12 Nov 2024

India's top private port operators, JSW Infrastructure and Adani Ports & SEZ, are advancing INR 80,000 crore expansion plans to capitalise on anticipated trade growth. JSW Infra aims to boost capacity from 170 mtpa to 400 mtpa by FY2030, with significant projects in Odisha, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Adani Ports, targeting a 33% market share, plans a capacity increase from 627 mtpa, focusing on both domestic and global expansions, including in Vietnam and Dar es Salaam. Both companies are eyeing logistics and digitalisation to enhance efficiency, reflecting a strategic drive to meet India's rising demand for maritime infrastructure by 2030.Read more

11 Nov 2024

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the NCR has established a GRAP monitoring control room to oversee pollution control actions in Delhi and surrounding areas. In recent inspections, over 7,000 construction sites were assessed, resulting in environmental penalties for 597 sites and the closure of 56. To reduce dust pollution, the deployment of mechanized road sweeping machines, water sprinklers, and anti-smog guns has been enhanced. Additionally, significant enforcement actions have been taken against non-compliant vehicles and illegal dumping sites in an effort to manage municipal solid waste.Read more

11 Nov 2024

BigBloc Construction has completed phase II of its manufacturing plant in Wada, Maharashtra, doubling its capacity from 250,000 to 500,000 cubic metres of aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC) products. This expansion supports the growing demand for sustainable construction materials and aligns with India's green building goals. BigBloc is also installing a 625KW rooftop solar plant to reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, the company is investing INR 65 crore in a new facility in Kheda, Gujarat, aiming to produce another 250,000 cubic metres of AAC annually. These moves highlight BigBloc's commitment to sustainability and its potential for growth in the construction materials sector.Read more

11 Nov 2024

Starting 11 November, the UP government will open registrations for the Khurja Industrial Township in Bulandshahr, an 80-acre development designed to boost local industry and connect it to global markets. Located close to Noida Airport, this INR 430 crore project is set to support the "One District, One Product" (ODOP) initiative and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision for economic growth. With reserved plots for women and ODOP entrepreneurs, and extensive modern amenities, the township offers an ideal environment for small businesses to thrive.Read more

08 Nov 2024

After more than a decade of attempts, the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd (SRFDCL) successfully auctioned development rights for a prime plot on the riverfront, raising INR 156.13 crore. A Mumbai-based real estate company won the bid, planning a mixed-use commercial building featuring offices, co-working spaces, and retail options. This landmark deal establishes a new land valuation benchmark in Ahmedabad. The plot will be leased for 99 years at a minimal rate, with construction expected to be completed within four years.Read more

08 Nov 2024

RIICO has proposed a new set of rules for the direct land allotment in Rajasthan's industrial areas, aiming to simplify access and lower costs compared to land auctions. The draft allows land allotment to entrepreneurs and MSMEs with government MoUs at reserve prices in select areas, excluding saturated zones. Projects are evaluated based on investment, employment, and timelines, with approvals potentially granted within three weeks. Applications are submitted online, and a lottery process determines allotment among qualified candidates. Beneficiaries pay 25% upfront, with the remainder in three-year installments. Compliance with a three-year production timeline is mandatory, with penalties for delays.Read more

08 Nov 2024

Rajkot Municipal Corporation has raised INR 100 crore through Municipal Bonds to enhance infrastructure and community services. The bond issue was oversubscribed by 4.95 times and holds an interest rate of 7.90% for five years. The corporation's credit rating improved from A- to AA+, attributed to significant financial reforms and improved governance. The proceeds will fund water supply and sewage infrastructure for newly merged areas. Additionally, the bond issuance will lead to greater transparency and enhanced internal controls within the corporation.Read more

07 Nov 2024

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has discovered a vital Narmada trunk line beneath a commercial plot in Chandkheda, currently on the market. Construction on this land is prohibited under TP Scheme No. 76/B, prompting the civic body to approve a INR 5.29 crore relocation plan. An AMC official attributed the issue to a past error by the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority, which laid the line in 2003 without proper land designation. Additionally, the AMC plans to extend the Narmada drinking water supply to Chandkheda and surrounding areas, utilizing savings from the Jaspur-KD Hospital line project for the trunk line's relocation.Read more

07 Nov 2024

The Deonar landfill, Mumbai's oldest, has accumulated 2 crore metric tonnes of waste over 311 acres since 1927, reaching heights comparable to a 12-story building. With 124 acres designated for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), clearing this section-containing 80 lakh metric tonnes of waste-will be a challenging task. The estimated cleanup will take 6-7 years and cost over INR 1,000 crore. The BMC plans to employ bio-mining to treat the waste. However, environmental concerns like leachate pollution and the need for clear responsibilities for containment measures add complexities, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts and substantial funding.Read more

06 Nov 2024

The recent collapse of two floors, including the grand dome, of Agra's historic Zohra Bagh tower, underscores the urgent need for conservation. Built in 1526 by Emperor Babur's daughter, Zuhara Mahal, this Mughal-era structure was awaiting preservation under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Conservation efforts, delayed due to restricted access through Chini Ka Rauza, were initially scheduled after ongoing restoration there. Rainwater seepage is suspected to have weakened the Lakhori brick and mud masonry, leading to the collapse. This incident highlights the importance of timely intervention to safeguard India's architectural heritage from irreversible damage.Read more