16 Feb 2026

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved national highway projects worth over INR 11,000 crore across Maharashtra, Gujarat and Telangana, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said. The projects include upgrading a 154.6-km stretch of NH-160A in Maharashtra at INR 3,320.38 crore under EPC mode, construction of 4-lane sections of NH-56 in Gujarat at INR 4,583.64 crore, and widening of NH-167 in Telangana at INR 3,175.08 crore under hybrid annuity mode. The Maharashtra project aligns with PM GatiShakti principles and will connect multiple economic and logistics nodes, while the Gujarat stretch is expected to reduce travel time by 40 per cent. The Telangana project will improve connectivity on the Hyderabad Panaji Economic Corridor.Read more

16 Feb 2026

Northern Railway has extended its special train service, which previously ran between Budgam and Banihal, to now reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The extension includes a Vistadome coach featuring 360-degree rotating seats, large panoramic windows, and a glass roof, offering passengers uninterrupted views of the valley, mountains, rivers, tunnels, and key engineering landmarks such as the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges. This development enhances rail connectivity, provides a memorable travel experience for tourists and locals, and strengthens the role of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link in linking Kashmir with the rest of India.Read more

16 Feb 2026

Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd has received approval from the Ministry of Railways through the Railway Board to register as a Wagon Leasing Company under Indian Railways Wagon Leasing Scheme. This allows the company to own and lease wagons across the national rail network, complementing its manufacturing operations with asset ownership and freight mobility solutions. The company will comply with all operational, safety, maintenance, and regulatory requirements. This move strengthens Titagarh's integrated presence in rail freight, following its recent expansion efforts and long-term strategy to enhance rolling stock capacity in India.Read more

16 Feb 2026

RailTel Corporation of India Ltd has won a INR 455 crore contract from the Ministry of Railways to deploy the Kavach automatic train protection system over 1,067 route kilometres in the Jabalpur Division of West Central Railway. The project covers high-density corridors, including Itarsi-Manikpur, Satna-Rewa, the Katni complex, and other sections. Scope includes design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, optical fibre works, towers, and related civil, track, and electrical work under an EPC model, to be completed within 960 days. RailTel is also executing Kavach projects on 1,109 km of East Central Railway.Read more

16 Feb 2026

ECDS has announced plans to set up its first Indian manufacturing facility in Ujjain with an initial investment of INR 780 crore, in partnership with three South Korean companies. The unit will come up on 15.60 acres at the Medical Equipment Park in Vikram Udyogpuri, with construction expected to begin soon and production targeted for April 2027. The project is expected to create around 500 jobs in its first phase, with a further INR 1,250 crore investment planned for expansion.Read more

16 Feb 2026

Inox Clean Energy has entered African renewable energy markets through a joint venture with RJ Corp, marking a key international expansion move. The partnership has acquired Skypower Services MENA Ltd and plans to commission about 570 MW of renewable capacity in the first phase. Backed by sovereign-supported power purchase agreements, the projects aim to deliver over 20 per cent IRRs while limiting counterparty risks. With land and evacuation infrastructure secured, the platform targets 2.5 GW of installed capacity in Africa by FY29, funded largely through multilateral agencies.Read more

16 Feb 2026

Pace Digitek has secured a 250 MW solar power project combined with a 1.1 GWh battery energy storage system in Karnataka's Pavagada Solar Park. Awarded by Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd under a tariff-based competitive bidding process, the project is intended to supply peak power and improve grid efficiency. The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission has set an interim tariff of INR 5.51 per unit with Viability Gap Funding. This development marks a significant step in the state's renewable energy expansion and reinforces the role of integrated energy solutions in supporting Karnataka's power infrastructure.Read more

16 Feb 2026

State-owned Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has initiated steps to raise INR 2,994 crore through an equity share issuance, subject to shareholder approval via postal ballot. The proposed fundraising will include participation from qualified institutional buyers and is structured to ensure that the President of India's shareholding is diluted by no more than 3.76 per cent after the issue. The company has indicated that the capital will be used to strengthen its capital base, support onward lending, and meet future business requirements as it evaluates growth opportunities across its operations.Read more

Pune News Desk

16 Feb 2026

An allegedly unauthorised reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure on Pune's Baner Hills has continued to stand more than five years after the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) issued an order for its demolition, prompting renewed concerns from local residents and environmental groups about delayed enforcement. The structure, located in a zone reserved as a biodiversity park (BDP), was found to have been constructed without civic approval, and a notice was issued at the end of 2020 directing its removal within 30 days. Despite this, the structure which houses a statue remains intact, with activists and citizens groups urging prompt action to address potential safety risks given its proximity to a busy highway. PMC officials have said the matter is currently subject to ongoing court proceedings.Read more

15 Feb 2026

Concerns have emerged over alleged encroachment within the protected catchment area of the Bisalpur Dam by a private contractor engaged in desilting and dredging work. Environmental activists and local residents claim that land levelling and permanent construction, including proposed weighbridges, are being carried out inside a restricted zone, in violation of contract terms. The state government has acknowledged the issue and said the location of the structures will be examined. Bisalpur Dam is a critical drinking water source for several Rajasthan districts.Read more