PNT Reporter

18 Dec 2024

Highway construction in the first eight months of the fiscal year reached nearly 4,900 km, showing a 6.6% decline compared to 5,248 km in the same period the previous year. However, this pace surpasses the target set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for the year. The government has set a provisional target of constructing 10,421 km of national highways this fiscal year, which is 15% lower than the previous year due to delays in state clearances caused by the prolonged election process. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has a target of 5,000 km. However, the pace of awarding new projects has slowed, and the introduction of Vision 2047 has replaced the Bharatmala project, with no specific targets set under the new plan. Analysts predict that the slowdown in awarding projects will impact highway construction into 2025-26, with improvements expected in 2026-27.Read more

PNT Reporter

18 Dec 2024

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) plans to install rooftop solar power plants in 14 housing societies, with capacities between 10 kW to 200 kW, at a cost of INR 4.5 crore. This initiative aims to reduce electricity bills by 70-80% for residents while promoting renewable energy. Additionally, a 50 kW solar plant will be installed at Jyotiba Phule Zonal Park. LDA Vice-Chairman Prathmesh Kumar highlighted the project's role in reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainability. As urban areas adopt solar solutions, this initiative could inspire similar efforts nationwide, advancing India's renewable energy goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.Read more

PNT Reporter

18 Dec 2024

Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL) has secured a INR 5 crore grant under the CITIIS 2.0 program to advance sustainable urban development. The funds will support the creation of a State Climate Centre for Cities (S-C3) to coordinate climate strategies, along with climate data observatories for monitoring environmental changes. The initiative also includes capacity building for officials in areas like waste management and urban forestry. Managing Director Sanjit Rodrigues highlighted the plan's focus on integrating advanced technologies to improve residents' quality of life and reduce environmental impact. This project positions Panaji as a model for climate-responsive urban development.Read more

PNT Reporter

17 Dec 2024

The Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, has completed a validation flight. This is an important step before its official opening. The test used an IndiGo A320 aircraft to check navigation systems and safety protocols. The flight showed that NIA is ready for commercial operations. Final approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is still needed. The airport is expected to open soon and will offer a new travel option for passengers.Read more

PNT Reporter

17 Dec 2024

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued intimation notices to 474 contractors and real estate firms for failing to comply with environmental management plans and 27-point dust mitigation guidelines. Amid a moderate Air Quality Index (AQI) of 144 recorded earlier this week, the BMC emphasised stricter directives for construction sites, including deadlines to install sprinklers and anti-smog guns. The transport department warned of action against uncovered debris transport. The Bombay High Court, expressing concern over the city's deteriorating air quality, urged authorities to detail measures being implemented under existing laws.Read more

PNT Reporter

17 Dec 2024

The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (TNMB) plans to establish a greenfield port and restore a defunct minor port, following limited interest in redeveloping the existing facility due to persistent silting issues. The greenfield port, located within 5 km of the minor port, will leverage its 14-metre depth close to shore to handle large vessels and is expected to manage 13 million tonnes of cargo. The minor port will focus on shallow draft vessels, with potential for shipbuilding and repair activities. Target industries include thermal power plants, manufacturing hubs, and co-generation facilities, boosting trade and logistics. These developments aim to enhance cargo volumes, attract private investment, and drive economic growth in Tamil Nadu.Read more

PNT Reporter

16 Dec 2024

India's data centre market is poised for rapid growth, with capacity projected to rise from 1,255 MW to 2,070 MW by 2025, driven by digital transformation, AI data demands, and supportive policies like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the 2020 Draft Data Centre Policy. The sector's footprint is set to expand from 19 to 31 million sq. ft., supported by over USD 60 billion in investments since 2019, expected to surpass USD 100 billion by 2027. Major hubs include Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru, accounting for 90% of capacity, with emerging Tier-II cities gaining traction.Read more

PNT Reporter

13 Dec 2024

The Hootagalli City Municipal Council (CMC) has expanded its jurisdiction with the addition of 45 layouts transferred from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), increasing its scope from 33 layouts to 78. This includes residential and industrial areas, enabling the council to enhance revenue collection and services for a growing population. Residents in these newly added layouts, previously unable to transfer khatas or secure property loans, can now access essential property documents. The CMC plans to collect property taxes and provide amenities such as drainage, water supply, and roadworks in phases. This transfer marks a significant step in resolving past challenges and fostering urban development in the region.Read more

PNT Reporter

12 Dec 2024

The BMC's environment department has issued an SOP for sub-engineers to monitor air pollution control measures at construction sites. Contractors must submit Environmental Management Plans (EMP) detailing pollution sources and mitigation strategies. Ward-level sub-engineers from the mechanical and electrical engineering department will inspect sites, ensure compliance, impose penalties for violations, and collaborate with the SWM department to address dust and waste burning issues. Non-compliance may lead to show cause notices or stop-work orders. Monitoring squads, disrupted due to elections, will soon resume operations, ensuring stricter enforcement of air quality regulations at infrastructure project sites.Read more

PNT Reporter

11 Dec 2024

Meghalaya is ready to begin surveys for the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G), aiming to expand housing coverage under the extended scheme. With 6,354 surveyors deployed across 6,426 villages, the state plans to update the Awaas+ 2018 database, including excluded households, using eKYC authentication. Having achieved 60.75% completion of 186,283 approved houses since 2016, ongoing projects will conclude by January 2025. The initiative aligns with Meghalaya's developmental goals, integrating housing with education, healthcare, clean water, and sanitation to combat rural poverty. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized stakeholders' engagement and comprehensive implementation to achieve 'housing for all.'Read more