22 Oct 2024

In anticipation of the Lok Sabha elections, the Maharashtra government opted to lower penalties for legalising unauthorised structures in Ulhasnagar. Despite this, revenue officials faced confusion regarding the issuance of property cards post-regularisation. To resolve this, the government introduced a standard format for local Special Development Officers to follow. This initiative aims to benefit over 500,000 residents by regularising more than 27,000 properties deemed illegal. The streamlined process is vital for urban compliance and development in Ulhasnagar.Read more

22 Oct 2024

Mastercard has announced the inauguration of a cutting-edge Tech Hub in Pune, India, marking the latest addition to the company's global technology hub network. This new facility, situated in the Bluegrass Business Park, will house over 6,000 technologists and engineers, making it Mastercard's largest workforce in a single city worldwide. Aligning with India's "Viksit Bharat" vision, the Pune Tech Hub will focus on tackling complex technological challenges, ensuring secure, seamless, and efficient payments globally, while also supporting the development of innovative solutions for the domestic market, including financial inclusion initiatives and Aadhaar-based services.Read more

21 Oct 2024

Over 40 citizens have voiced concerns to the Maharashtra Directorate of Archaeology and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over the restoration of Bandra Fort, claiming that the work undermines the 17th-century fort's historical integrity. Originally constructed by the Portuguese at Land's End, Bandra, the Grade-I heritage site was recently covered in cream-coloured plaster, which many residents see as damaging. The letter, authored by activist Zoru Bhathena, criticizes changes, including the removal of the heritage arch and application of lime plaster, which allegedly contravene heritage laws. The state Archaeology Department is investigating, potentially setting a precedent for future heritage restorations.Read more

18 Oct 2024

The Urban Development Department announced that Regulation 13(10) will not be included in the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034, affecting the redevelopment of Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Race Course. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had proposed a 1.33 Floor Space Index (FSI) for the club, gymkhana, and stables on the 58.3-acre site, envisioning facilities like sports amenities, a clubhouse, and a veterinary hospital. However, the state government approved only an FSI of 0.3 for the 32-acre club area and maintained the existing built-up area for the 26.3-acre stables. The decision aligns with environmental priorities and heritage conservation, emphasizing sustainable development and the enhancement of public spaces within the Mahalaxmi Race Course area.Read more

18 Oct 2024

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the upcoming Cauvery Stage VI project, designed to meet Bengaluru's rising water needs, following the launch of the Cauvery Stage V project at T.K. Halli. Stage V adds 775 million liters daily (MLD) to the city's supply, costing INR 4,600 crore, benefiting 110 newly incorporated villages. The planned Stage VI aims to add 500 MLD, backed by an additional 6,000 million cubic feet (TMC) of water, with a budget of INR 5,200 crore. Additionally, nine new sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a 500 MLD capacity are planned, costing INR 2,000 crore, supporting sustainable water management for Bengaluru's future growth.Read more

17 Oct 2024

The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd (SRFDCL) has revised its request for proposals (RFP) for the sale of development rights for two prime riverfront plots, extending the submission deadline from 15 October to 22 October. Key changes include a reduction in the financial eligibility criteria, lowering the required average annual turnover from INR 284 crore to INR 170 crore, and allowing residential project experience to qualify bidders. These adjustments aim to attract a broader pool of participants. The auction on 23 October will be a critical milestone in transforming the Sabarmati Riverfront into a dynamic urban space.Read more

17 Oct 2024

Officials in Pune announced that the possession of new facilities will be handed over gradually in a phased manner, featuring world-class infrastructure including spacious courtrooms and amenities for staff and litigants. In a recent cabinet meeting, the naming of the subway and flyover on the Katraj-Kondhwa stretch of national highway in Pune after RSS sarsanghchalak Balasaheb Deoras was approved. This proposal was made by the Pune Municipal Corporation at the request of the Pune Medical Services and Research Foundation, recognising Balasaheb Deoras as the third sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.Read more

17 Oct 2024

In Mulund East, Mumbai, the 60-acre vacant land from a former octroi naka and garbage dump has inspired local residents of Hari Om Nagar to advocate for new infrastructure projects. The community, led by the Hari Om Nagar Apex Body Federation (HONAFE), is pushing for an AIIMS hospital, a bus terminus, and a cultural and sports center. With over 2,000 signatures gathered, they aim to enhance local services, improve healthcare access, and ease transportation challenges. Despite existing government allocations, the community plans to present their proposals to authorities, hoping to bring meaningful development for 80,000 to 100,000 residents.Read more

16 Oct 2024

The Indian government's ambitious plan to create eight new cities is facing delays, with no projects finalised despite receiving 26 proposals from 21 states. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs invited proposals in March 2022, but the evaluation process is taking longer than expected. The 15th Finance Commission had recommended allocating INR 8,000 crore, aiming to select cities by December 2022 and release funds by March 2023. States like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have proposed new cities, challenges such as land acquisition and infrastructure costs however have slowed progress, raising concerns about the future of the initiative.Read more

15 Oct 2024

The Mumbadevi temple precinct in Mumbai is poised for a significant makeover as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to transform the 9,000-square-metre area inspired by the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi. Estimated to cost INR146 crore, the project will restore the over 100-year-old temple, enhance accessibility, and beautify the surroundings with gardens and water features. The redevelopment aims to accommodate 7,000 devotees while improving crowd management and preserving local hawkers' livelihoods.Read more