at Baramunda in Bhubaneswar is being developed into a combined transport and business hub. The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has planned to lease around 60,000 sq ft across two floors to the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), which will allocate space to IT and ITeS companies. The move builds on earlier efforts to allot 112 shops via lottery, providing air conditioned commercial spaces for vendors. Officials expect this integration to boost footfall, enhance economic activity, and expand the terminal's role beyond transportation.Read more
09 Jan 2026
The Ministry of Finance has prepared a public-private partnership infrastructure pipeline worth around INR 17 lakh crore for the next three financial years up to FY27-28. The pipeline includes 852 projects identified by central ministries as well as states and Union territories. The move follows the Union Budget announcement aimed at improving private sector participation in infrastructure. By sharing early details of upcoming projects, the government intends to give developers and investors better visibility for planning, financing, and execution across key infrastructure sectors.Read more
09 Jan 2026
Varanasi International Airport is set to host India's first tunnel running beneath an active runway, part of a project costing INR 250 crore. Spanning nearly 450 metres, the tunnel will allow National Highway 31 traffic to flow below while aircraft operate above, minimizing disruption. Designed with blast-resistant safety measures, the underpass also facilitates plans to extend the airport runway to accommodate larger aircraft like Boeing 777s. Scheduled for completion in 2027, the tunnel will improve connectivity in eastern India and support the airport's expansion and long-term growth.Read more
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