31 Dec 2025

Russian Railways has announced a 20% reduction in its 2026 budget to 713.6 billion roubles (USD 9.15 billion) as it navigates a growing debt burden of 4 trillion roubles (USD 50.8 billion). The company plans to allocate funds primarily for infrastructure and safety, railcar procurement, and the Moscow-St Petersburg high-speed rail project. VTB CEO Andrei Kostin emphasized that maintaining investment levels is crucial amid debt restructuring. Current spending remains far below the previous year's record of 1.5 trillion roubles, impacting suppliers reliant on the company's contracts.Read more

30 Dec 2025

SoftBank Group has agreed to acquire DigitalBridge Group in a USD 4 billion deal to strengthen its exposure to digital infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence. The offer values DigitalBridge at about USD 2.92 billion and includes a premium over its recent share price. DigitalBridge will continue to operate independently under CEO Marc Ganzi. The firm manages USD 108 billion in assets and invests in data centres, fibre networks and related platforms. The deal aligns with SoftBank's wider push into AI-linked computing and infrastructure assets.Read more

30 Dec 2025

Delhi's Public Works Department (PWD) has stepped up efforts to improve drainage systems on key flood-prone roads across the city, aiming to reduce recurring waterlogging during heavy rains and ensure smoother traffic movement. Projects worth over 3.8 crore INR are underway in areas such as Savitri Cinema Road, Okhla Phase I service lane, LSR red light near Blue Bells School, and the Shantivan to Vijay Ghat drain corridor. Measures include widening and deepening drains, repairing damaged sections, and enhancing flow efficiency to prevent congestion and local flooding.Read more

30 Dec 2025

The Central Industrial Security Force has begun a focused training programme for personnel of the Uttar Pradesh Special Security Force who will be deployed on the Namo Bharat regional rapid transit corridor. The six-day course is being conducted at CISF's Kavach training facility under its Delhi Metro unit. The first batch includes 40 officers, including a Commandant-rank officer, with plans to train around 240 personnel in phases. The programme focuses on the use of baggage screening systems and station-level security procedures for the new corridor.Read more

30 Dec 2025

The Delhi government has planned to install anti-smog guns at inter-state bus terminals to control dust pollution, beginning with the Kashmere Gate ISBT. A tender has been issued for eight roof-mounted units at the terminal, which handles more than 2,600 buses daily. The project is estimated to cost around INR 38.44 lakh. The move forms part of Delhi's wider air pollution control efforts, which already include anti-smog guns on buildings, mist spraying systems on roads and mechanised sweeping across key corridors.Read more

30 Dec 2025

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah visited Assam earlier this week to inaugurate a series of infrastructure projects valued at around INR 900 crore, covering cultural heritage, policing facilities, and urban security systems. The projects include the redevelopment of Batadrava Than in Nagaon district, a new police commissionerate building, an integrated surveillance network for Guwahati, and a large cultural auditorium. State leaders said the initiatives aim to strengthen public safety, preserve Assam's cultural legacy, and support long-term urban and regional development.Read more

30 Dec 2025

A technical disruption in Aadhaar-based verification has caused widespread delays in property registrations and rental agreements across Maharashtra, impacting buyers, tenants, developers and landlords. The malfunction affected the state's online e-registration system, forcing applicants to revert to physical visits at sub-registrar offices along with witnesses. This led to congestion, longer processing times and postponement of scheduled transactions, particularly in major urban centres. Developers also faced hurdles in completing first-sale registrations, while thousands of leave-and-licence agreements remained pending. The episode has underscored the risks of over-reliance on digital authentication systems and highlighted the need for robust backup mechanisms.Read more

30 Dec 2025

The Palghar district administration reviewed the progress of land acquisition for multiple infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (bullet train), Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, and Virar-Dahanu rail expansion. Officials confirmed full acquisition for the bullet train with most villagers compensated and near completion for other projects, with only a small portion for Virar-Dahanu pending. Discussions also covered rehabilitation, fund disbursement, and administrative clearances. With INR 2,859.14 crore already paid and INR 328.52 crore pending, authorities aim to resolve remaining issues to keep construction timelines on track.Read more

30 Dec 2025

The Union Cabinet has approved Phase V(A) of the Delhi Metro expansion, clearing the addition of around 16 kilometres to the network at an estimated cost of INR 12,015 crore. The approval covers three new corridors with 13 stations, aimed at improving connectivity across key parts of Delhi, including links to central areas and major transport nodes. The project will be implemented by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation with funding support from the central government, the Delhi government and external funding agencies. Once completed, the expansion will take the total operational length of the Delhi Metro beyond 400 kilometres, strengthening urban mobility in the National Capital Region.Read more

30 Dec 2025

The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) has the potential to significantly reshape urban mobility and unlock economic opportunities along its corridors, according to a recent report by real estate consultancy Knight Frank India released earlier this week. The report highlights the role of RRTS in reducing travel time, widening labour markets and enabling closer integration of peripheral cities with national and global value chains. The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor, the flagship RRTS project, is progressing in phases and is expected to cut travel time between Delhi and Meerut to under an hour. The study also underscores the importance of coordinated planning and affordable housing to ensure long-term success.Read more

30 Dec 2025

The Assam cabinet approved a loan of INR 11,511 crore from NABARD to strengthen infrastructure across the state, focusing on roads, public services, and connectivity in Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, North Cachar Hills, and Tinsukia. Alongside the funding, the cabinet cleared amendments to the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, enabling digital hearings and electronic submissions to improve transparency and reduce backlog. Settlements under Mission Basundhara schemes and changes to police promotion rules were also approved, supporting land security, merit-based advancement, and access to civic amenities.Read more

30 Dec 2025

The Public Works Department has approved a contract worth about INR 3.7 crore to carry out waterproofing repairs in the Pragati Maidan underpass in central Delhi. The decision follows recurring water seepage issues that have affected the tunnel, prompting concerns over commuter safety and structural integrity. The scope of work includes treating leakage points and ensuring long-term water ingress mitigation. The approval comes after technical evaluation and project estimates were prepared to address persistent moisture problems linked to inadequate original waterproofing. Repair work is expected to improve conditions for motorists and enhance the tunnel's resilience during the monsoon season, according to officials involved in planning.Read more

30 Dec 2025

National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited has submitted a bid of around INR 345 crore to acquire the stressed debt of the Kurukshetra Expressway project in Haryana. The total outstanding debt linked to the project is estimated at approximately INR 1,500 crore, and the bid represents a significant discount to the overall exposure. The expressway's concession agreement was terminated earlier following operational and financial challenges, leading lenders to initiate recovery proceedings. The proposed acquisition aligns with NARCL's mandate to resolve large non-performing infrastructure assets and support the clean-up of stressed loans in the banking system through asset reconstruction and recovery mechanisms.Read more

30 Dec 2025

L&T has secured a major contract for the second phase of the Hyderabad Greenfield Radial Road in Ranga Reddy district, classified as a significant order valued between INR 1,000 crore and INR 2,500 crore. The 22.3 km, six-lane access-controlled road will connect Hyderabad's outer ring road to the proposed 340 km regional ring road, improving access to IT hubs and the electronic city. The project includes a 3.6 km viaduct, bridges, underpasses, service roads, drainage, footpaths, cycle tracks, and landscaping, reinforcing Lamp's role in boosting Telangana's regional connectivity and economic growth.Read more

29 Dec 2025

Kolkata Metro's Blue Line faced a disruption earlier this week when a train had to apply its emergency brake near Mahanayak Uttam Kumar station, halting operations between Dakshineswar and Maidan for about one and a half hours. Passengers from the affected train were safely evacuated at Tollygunje, and services fully resumed later. Metro officials said the cause of the emergency braking is under investigation. The incident adds to recent operational snags on the line, highlighting challenges in maintaining uninterrupted commuter services.Read more

29 Dec 2025

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board recently issued a closure notice to a ready mix concrete (RMC) plant operating at the Mandale Metro project in Mankhurd for violating air pollution control norms. This follows a similar stop work notice earlier issued at an RMC plant managed by J Kumar Infraprojects at the Metro Line 2B site in Bandra Kurla Complex. Inspections across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai have led to fines totaling INR 1.87 crore and closure notices for multiple plants. Authorities have intensified enforcement to ensure construction sites comply with pollution mitigation measures and safeguard air quality.Read more

29 Dec 2025

Ceigall India has won a major infrastructure contract exceeding INR 1,000 crore for the construction of the Indore Ujjain Greenfield four-lane highway. The project, awarded through the Hybrid Annuity Model by the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation Ltd, is scheduled for completion in 24 months. The highway will significantly enhance regional connectivity and access to key economic and religious hubs in Madhya Pradesh. Ceigall India, known for delivering complex infrastructure projects such as elevated roads, bridges, tunnels, and highways, aims to prioritize safety, durability, and timely execution for this strategically important project.Read more

29 Dec 2025

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has intensified measures to improve air quality by conducting an extensive deep-cleaning drive on key arterial roads, including the Sion-Panvel Highway and the MIDC South Central Road. Acting on directions issued during a review meeting chaired by the municipal commissioner, the civic body has focused on removing accumulated dust and soil from roads and footpaths, followed by washing surfaces with treated water. The drive has been implemented across high-traffic corridors and internal city roads through coordinated efforts by the engineering and solid waste management departments. Mechanical sweeping, water spraying and manpower deployment have been used to reduce dust levels and improve ambient air conditions.Read more

29 Dec 2025

GMR Group has qualified to submit a bid for the proposed Taif International Airport project in Saudi Arabia, which carries an estimated investment value of USD 800 million. The airport development will be executed under a public-private partnership model on a build-transfer-operate basis, with a concession period of 30 years, including construction. Several international consortiums have also cleared the qualification stage for the bidding process. The new airport is planned to include a passenger terminal, support facilities, utilities, parking and access infrastructure, along with provisions for future expansion. The project is expected to cater to long-term traffic growth and support regional aviation demand, including Umrah-related travel.Read more

29 Dec 2025

Indian Railways is aiming to operationalise the indigenously developed automatic train protection system, Kavach, on the high-density Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors during 2026, after missing the revised deadline of December 2025. Officials indicated that steady progress and an accelerated implementation strategy are supporting the new target. Around 25 per cent of the work on these routes has already been commissioned and is ready for use, while key components have been installed across the remaining sections. Kavach is designed to automatically apply brakes if loco pilots fail to maintain prescribed speed limits, enhancing operational safety on busy rail corridors.Read more