27 Oct 2023

Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) officials are anticipating the introduction of a one-time settlement (OTS) policy to regularize illegal buildings, mirroring a similar policy applied in areas outside the MC's jurisdiction, under GLADA's control. The impending municipal corporation elections are expected to prompt this move, although it has stirred criticism from city activists who accuse the government of promoting violators. An MC official stated that the policy could lead to the regularization of many illegal buildings, though the exact number remains unknown as no survey has been conducted yet.Read more

26 Oct 2023

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has received approval from the State Board of Wildlife to cut down 122 trees in the core area and eco-sensitive zone of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) to construct twin tunnels connecting Borivali to Thane. These tunnels, part of a project valued at Rs. 18,795.70 crore, will also involve drilling 27 holes using explosives. The decision was taken at a board meeting chaired by the forest minister but kept confidential due to fears of potential backlash. Environmentalists have expressed concerns, noting the potential harm to wildlife and the need for further clearances for the project.Read more

26 Oct 2023

Jewar, a town in Uttar Pradesh, has been experiencing significant transformation due to the construction of the Noida International Airport. The area has attracted real estate developers, investors, warehouses, hotels, universities, and even Bollywood actors and producers. The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has launched various schemes linked to the airport, including residential, commercial, industrial, education hub, and film city sectors. High-rise residential projects by renowned developers like ATS, Oasis, and the Gaur Group have already been completed, boosting the real estate market. The government aims to turn Jewar into a thriving corporate hub akin to Gurugram, driven by the airport's strategic location and connectivity.Read more

25 Oct 2023

Afcons Infrastructure has completed the 13.1 km section of India's Samruddhi Expressway between Thane and Nashik, officially called Package 14, ahead of schedule. This achievement includes constructing the nation's widest tunnels, measuring 17.6 meters in width, along the Igatpuri-Kasara Ghat route. The tunnels have modern safety features and are equipped with advanced ventilation and fire protection systems. Additionally, a 1.2 km viaduct bridge with a height of 60 meters, spanning 29 spans, was successfully constructed. The project was carried out under pandemic restrictions between March 2020 and May 2021 and despite facing significant challenges due to heavy rainfall in the region, the project has been completed ahead of schedule.Read more

25 Oct 2023

The Kopri rail overbridge (ROB) in Mumbai, intended to ease traffic congestion in Thane, has deteriorated in less than nine months since its inauguration. Cracks, uneven patches, and potholes have appeared, revealing subpar construction by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Central Railway authorities. The bridge, which cost over 250 crore to build, has experienced recurring issues despite repair work in July. Concerns have been raised about construction quality and the use of the Ultra-Thin White Topping (UTWT) method, which may not provide the durability required for long-lasting infrastructure. The focus on contractor-led projects over engineer-led initiatives has also been criticised.Read more

24 Oct 2023

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a proactive step in addressing the escalating concerns over air pollution in Mumbai by issuing comprehensive pollution control guidelines to approximately 6,000 construction sites within the city. These measures are aimed at curbing the dispersal of dust and pollutants during the construction process, ensuring a concerted effort to mitigate the environmental impact and prioritize the health and well-being of the residents. By implementing these guidelines, the BMC seeks to foster a cleaner and more sustainable construction environment while maintaining the city's air quality standards.Read more

24 Oct 2023

Mumbai's BMC plans to create a new plaza near the iconic Gateway of India to provide an unobstructed view of the monument and the statue of Shivaji Maharaj. Haphazard structures, such as food stalls and security cabins, will be relocated to a more organized layout. The state archaeology department will restore the heritage structure. The project, led by consultant Abha Narain Lambah, aims to improve aesthetics and visitor experience. The cost of the plaza is estimated at Rs 9.54 crore ($1.3 million), and monument restoration at Rs 7 crore ($950,000). This coordinated effort involves multiple stakeholders, including the Mumbai Port Authority and tourism department.Read more

24 Oct 2023

India is poised to invest an impressive Rs 143 lakh crore in infrastructure between 2024 and 2030, more than double the expenditure over the previous seven years. This substantial financial commitment includes Rs 36.6 lakh crore for green initiatives. Crisil anticipates a 6.7% GDP growth through 2031, driven by comprehensive infrastructure development, sustainability, and policy support. The report emphasizes the role of sectors such as roads, power, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and green hydrogen in India's development. The anticipated release of sovereign green bonds is expected to boost the domestic green bond market, aligning with global sustainability trends.Read more

24 Oct 2023

The enforcement wing of Gurugram's town and country planning department (DTCP) has taken stringent action against illegal constructions, demolishing around 50 illegal colonies spanning 550 acres in Gurugram, Sohna, Pataudi, and Farrukhnagar. District Town Planner Binesh Kumar tackled 14 illegal colonies in Sohna and Bhondsi, initiating 13 demolition drives. Similarly, DTP Sumit Malik targeted 29 colonies in Farrukhnagar-Pataudi, leading 25 demolition operations. The crackdown, involving additional District Town Planners, aims to curb illegal developments, ensuring planned urban growth as per the Gurgaon Master Plan 2031. The government's stringent stance discourages unlawful real estate activities, promoting a regulated urban landscape.Read more

21 Oct 2023

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering delaying the reconstruction of the Parel TT bridge to coincide with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority's Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector (SWEC) project. Mumbai traffic police approved bridge closures for reconstruction, but the BMC plans to synchronize Parel bridge work with the SWEC project to mitigate congestion. The Parel TT bridge, over 40 years old, is set to undergo reconstruction given its damaged condition. In parallel, Central Railway is moving swiftly to replace the 110-year-old Sion rail overbridge at an estimated cost of 50 crore.Read more