13 Mar 2025

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has eased building regulations to assist small plot owners in colonies and on Thika land. These changes reduce mandatory open space requirements and expedite approvals within 15 days. Plots ranging from 300 to 2,100 square feet can now accommodate three-storey buildings. The revised policy significantly lowers approval fees, promoting legal compliance and safer construction. Owners must collaborate with licensed professionals, while KMC inspectors will oversee site work. By streamlining approvals and enforcing safety standards, the initiative curbs illegal construction, enhances urban planning, and fosters responsible development while ensuring secure and efficient use of limited land.Read more

13 Mar 2025

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) has formalised an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government to develop up to 7GW of renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and hybrid systems. This initiative, valued at approximately INR 49,000 crore, is set to be one of the state's largest renewable energy investments. The projects will span the districts of Kadapa, Kurnool, Anantapur, and Prakasam, and are expected to generate around 33,000 jobs. This collaboration aligns with Andhra Pradesh's Integrated Clean Energy Policy, aiming to establish over 160GW of renewable energy, thereby advancing the state's sustainable energy goals.Read more

12 Mar 2025

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar reviewed Bihar's urban development projects and expressed satisfaction with their progress. Key initiatives discussed included Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), AMRUT, Patna Metro, and PM eBus Sewa. The government aims to meet PMAY's housing goals within five years, while a 6.2-km Patna Metro stretch is set to open by August 2025. Bihar will receive 500 electric buses to improve public transport. Additionally, Rs 269.44 crore has been allocated for waste management under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. These efforts aim to enhance housing, transport, and sanitation, improving urban living conditions in the state.Read more

12 Mar 2025

GMR Airports has raised its stake in Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) to 74% after acquiring a 10% share from Germany's Fraport for USD 126 million. The transaction was completed following regulatory approvals and necessary conditions. GMR has steadily increased its control over DIAL since the airport's privatisation in 2006, while Fraport's exit aligns with its shift away from Indian operations. IGI Airport has undergone significant expansion, with future projects aiming to boost its passenger capacity. The move strengthens GMR's position in airport infrastructure, both in India and globally, though its stock price dipped slightly post-announcement.Read more

11 Mar 2025

Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has been granted INR 135 crore under the Smart City project to implement the Integrated Solid Waste Management and Sustainability (VIISWAS) initiative. Union Urban Development Minister Shri Manohar Lal announced the funding at a Jaipur conference, making Belagavi the only Karnataka city to secure this grant among 18 selected cities under the CITIIS 2.0 challenge. The project, to be completed by March 2028, will improve waste segregation, recycling, and waste-to-energy conversion. Cities like Surat and Indore have set examples in waste management, and Belagavi's initiative aligns with India's vision of sustainable urban development.Read more

11 Mar 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered an accelerated completion of the Dindoshi-Goregaon-Dadasaheb Phalke Film City flyover, a key part of the 12.2 km Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR). Officials are deploying extra workforce and three shifts to expedite construction. The six-lane, 1,265-meter flyover is crucial for east-west connectivity, reducing travel time from 75-90 minutes to just 15-25 minutes. The GMLR project, set for completion by 2028, includes twin 4.7 km underground tunnels beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park. This initiative is expected to boost real estate in Mulund, Malad, and Goregaon, improving Mumbai's urban transport network.Read more

Vriti Gothi

11 Mar 2025

Mumbai Metro Line 1, operated by Reliance Infrastructure, will introduce shorter trips between Andheri and Ghatkopar to ease congestion and accommodate 20,000 additional passengers during peak hours. Based on a trial run, 88% of commuters travel between Andheri and Ghatkopar, prompting special services from 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The metro's frequency will reduce to 3 minutes and 15 seconds, improving efficiency. This move will enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and benefit office-goers, reinforcing Mumbai's public transport network and easing congestion at key transit points.Read more

10 Mar 2025

Authorities launched a large-scale demolition drive in Saraswati Kunj and sectors 53 & 54, removing 85 illegal structures and 230 hutments across ten plots. The Town and Country Planning Department targeted unauthorized multi-storey buildings, restaurants, and encroachments on green spaces. Saraswati Kunj, under scrutiny since 2004, has faced unregulated developments despite a construction ban since 2016. Officials sealed illegal commercial establishments, including Foresta restaurant and a Stilt +4 building. While some residents support the cleanup, concerns remain over hutment dwellers' displacement. Authorities vow to intensify oversight and enforce zoning laws for planned urban development.Read more

10 Mar 2025

Embassy Office Parks REIT (Embassy REIT) will invest INR 100 crore to develop Bengaluru's Kadubeesanahalli Metro Station on the Outer Ring Road (ORR), enhancing connectivity between Central Silk Board and KR Puram. BMRCL Managing Director M. Maheshwar Rao highlighted the ORR corridor's significance in linking commercial and residential hubs. Embassy REIT's interim CEO, Ritwik Bhattacharjee, reaffirmed its commitment to urban mobility, citing past investments in infrastructure, including a flyover and a pedestrian footbridge. On February 28, 2025, Embassy REIT and BMRCL signed their partnership. The 17-km Metro ORR Project, spanning 16 stations, aims to ease commutes in Bengaluru's key business districts.Read more

10 Mar 2025

The greenfield Vadhvan Port project in Palghar will reclaim 3,500 acres from the sea, using 200 million cubic meters of offshore sand from 50 km off the Daman coast. VPPL secured a mining license for this, aiming for a 2029 operational date. The INR 76,000 crore project, India's 13th major port, will use an artificial island to accommodate large container ships. Offshore sand use saves INR 6,000 crore and is deemed less environmentally impactful than land-based mining. However, environmentalists warn of potential marine ecosystem disruption and altered water currents. The project raises concerns about balancing economic benefits with ecological sustainability, similar to other reclamation projects in Maharashtra.Read more