06 May 2025

The Maharashtra government has approved the permanent transfer of 28 land parcels from PMC and PCMC to Maha Metro, granting it full ownership to develop commercial projects and boost non-ticket revenue for the Pune Metro. While the move supports metro expansion and financial sustainability, the PCMC has raised objections, demanding compensation as per rent policy norms for the 4,886 sq m of land transferred, including 15 sites linked to the Nigdi extension. The land-use decision is critical to the metro's financial model, but municipal pushback may impact implementation timelines if not resolved amicably.Read more

05 May 2025

he Mumbai-Pune Expressway's critical 'missing link' project is 95% complete and set to open by August 2025, according to Deputy CM Shri Eknath Shinde. The INR 6,600 crore project will shorten the route between Khopoli and Sinhgad Institute by over 9 km, reducing travel time by up to 30 minutes. Key features include two major tunnels and a 640-metre cable-stayed bridge soaring above Tiger Valley. Designed to bypass accident-prone ghat sections, the new stretch aims to create a 'zero-fatality corridor' with safer, faster travel at consistent speeds. Final work is underway on road surfacing, signage, and safety systems.Read more

05 May 2025

The Nashik Municipal Smart City Development Corporation Ltd (NMSCDCL) will continue executing projects beyond the Smart City Mission, which ended on March 31. The Directorial Board approved amendments enabling the corporation to undertake works outside Nashik and secure assignments from government bodies. NMSCDCL has initiated plans to deploy more than 3,500 CCTV cameras for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, enhancing surveillance throughout the city. CEO Sumant More confirmed that surveys are underway to identify installation sites. Divisional Commissioner Praveen Gedam chaired the meeting, attended by key officials who endorsed expanding NMSCDCL's operational scope to ensure financial self-sufficiency and future growth.Read more

05 May 2025

Japan's Sojitz Corporation has announced a USD 400 million investment in India's clean energy sector to develop 30 biomethane plants through a joint venture with GPS Renewables and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL). Operating under IOC GPS Renewables Pvt. Ltd. (IGRPL), the project aims to produce 160,000 tons of biomethane annually by FY 2026-27 using agricultural waste, addressing both energy needs and stubble burning. This move aligns with India's SATAT initiative and Sojitz's growth plans for India. The deal was structured by EY and advised legally by Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, marking a major boost for India's bioenergy ecosystem.Read more

02 May 2025

BEST is set to roll out last-mile connectivity for Mumbai Metro Line 3’s remaining phases, introducing 27 new bus routes to connect commuters with underground stations. Ten routes will serve the Dharavi to Acharya Atre Chowk stretch using 29 buses, linking areas like Dadar, Wadala, and Mahim. For the Acharya Atre to Cuffe Parade stretch, 17 more routes are in planning. BEST will adopt a ring-route model and upgrade station exits with bus bays. A tie-up with Google Maps will provide real-time bus tracking and ETAs, enhancing commuter convenience and supporting non-motorised transit across high-density zones.Read more

02 May 2025

The Maharashtra government has approved a INR 1,800 crore, 1.26-km connector linking Bandra Fort to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link to ease traffic at Bandra Reclamation and SV Road junctions. The six-lane road, to be built by MSRDC, will serve as a second sea link entry point from Bandstand, benefiting daily commuters and tourists. While the project includes land acquisition and rehabilitation, concerns remain about its impact on Bandstand’s public spaces. Officials plan minimal disruption with entry near Taj Lands End and a small exit at Bandra Fort. The connector forms part of a larger plan to decongest western Mumbai through parallel corridors.Read more

02 May 2025

Kotak Alternate Asset Managers has invested INR 2,000 crore in GVK Group’s Alaknanda Hydropower Company by subscribing to rupee bonds maturing in 2039 with a 12% annual coupon. The funds—raised through three Kotak funds—will refinance existing debts owed to institutions like Axis Bank and LIC, consolidating borrowings under a single lender group. The 330 MW hydropower project in Uttarakhand stands to benefit from improved financial stability and long-term support. This strategic refinancing reflects a growing trend of targeted investments in sustainable infrastructure, strengthening GVK’s position in India’s renewable energy sector.Read more

01 May 2025

The Maharashtra government has officially notified the redevelopment of MHADA colonies in Bandra and Worli, impacting around 3,000 aging housing units. The plan aims to improve living conditions for long-waiting residents by offering larger, modern flats and temporary housing or rent during construction. Developers will receive additional FSI to support the projects and must adhere to strict completion timelines. This initiative follows broader urban renewal efforts across Mumbai, including the Dharavi redevelopment and reforms in south Mumbai's cessed buildings. While the move could boost housing supply and ease prices, experts stress the need for timely execution and strong safeguards for residents.Read more

30 Apr 2025

A new 550-metre underpass connecting Mumbai's Coastal Road to the Worli-Sewri corridor is set to open by early May, offering southbound motorists from Dadar and Prabhadevi direct access to Nariman Point and Marine Drive. Built to ease congestion at Worli-Haji Ali, the tunnel will allow seamless entry onto the Coastal Road without using crowded city streets. Finishing works like signage, lighting, and surfacing are underway. Part of the 10.58-km Coastal Road project, the underpass is expected to significantly cut travel time to Mumbai's central business districts and improve traffic flow along the city's key commercial arteries.Read more

30 Apr 2025

Beghou Consulting has expanded its India footprint by inaugurating a new office in Bengaluru, aiming to capitalise on the city's stronghold in healthcare analytics and data science. Positioned in Whitefield's Brigade Metropolis, the new setup complements existing offices in Pune and Hyderabad. This move aligns with Beghou's global strategy to accelerate innovation in life sciences commercialisation by accessing India's specialised talent pool. The firm is targeting a 40% team expansion by the end of the year and plans to deepen collaboration across its Indian and US teams to bolster AI and data science-driven capabilities.Read more