18 Nov 2023

The BMC, in response to a structural audit, will undertake both minor and major repairs on 51 bridges from Malad to Andheri, costing Rs 41 crore. M/s CE Infra (India) secured the contract at 23.40% below the estimated cost of Rs 35 crore. M/s SGS Consultancy Services conducted a survey, making recommendations that the initiative follow. This survey covered P/South (Goregaon), P/North (Malad), and K/West (Andheri West) wards. The proactive approach arises from the 2019 Himalaya Bridge collapse, signalling a commitment to safety. The repairs aim for completion within 12 months, navigating the challenges posed by the monsoon.Read more

18 Nov 2023

Ghatkopar station in Mumbai is undergoing a Rs 130 crore makeover, featuring a new middle foot over bridge (FOB) and an elevated deck on the east side. The 12-meter-wide middle FOB will incorporate modern technology and escalators on key platforms, ensuring efficient vertical movement for passengers. The elevated deck, spanning 15 meters in width and 47 meters in length, will connect with the existing Metro FOB and house a booking office with five counters. The project is headed by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) and is expected to be completed in two phases. The upgrade aims to enhance connectivity, streamline passenger movement, and alleviate congestion at the station.Read more

17 Nov 2023

Dumping of construction materials on Nagpur's footpaths and roads has more than doubled in the last six years, signalling increased encroachment on public spaces. In 2018, Nagpur Municipal Corporation fined 4,747 people (individuals and builders) Rs 77.46 lakh for such violations. By October 2023, this surged to 8,428 people penalized, with fines totalling Rs 1.92 crore. Concerns were raised by the Commissioner of Police, noting risks to motorists. Ashi Nagar zone experienced the highest violations. Despite regulations mandating permission from the municipal department, these practices persist.Read more

17 Nov 2023

The enforcement wing of the Town and Country Planning Department (DTCP) in Gurugram has taken a proactive approach to penalize developers violating Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) norms. Residents can now use helpline numbers to report any violations, leading to site inspections and appropriate actions. The department has issued challans and warnings to developers, emphasizing adherence to GRAP norms. Penalties are set to be collected before the issuance of occupation certificates, and strict actions are promised against non-compliance. Monitoring teams and field staff have been deployed for continuous site inspections, underscoring the commitment to upholding environmental standards and ensuring sustainable urban development in Gurugram.Read more

16 Nov 2023

The recent USD 400 million policy-based loan deal between the Central Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila is a significant step toward enhancing India's urban infrastructure, service delivery, and governance systems. This loan, part of the Sustainable Urban Development and Service Delivery Programme, focuses on supporting investment planning and reform actions at the state and urban local body levels. It aligns with the government's urban sector strategy, emphasizing reforms to create liveable cities that foster economic growth through inclusive, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure. The program aims to support reforms for the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, addressing universal access to water supply and sanitation, urban planning, legal and regulatory reforms, and more.Read more

16 Nov 2023

The Charkop lake in Mumbai, once a 4.5-acre wetland, is now reduced to 1,000 sq ft due to alleged collusion between the land mafia and government officials. Encroachers have built garages, go downs, restaurants, and stalls, leading to civic demolitions with limited impact. Activists claim the land mafia, with officials' support, filled the lake with debris. In 2013, the Bombay High Court ordered protection for identified wetland areas, but enforcement remains lax. Residents emphasize the ecological role of the wetland, urging officials to act. Despite ongoing environmental studies and complaints, effective conservation measures are yet to be implemented.Read more

16 Nov 2023

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is cracking down on gold and silver smelting units emitting harmful gases during metal melting in South Mumbai. The move addresses public health threats and extends to foundries in Kurla, aiming to curb poor air quality in neighbourhoods like Chembur and Colaba. The BMC has dismantled chimneys in Kalbadevi and imposed strict regulations on industrial facilities for particulate matter emissions, with non-compliance risking legal action. Stop-work notices and warnings have been issued to ready-mix concrete plants. Civic officials are actively notifying construction sites, aligning with BMC's pollution control guidelines released on October 25.Read more

15 Nov 2023

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is collaborating with expert consultants to extend the Versova-Virar Sea Link to Palghar, aiming to alleviate Mumbai's traffic issues. With the assistance of consultants, a detailed project report and peer review are in the works, ensuring the project meets industry standards. Once completed, the extended route will link Nariman Point to Palghar, reducing congestion, fostering tourism, and bolstering the economy. By 2026, it's anticipated to handle 60,000 vehicles daily, marking a significant step towards a more accessible and prosperous Mumbai.Read more

15 Nov 2023

The BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) in South Mumbai has terminated its contract with Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd (RSIIL) due to the contractor's 10-month delay in starting road work. RSIIL now faces a penalty of Rs 52 crores. The decision came after complaints from local officials and politicians about the lack of progress and mismanagement of the road project. This move signifies the BMC's commitment to holding contractors accountable for delays and ensuring the timely completion of infrastructure projects in the region.Read more

14 Nov 2023

Indian real estate developers are embracing the electric vehicle (EV) wave by incorporating EV charging stations in new residential projects. With only 435 EVs per public charger in India, developers like Sobha Ltd and Prestige Group see an opportunity to attract eco-conscious buyers amid a surge in EV sales. The disparity between EVs and public chargers, 2.4% of total vehicle sales being electric in H1 2023, signals a consumer shift. Sobha Ltd's projects in Bengaluru offer EV charging for all parking spots, and other major developers follow suit. As states implement pro-EV measures, this trend not only adds property value but aligns with India's green goals, anticipating over 10 million EVs sold annually by 2030.Read more