23 Jan 2025

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) has temporarily put its plans to lease a 4.2-acre land parcel in Nariman Point for property development on hold. Originally, the plot was intended for monetisation through a long-term lease agreement, with an RFP issued earlier this week. However, a public notice announced its withdrawal, citing "technical issues" that need resolution. The land, which was once used as office space by political parties, is seen as a prime location for mixed-use development. MMRCL aims to revisit the proposal in the near future after addressing these issues.Read more

23 Jan 2025

In an effort to enhance fire safety in industries and commercial establishments, the Telangana Fire Department has proposed amendments to the Telangana Fire Services Act, 1999. The amendment seeks to make it mandatory for all commercial buildings, irrespective of height, to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Currently, commercial structures below 15 metres are exempt from this requirement, leading to negligence in fire safety measures. Officials argue that the amendment is necessary to address the growing needs of Hyderabad and Telangana, ensuring that all establishments comply with fire safety norms.Read more

22 Jan 2025

The Himachal Pradesh government has introduced the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Development Authority (BBNDA) Land Pooling Policy-2025 to promote systematic and sustainable urban development in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh area of Solan district. The policy, announced earlier this month aims to transform unorganised land holdings into planned layouts with the voluntary participation of landowners, ensuring improved urban planning and infrastructure without compulsory land acquisition. The BBNDA will spearhead residential, commercial, institutional, and mixed-use projects while landowners will contribute land in exchange for proportionate plots in saleable areas. Applications will undergo scrutiny within a month, and approved plans will be executed promptly.Read more

22 Jan 2025

Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) is set to conduct its sixth e-auction of industrial plots at Verna, with 20 plots available. Following a significant 80% rise in the average bid price during the previous auction, GIDC expects heightened interest, particularly from the pharmaceutical and logistics sectors. Notable pharmaceutical companies like Fertin and Centaur acquired large plots in earlier auctions, reinforcing investor confidence in Goa's industrial ecosystem despite the absence of tax incentives. Simplified allotment and auction norms have further boosted participation, with the fifth auction witnessing 81% of plots receiving multiple bids.Read more

22 Jan 2025

The Chief Minister of Gujarat inaugurated the GIFT International Fintech Institute (IFI) and GIFT International Fintech Innovation Hub (IFIH) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). Supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), these initiatives aim to position GIFT City as a global leader in financial technology. The IFI will offer cutting-edge training programmes from January 2025, designed to upskill professionals in fintech, AI, and more, while the IFIH will foster start-ups through mentorship and resources. These ventures underscore India's commitment to becoming a fintech powerhouse.Read more

22 Jan 2025

A fire on January 14 at the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC) in Bengaluru's Electronic City caused losses estimated at INR 80-INR 110 crore, severely impacting biotech startups and destroying the second floor of the facility. Initial reports blame improper storage of flammable solvents for the blaze, which spread through HVAC systems. Affected startups, including Fermbox and Immunitas, face significant setbacks, while the BBC reported damages of INR 42 crore. Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge pledged government support for recovery efforts. The incident highlights the urgent need for stringent safety protocols in biotech labs as the BBC and its stakeholders plan to rebuild.Read more

21 Jan 2025

Noida International Airport, set to open in four months, faces major connectivity challenges. Located 90 km from Delhi's IGI Airport, its accessibility is hindered by limited public transport options. Long-term projects like a metro extension and rapid rail corridor are years away. To address the gap, a bus service with 175-200 electric buses on six routes has been announced, alongside a taxi collaboration with Mahindra Mobility. High cab fares and lengthy travel times may deter passengers, especially when IGI offers robust transport links. Immediate measures, such as reliable bus services, are crucial to ensure the airport's success and regional impact.Read more

21 Jan 2025

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has commenced trial runs for Meerut Metro trains, testing their performance, safety, and passenger amenities. The trials, conducted between Meerut South and Meerut Central, evaluate speeds from 40 km/h to 135 km/h and ensure compliance with international safety standards. Manufactured in Gujarat, these trains are designed for comfort and include features like air-conditioning, ergonomic seating, and USB charging. A unique aspect of this project is the shared infrastructure with Namo Bharat trains, covering a 23-km corridor with 13 stations, including three underground. Civil construction is nearing completion, setting the stage for a full-scale launch.Read more

21 Jan 2025

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued show-cause notices to Delhi district magistrates and the DJB CEO for failing to act against illegal borewells, which threaten groundwater reserves. Despite an August 2024 directive to seal unauthorised borewells and file compliance reports, authorities showed widespread inaction. The NGT imposed fines of 10,000 rupees on each DM and criticised the Delhi government for withholding 70 crore rupees in environmental compensation. Warning of possible prosecution and detention under Section 26 of the NGT Act, the tribunal demanded compliance by March 21, 2025, urging immediate action to uphold environmental protection and its authority.Read more

21 Jan 2025

The Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has intensified efforts to clear land in Shivangaon village for the proposed expansion of Nagpur airport, which includes the construction of a second runway. This drive, expected to conclude within a month, involves demolishing homes that are in the way of the runway. Though compensation was provided in the form of land and cash to displaced residents, many locals claim it was insufficient to rebuild their homes. As demolitions continue, some villagers are salvaging materials from their old homes for use in their new ones at Chinchbhuvan.Read more