Mumbai News Desk

1 hour ago

Western Railway is planning to monetise elevated decks being built above platforms at several suburban stations in Mumbai as part of ongoing station improvement works. The decks are being developed by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation to ease congestion and improve passenger circulation at busy stations. Railway authorities are now examining ways to lease these newly created spaces for retail outlets, kiosks and passenger facilities to generate non-fare revenue. Officials say the commercial use will be planned carefully so that commuter movement remains unaffected while the additional space contributes to station maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.Read more

2 hours ago

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has informed Parliament that the proposed scheme to incubate eight new cities across India will not be implemented. The programme was linked to an INR 8,000 crore challenge fund recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, but its award period will end on March 31, 2026, making implementation difficult. The ministry also noted that proposals submitted by states did not adequately address the large investment requirements and revenue models needed for new cities. Funds earlier earmarked for the scheme have now been reallocated, while the government is shifting focus to developing seven City Economic Regions.Read more

15 Mar 2026

Rajasthan has received central approval for four ropeway projects out of 16 proposals submitted to improve connectivity to tourist and religious destinations across the state. Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari informed the state Assembly that the remaining proposals are still under consideration by the Centre. The projects were proposed under the Parvatmala Scheme to improve access to difficult terrain and reduce travel time to hilltop temples and heritage sites. However, certain proposals, including one near the Rameshwar Mahadev Temple, face environmental restrictions due to their location inside the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve.Read more

15 Mar 2026

The Union Cabinet approved infrastructure projects totaling INR 8,313 crore to strengthen highway and railway networks across India. Key approvals include a four lane highway in Madhya Pradesh linking Ujjain with the Delhi Mumbai Expressway, which will improve travel efficiency and reduce congestion. In the rail sector, two multi tracking projects in West Bengal and Jharkhand will expand the network by about 192 km, enhance freight capacity, and improve operational efficiency. The Cabinet also sanctioned the upgrade of a Tamil Nadu airport to international status, supporting regional connectivity and economic growth.Read more

15 Mar 2026

Assam has recorded the highest green cover along national highways in India, according to the first National Highways Green Cover Index (NH-GCI) released by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The index provides a scientific assessment of vegetation within the right of way of highways using satellite-based monitoring. The study, prepared in collaboration with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), evaluated around 30,000 km of national highways across 24 states during the July-December 2024 period. Assam ranked first in the national assessment, followed by Gujarat, Telangana, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The index is intended to provide a quantitative measure of roadside vegetation and help authorities monitor plantation efforts and environmental sustainability across India's expanding highway network.Read more

15 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched and dedicated infrastructure and energy projects worth around INR 5,650 crore in Tamil Nadu. The initiatives include a large city gas distribution network, a lubricant manufacturing facility, rural road projects and new railway services. The city gas network alone is valued at about INR 3,700 crore and will expand piped natural gas access for households, commercial establishments and industries. Several train services were also flagged off to improve connectivity between southern districts and other parts of the country. The projects aim to strengthen energy supply, transportation links and regional economic activity.Read more

Kochi News Desk

15 Mar 2026

Highway expansion projects around Kochi are gradually influencing the city's real estate market as improved road connectivity begins to shift buyer interest toward emerging suburban areas. Land prices near highway corridors have increased by about 25-30% compared to the city average, according to local real estate agents. Demand is especially visible in the mid-range housing segment, with buyers looking for small plots and houses priced below INR 1 crore. Better road access is making previously distant areas more attractive, and developers are also beginning to evaluate these locations for future residential development.Read more

15 Mar 2026

Managing Director of Amaravati Growth & Infrastructure Corporation Limited, SVR Srinivas, recently inspected major construction works underway in the capital city of Amaravati. The visit covered key sites within the Amaravati Government Complex including the Legislative Assembly building, Lok Bhavan and the Happy Nest residential project. During the visit, the Managing Director assessed construction progress and held review discussions with contractors and engineering teams involved in the developments. Officials briefed him on the status of the works. He instructed teams to maintain quality standards and complete the projects within the planned timelines set for the capital's infrastructure development.Read more

15 Mar 2026

Ceigall India Limited, in a joint venture with Sushee Infra & Mining Limited, has emerged as the lowest bidder for a highway construction project worth about INR 521 crore in Arunachal Pradesh. The project has been awarded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and involves the construction of a section of National Highway-913, also known as the Frontier Highway. The project will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model and is expected to be completed in about 36 months. Ceigall India will hold a 74 percent stake in the joint venture, while Sushee Infra & Mining will hold the remaining 26 percent.Read more

15 Mar 2026

IndiFrame will showcase its engineered uPVC window and door systems at iDAC Expo 2026, scheduled from March 12-14 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The company will highlight fenestration solutions designed specifically for coastal and high-rainfall climates, addressing challenges such as heavy monsoon rains, humidity and dense urban environments common in cities like Mumbai. Through live demonstration units at the event, IndiFrame plans to showcase the functional performance of its systems across parameters including sound insulation, air tightness, water resistance, wind pressure and heat management. The initiative aims to engage architects, developers and designers and demonstrate how modern fenestration systems can enhance building durability, efficiency and indoor comfort in rapidly growing urban centres.Read more