26 Nov 2024

The Chandigarh administration has established a high-level committee to assess the financial feasibility of the proposed Metro project and address inter-governmental coordination for critical infrastructure, including a shorter route to Chandigarh International Airport and a city ring road. Tasked with delivering a report in two months, the committee includes officials from the UT and Punjab and Haryana governments. These projects aim to ease traffic congestion and improve regional connectivity, with the ring road expected to redirect outer traffic, reducing the burden on Chandigarh's urban roads.Read more

26 Nov 2024

Delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project have prompted the Central government to explore alternatives to Japanese technology providers. Approved in 2015, the INR 1.08 lakh crore project aims for a 2026, but a lack of commitment to the deadline has raised concerns. Switching to partners now could add INR 15,000 crore to costs, as infrastructure already aligns with Japanese specifications. Additionally, a potential diplomatic fallout with Japan poses a challenge. While alternatives are being explored to meet deadlines, cost escalations and international relations add complexity to the project's timely completion.Read more

25 Nov 2024

In a bid to curb illegal construction in the Aravalis, the Sohna Municipal Council demolished eight unauthorised structures on 10 acres at the Ansal Aravali Retreat in Raisina. This marked the third demolition drive in the area this year, targeting buildings violating the 1992 Aravali notification that prohibits non-forest activities on protected land classified as 'gair mumkin pehad.' Despite repeated actions, illegal structures persist, with an estimated 800 unauthorised developments identified across Gurgaon and Faridabad. Environmentalists stress that periodic demolitions are insufficient, urging stronger enforcement and sustainable measures to protect the ecologically sensitive Aravalis from further encroachment.Read more

25 Nov 2024

NBCC (India) Ltd. has partnered with the Income Tax Department to construct "Pratyaksha Kar Bhawan" in Kanpur, a project valued at INR 263 crore. This facility, including a residential complex and a multi-story training unit, will enhance tax administration in the region and is slated for completion in 30 months. NBCC also secured contracts for redevelopment projects in Mumbai, worth INR 136 crore, and interior works for GAIL's office in Delhi, valued at INR 50 crore. These initiatives highlight NBCC's growing role in public infrastructure development, driving urban modernisation, employment, and economic activity, while strengthening its position in the construction sector.Read more

25 Nov 2024

The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) has cleared illegal extensions from 63 houses in Tigariya Badshah's Nandbagh area to facilitate a 30-metre road widening project aimed at improving traffic flow. Despite prior notices, many residents failed to comply, prompting a demolition drive supported by over 200 IMC staff, police, and heavy machinery. Public announcements and voluntary removals eased the process. This initiative reflects IMC's commitment to addressing unauthorised constructions hindering infrastructure projects. As Indore continues its urbanisation, adherence to building regulations and resident cooperation will be vital for achieving sustainable city development and maintaining urban planning standards.Read more

22 Nov 2024

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has filed a contempt petition with the Supreme Court against Delhi Airport Metro Express (DAMEPL) and other parties for failing to comply with a court order to refund over INR 4,500 crore, including interest, which had been deposited in an escrow account. This follows the apex court's cancellation of an INR 8,000 crore arbitration award in favour of DAMEPL. Despite the directive, no refund has been processed so far, prompting DMRC to take legal action for non-compliance.Read more

22 Nov 2024

The Centre's air quality panel has imposed stricter pollution control measures for Delhi-NCR under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective from 8 am on Monday. These measures include a ban on truck entry, except for essential goods and eco-friendly vehicles, and a temporary halt on public construction projects. The CAQM also suggested work-from-home options for central government employees and noted that state governments could close colleges, limit non-essential commercial activities, and enforce odd-even vehicle rules to manage the worsening air quality.Read more

21 Nov 2024

The City Corporation's Thanal Housing project is set to provide secure housing for 136 disabled families from Vikalanga Colony in Muttathara, marking a milestone in improving living conditions for the community. Revised as a two-storey design after addressing objections and obtaining Airport Authority clearance, the INR 20 crore project will begin construction in January, led by Uralungal Labour Construction Co-operative Society (ULCCS). Additionally, 102 displaced fishermen families from Valiyathura will be housed in a new 400-flat complex under the 'Punargeham' project. These initiatives aim to uplift vulnerable communities by offering dignified housing and improved living standards, showcasing the state's commitment to social welfare.Read more

21 Nov 2024

Landowners in Balaramapuram are frustrated by delays in compensation for properties acquired for the Karamana-Kaliyikkavilai road widening project. While the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) is set to release INR 102 crore, financial delays have stalled progress, leaving 80 landowners unpaid. Despite INR 40 crore already disbursed, the total compensation needed is INR 97 crore. The project, aimed at creating a 30.2-metre-wide four-lane road, faces uncertainty as landowners threaten protests. The district administration cites financial constraints as the primary cause of delays, prompting calls for swift action to ensure timely compensation and the project's completion for regional connectivity.Read more

20 Nov 2024

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has launched the GIFT International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI) and the GIFT International Fintech Innovation Hub (GIFT IFIH), supported by the Asian Development Bank. These initiatives aim to position GIFT City as a global leader in fintech education, innovation, and startups. The GIFT IFI will provide industry-aligned training, while the GIFT IFIH will support fintech startups with resources and mentorship. The programmes, led by Ahmedabad University, IIT Gandhinagar, and UC San Diego, will commence in January 2025, fostering talent and accelerating fintech solutions to reshape the financial landscape.Read more