PNT Reporter

05 Dec 2024

The Noida Authority is advancing plans to acquire 25 hectares in Sector 165, primarily in Gulawali village, along the Noida Expressway to develop an industrial zone. The land, spread across four villages, will be procured through mutual consent to address farmers' concerns and ensure smooth acquisition. While the Authority already possesses some land, encroachment and habitation in other areas pose challenges. Sector 165 is part of a broader expansion involving six sectors, with 40% of the required 540 acres acquired so far. Sectors 162, 164, and 165 will host industrial units, while mixed-use developments are planned for other sectors.Read more

PNT Reporter

05 Dec 2024

Last week, Kerala and Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd signed a supplementary concession agreement, accelerating the revenue-sharing timeline for the Vizhinjam deep-water port. The expanded capacity will allow the port to handle 4.5 million containers annually, with revenue projections rising from INR 54,750 crore to INR 215,000 crore over 36 years. Kerala's share of revenue will also increase, while indirect revenue through GST and corporate taxes is expected to rise significantly. The agreement reduces the state's financial obligations and ensures an earlier start to revenue.Read more

PNT Reporter

05 Dec 2024

Cracks in over 150 houses and a historic temple in Agra's Moti Katra and Syed Gali areas, attributed to metro tunnelling, have displaced over 500 residents. The tunnelling, part of a 2km underground rail project, began in October 2023, though residents reported cracks as early as July. Divisional commissioner Ritu Maheshwari ordered quality repairs, thorough surveys, and damage reassessments, involving IIT Roorkee for quality assurance. Despite ongoing repair efforts and temporary stabilisation measures, fear and dissatisfaction persist. Locals demand compensation, accountability, and long-term solutions, highlighting the need for stringent oversight in infrastructure projects to prevent such disruptions and risks.Read more

PNT Reporter

04 Dec 2024

The state government has announced plans for New Agra, a heritage city envisioned along the Yamuna Expressway in Agra district, under the jurisdiction of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). Covering approximately 10,500 hectares, the New Agra Urban Centre aims to become a commercial and tourism hub, incorporating 60 villages in the Etmadpur tehsil near the Taj Mahal. Developed with input from a consulting firm, the project will prioritize connectivity and environmental regulations. As the Noida International Airport prepares to open next April, New Agra is poised to enhance Agra's appeal as a tourist destination.Read more

PNT Reporter

04 Dec 2024

A recent study by Cusat, SACON, and FLAME University highlights an alarming 126% increase in built-up areas across Kochi's taluks between 2001 and 2020, far exceeding the global average of 20%. Urbanisation has caused a 57.56% loss of wetlands and a 15% decline in cropland, triggering severe ecological imbalances. Pollution, declining biodiversity, and near-extinction of species like the Soapnut tree (only 50 remain) underscore the crisis. Researchers warn of rising health issues and ecosystem degradation. The findings call for sustainable urban planning to balance development and conservation, ensuring long-term environmental and social health for Kochi.Read more

PNT Reporter

04 Dec 2024

India is advancing negotiations with Japan to accelerate the localisation of bullet train design and manufacturing. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor will feature high-speed trains developed by a consortium of Japanese firms, Kawasaki and Hitachi, targeting speeds up to 300 km/h. Indigenous production is also being pursued, leveraging the Vande Bharat platform, with BEML leading prototype development. Land acquisition is complete, and significant civil infrastructure progress has been reported. Updated signalling systems, including Kavach 4.0, are also in development. The NDA government's efforts have propelled the project forward, aiming for trial runs by early 2026 and further expansion of bullet train corridors nationwide.Read more

PNT Reporter

03 Dec 2024

The Haryana government recently commemorated Maharishi Valmiki's birth anniversary at a state-level event in Jind, attended by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The CM made several announcements, including a grant of INR 51 lakh for the Maharishi Valmiki Bhavan in Narwana and assistance for a student hostel in Hisar. He outlined various welfare initiatives, including reservation reforms, support for sanitation workers, and plans to build homes for the poor. Additionally, CM Saini highlighted the state's food security and welfare schemes, as well as transport benefits for low-income families. Minister Krishna Kumar Bedi criticised the previous government's stance on reservations.Read more

PNT Reporter

03 Dec 2024

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is ramping up measures to combat pollution from construction sites despite implementing Stages III and IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). By November 25, MCD inspected over 5,500 sites, finding 420 non-compliant with dust control regulations. Among smaller sites, 367 did not adhere to mitigation standards, resulting in several penalties and closure notices. For larger sites, 53 were found violated guidelines, with fines imposed and closure notice issued to one project. MCD has deployed 372 surveillance teams to enforce compliance, aiming to reduce air pollution linked to construction activities across the city.Read more

PNT Reporter

03 Dec 2024

The JDA recently sealed two buildings with illegal constructions in Gokul Nagar in Jaipur. A tip from the locals alerted the authority about two buildings on Kalwar Road about buildings that were not implementing the mandatory construction laws, and the developers were subsequently served notices under Section 32, 33, and 34(a) of the JDA Act 1982. If the developers do not adhere to the laws immediately, then the enforcement wing has the go-ahead to knock the buildings down. JDA has created helplines for locals to report enforcement related concerns.Read more

PNT Reporter

02 Dec 2024

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has requested INR 7,200 crore from the Delhi government to fulfill various financial commitments, including the timely completion of Phase-IV corridors and payment to contractors for Phase-III. The three priority corridors under Phase-IV, spanning 62 km, are expected to be completed by 2026, with approval for additional lines also granted. DMRC also seeks urgent funds for the Public Works Department's double-decker viaducts and to balance contractual requirements for Phase-III. The government is expected to request supplementary grants during the assembly session, and DMRC urges timely approval to avoid project delays and cost overruns.Read more