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

PNT Reporter

11 Dec 2024

Residential demand is surging in cities with strong religious tourism like Prayagraj, Varanasi, Puri, and Shirdi, driven by investment opportunities, holiday homes, and potential short-term rentals. Year-on-year, Prayagraj saw a 28% increase in demand, Varanasi 18%, Puri 52%, and Shirdi 67%. Prices vary, with Varanasi averaging INR 6,128 psf, Prayagraj INR 6,645 psf, Puri INR 6,114 psf, and Shirdi INR 4,028 psf. Puri and Shirdi show continued appreciation, while Varanasi and Prayagraj stabilise. Religious tourism fuels this trend, offering buyers a mix of cultural value and investment potential, making these cities key players in India's real estate growth.Read more

PNT Reporter

11 Dec 2024

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently highlighted the importance of developing smart villages in line with the ongoing smart city initiatives. Speaking at the 42nd Convocation of the School of Planning and Architecture, he shared his vision of building a smart village, which includes affordable housing with essential services like free electricity and water. He also stressed the importance of knowledge, its conversion into wealth, and the role of educated manpower in realising India's goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy. Gadkari emphasised that ecology, economy, and environment must work in harmony for sustainable development.Read more

PNT Reporter

10 Dec 2024

The Survey of India has completed a comprehensive drone survey covering approximately 550 square kilometers of Delhi, representing over one-third of the city. This initial phase included the Yamuna O Zone and 66 unauthorized colonies, with images shared with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The survey aims to identify encroachments on DDA land, assess structures, and facilitate their removal. Following a tripartite agreement, the DDA plans to overlay cadastral maps on drone images to monitor land status and ensure compliance with regulations, ultimately enhancing land management and resource utilization across various departments.Read more

PNT Reporter

10 Dec 2024

GMDA's plan to revamp the 11-km stretch connecting IFFCO Chowk to Dwarka Expressway remains stalled, despite its approval in October 2022, due to land encroachments and limited availability. Narrowed sections, particularly in Basai, and illegal property extensions have hampered progress. The project aims to ease traffic in old Gurgaon with features like a grade separator, improved footpaths, on-street parking, and a utility duct. However, demolition resistance and land shortages for a parallel rail overbridge have caused delays. Without a clear timeline, residents face ongoing congestion and rising project costs, underscoring the need for swift resolution.Read more

PNT Reporter

09 Dec 2024

The Kerala Coastal Zone Management Plan (KCZMP) is set to transform Ernakulam's coastal and backwater regions by introducing more flexible construction regulations. Ten locales have been designated as urban panchayats, permitting residents to build and renovate their homes and structures. Commercial projects, however, still require approval from the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA). Updated maps for these areas are now accessible online. While many residents are optimistic about their new construction opportunities, villages like Pallipuram and Kuzhupilly remain restricted under CRZ IIIA, leaving some concerns about the clarity and implementation of the new regulations.Read more

PNT Reporter

09 Dec 2024

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued a preliminary notification to acquire around 143 properties, including 94 buildings, to widen a 2.4-km stretch of Gunjur-Varthur Main Road in Gunjur village. The project aims to enhance the existing 30-meter road between Gunjur Lake and Vinayaka Theatre, part of State Highway 35. This road is one of 14 slated for development under the Revised Master Plan for 2025, with a total of 25 km planned for improvement. BBMP officials stated that the land acquisition will be compensated through transferable development rights.Read more

PNT Reporter

09 Dec 2024

Mumbai Metro has partnered with the 'Toilet Service App' to improve cleanliness and accessibility of toilets at 30 metro stations on the Metro 7 and 2A corridors. The app provides real-time information on toilet availability and condition, allowing passengers to easily locate and use facilities. It also enables passengers to report issues, ensuring prompt action is taken. Metro staff can monitor and maintain cleanliness through the app. Passengers can download the app by scanning a QR code at the stations. This initiative enhances hygiene standards and improves the overall commuter experience, focusing on convenience and passenger satisfaction.Read more

PNT Reporter

06 Dec 2024

The Smart Cities Mission has seen significant progress, with 13 out of 100 cities completing all projects, and 48 cities achieving over 90 per cent completion. Over 84,000 CCTV cameras and 713 km of cycle tracks have been installed. The mission has seen INR 17,303 crore invested in 714 ongoing projects, with 91 per cent of projects completed. The deadline has been extended until March next year, and the government has released INR 47,225 crore, of which 94 per cent has been utilised. Despite some delays due to legal issues, the mission has delivered major infrastructure improvements across cities.Read more

PNT Reporter

06 Dec 2024

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has approved the redevelopment of slum areas under the "Jahan Jhuggi Wahin Makaan" scheme, a move aimed at enhancing housing for Delhi's slum dwellers. Key policy changes by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) include increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for residential and commercial components, offering developers greater flexibility and financial viability. At least 40% of plots must be used for housing, ensuring slum residents remain in their neighborhoods. By integrating slum rehabilitation with commercial opportunities, the scheme aims to provide dignified housing, promote social mobility, and foster inclusive urban growth, ahead of the Assembly elections.Read more