19 Apr 2024

The newly opened NaMo Grand Central Park in Thane is one of India's largest urban parks, spread over 25 acres. Inspired by the iconic Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London, it features four themed gardens, a lake, amphitheater, children's play areas, and walking/jogging trails. The park aims to provide city residents access to nature and green space while also hosting cultural events. In its first two months it has attracted large crowds despite some challenges in transportation access and addressing specific needs across all ages.Read more

18 Apr 2024

The Coastal Road, inaugurated partially on March 12, has witnessed heavy traffic, with almost 4.5 lakh vehicles taking the route, averaging 19,500 vehicles per day. Efforts are underway to bridge the gap between the southbound arm's Worli end and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. It is currently operating from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., with restricted entry from Worli after 5 p.m. Residents note its impact on traffic flow, with ongoing efforts to address bottlenecks. The road promises to enhance connectivity and alleviate congestion, representing a significant advancement in Mumbai's transportation infrastructure.Read more

18 Apr 2024

The industrial and logistics sector in India has shown significant momentum in Q1 2024, according to a report by Savills India. Absorption rates soared to 13.5 million sq. ft., marking a 22.7% year-on-year increase from Q1 2023. Tier I cities dominated with 78% of the absorption, while tier II and III cities contributed 22%. Notably, 3PL and manufacturing sectors sustained demand, with FMCG also witnessing a surge. The report indicates a 4% rise in supply compared to Q1 2023, primarily driven by tier I cities. Grade A spaces, meeting ESG standards, attracted significant demand.Read more

15 Apr 2024

In the fiscal year 2023-24, India made considerable progress in highway construction, with 12,349 kilometres completed, the second-highest achievement in history. A deliberate focus on lane augmentation projects drove the construction pace, which increased by 20% from the previous fiscal year. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) played an important part, contributing 6,644 kilometres to the whole effort. Despite narrowly missing the target 13,814 kilometres, the achievement highlights India's dedication to improving its infrastructure and transportation network, with a heavy emphasis on expressway expansion.Read more

12 Apr 2024

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) gears up to launch a crucial 120-metre girder with a bowstring arch, connecting the southbound coastal road to the Bandra-Worli sea link on April 16-17. Overcoming challenges of the rocky seabed, the BMC devised a meticulous plan, assembling the bridge at Nhava village jetty before transporting it to Worli. Spanning 850 metres with 270 metres of steel, the project showcases engineering prowess, managed by AECOM, coordinating stakeholders and addressing design complexities. As the BMC works on the northbound arm, the launch signifies Mumbai's infrastructure progress, promising improved transportation and urban development.Read more

11 Apr 2024

Varanasi Smart City is conducting a 3D survey using low-flying aircraft and ground vehicles equipped with LiDAR technology to create a digital twin map covering 160 square kilometres. Led by Genesis International Corporation, this initiative integrates more than 50 thematic layers detailing infrastructure elements like drains, water pipelines, and ward boundaries. The twin map will enhance the operational efficiency of various institutions through the Kashi Integrated Command and Control Centre, facilitating coordinated management of solid waste, fire, traffic, water distribution, and sewerage systems. Varanasi aims to become the first Indian city with a comprehensive digital twin, fostering harmonised civic agency collaboration.Read more

09 Apr 2024

Australian NBA star Ben Simmons, known for his time with the Brooklyn Nets and his relationship with Kendall Jenner, is auctioning his Los Angeles mansion with a USD 10 million price reduction. Initially listed for USD 22,999,000 in 2022, the seven-bedroom Hidden Hills property is now priced at USD 17,495,000. Bidding starts on April 18 through Concierge Auctions, with a range of USD 7 million to USD 12 million expected. Simmons cited his East Coast commitments for selling the home, stating it's underused. The Beverly Hills Estates agents are handling the sale.Read more

PNT Reporter

08 Apr 2024

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) in Mumbai, tasked with rehabilitating over 1.2 million residents of Asia's largest slum, has acquired 27.6 acres of the required 45 acres of land from the Railway Land Development Authority. This will enable the construction of modern housing and recreational facilities for railway employees as well as rehabilitation apartments for Dharavi tenants. The complex will include over 820 apartments across four blocks designed by Hafeez Contractor and is expected to be completed within three years. The DRP paid INR 1000 crore for the land and will pay an additional INR 2800 crore over 17 years through revenue sharing.Read more

PNT Reporter

08 Apr 2024

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced plans to demolish 46 dilapidated wadas due to safety concerns ahead of the rainy season. Despite efforts to categorise the structures and encourage tenants to vacate through tenancy certificates, obstacles such as financial constraints and legal complexities have hindered progress, highlighting the challenges in ensuring public safety while addressing residents' housing security concerns. The initiative underscores the need for a comprehensive approach balancing safety measures, legal compliance, and residents' welfare in addressing hazardous structures within PMC's jurisdiction.Read more

PNT Reporter

05 Apr 2024

In the financial year 2023-24, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) set a record with INR 2.07 lakh crore expenditure, constructing 6,644 km of highways, a 20% increase from the previous year. Monetization receipts reached INR 40,314 crore, with notable contributions from toll-operate-transfer bundles and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs). NHAI's capital expenditure rose by 20% to INR 2.07 trillion, surpassing the target of 6,544 km. Despite a slowdown initially, NHAI exceeded expectations. Other entities within the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways contributed to achieving the overall target of 13,814 km of highway construction. Awarding highway projects lagged, affecting future construction.Read more