04 Feb 2025

The Maharashtra state government is planning a new 20-km, eight-lane access-controlled highway to improve connectivity between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Badlapur. Spearheaded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the project aims to reduce congestion and cut travel time. Currently in the early planning phase, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will assess feasibility, land acquisition, and environmental impact. The highway, estimated to cost INR 10,000 crore, will include major interchanges, a 3-km tunnel, and integration with proposed metro lines. If successfully implemented, it will significantly enhance connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and other key urban hubs.Read more

03 Feb 2025

The old Kasheli Creek bridge on the Mumbai-Nashik Expressway remains structurally sound despite a partial median collapse, according to MSRDC officials. Major repairs will commence after the new adjoining bridge, currently 70% complete, opens by mid-year. The old bridge, built in 1985, is a vital link for heavy commercial traffic and part of the Samruddhi Mahamarg. Once the expansion is complete, the old bridge will serve Thane-bound traffic, while the new bridge will handle Nashik-bound vehicles. As part of a broader INR 1,000 crore highway expansion, this project enhances connectivity, supports logistics, and strengthens Maharashtra's transport infrastructure.Read more

03 Feb 2025

The Mumbai Suburban District Collectorate has sanctioned INR 57 crore for strengthening 261 hillocks and landslide-prone sites in the city's suburbs, aiming to prevent accidents and loss of life during the monsoon. This decision was made during a recent District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC) meeting chaired by Mumbai suburban guardian minister Ashish Shelar. The Geological Survey of India has identified 299 such sites, with 38 located in the island city. The government will consult IIT-Bombay to implement effective safety measures. In addition to landslide prevention, the DPDC has approved an overall budget of INR 943 crore for 2025-26, which includes INR 30 crore for tourism, police infrastructure upgrades, and initiatives against illegal encroachments.Read more

03 Feb 2025

The CAG's latest audit has found that BMTC has failed to protect 521 acres of its land from encroachment, despite recognising the issue as early as 2008. Out of BMTC's 1,400-acre land bank in Bengaluru Urban district, 653 acres remain vacant, with nearly 80% of it at risk. Various government agencies have taken over portions for schools, offices, and housing schemes. Efforts to fence off the land began only after the audit, but progress has been slow. The transport minister has assured that steps are being taken to safeguard these plots, but legal disputes and financial constraints continue to pose challenges.Read more

31 Jan 2025

Goa is planning significant infrastructure and educational upgrades, including a metro system, IT hub, and enhanced educational facilities. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced ongoing discussions with Indian Railways for a metro train system and plans to develop a dedicated IT hub to support the growing tech sector. The state also aims to reconstruct Panaji and Mapusa bus stands and establish a new educational complex near Goa University, housing architecture, music, and pharmacy colleges. Additionally, the CM apprenticeship scheme supports nursing students pursuing specialization. These initiatives reflect Goa's focus on fostering economic growth, technological development, and improved educational infrastructure for future generations.Read more

31 Jan 2025

The Andhra Pradesh government approved the 'Master Plan 2041' for the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) in November 2021. This plan outlined various zones for growth and infrastructure. However, the plan has faced long-standing accusations of favouring certain individuals and protecting their land. Allegations also suggest some political figures bought land in areas earmarked for future projects, knowing about the plan before its official release. The government has now directed VMRDA to revisit the plan, address public objections, and invite new suggestions and feedback.Read more

31 Jan 2025

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has approached the state government with a request to amend the land pooling rules to facilitate the acquisition process for Infopark's Phase III campus. The proposed 300-acre campus in Kunnathunadu will be built using the land pooling method, under which landowners would get 60% of their original land back after the project's completion, with its value expected to increase substantially. GCDA aims to integrate the rules into the Town Planning Act to streamline the process and avoid legal complications. The government's decision on the requested amendments is awaited, and the third campus is expected to create significant job opportunities.Read more

30 Jan 2025

The latest Colliers report identifies top emerging cities in India with significant real estate growth potential, projecting up to 5.2x returns by 2035. Nagpur, Jaipur, and Lucknow lead the list, along with other cities like Patna, Kochi, Surat, and Agra. The report highlights key factors driving this growth, including infrastructure improvements, particularly the expansion of expressways. Areas like Samruddhi Circle in Nagpur, Shela in Ahmedabad, and Raebareli Road in Lucknow are noted as high-potential micro-markets. The growing connectivity and urban development make these cities promising investment opportunities for real estate growth in the coming decade.Read more

30 Jan 2025

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has committed to investing INR 60,000 crore in expanding its data centres in Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad. The investment, announced during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, aims to enhance AWS's cloud infrastructure and support the growth of AI services in India. The company has already invested USD 1 billion to develop three operational sites in the state and has requested additional land to continue its expansion. AWS's ongoing investment further strengthens Hyderabad's position as a central hub for data centres in India.Read more

30 Jan 2025

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has requested 15 government land parcels from the state to fast-track several pending development projects. These include initiatives such as 24x7 water supply, road widening in various areas, and the creation of a playground in Shivajinagar. The civic administration highlighted that many projects have been delayed due to the unavailability of land. Once allocated, the state land will help move forward essential projects like roadworks, riverbank beautification, and construction of water tanks. The PMC has secured approval for the land acquisition, which will require INR 25 crore for the 15 parcels.Read more