Lucknow News Desk

28 Jan 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved around INR 1,000 crore to accelerate construction of phases 3 and 4 of the Lucknow Green Corridor, aiming to ease traffic congestion and improve urban connectivity. Previous phases are operational or nearing completion, but delays due to funding constraints had slowed progress. The new allocation will support key flyovers, railway overbridge sections, and link roads, enhancing access to major routes like Shaheed Path and Kisan Path. Officials expect faster completion timelines, which will benefit daily commuters, reduce travel delays, and strengthen the city's transport network.Read more

28 Jan 2026

Kolkata Metro Railway has introduced a QR code-based return ticket service across all its corridors, allowing passengers to book both onward and return journeys together. This move eliminates the need to stand in queues for return tickets, saving valuable time for daily commuters and occasional travellers. The facility requires passengers to complete the return journey on the same day indicated on the ticket and to keep the ticket safe for scanning. The service revives a same-day return ticket option that was unavailable since the magnetic ticket system was phased out.Read more

28 Jan 2026

The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission has directed state power utilities to improve accountability, service quality, and operational efficiency. Key measures include implementing a Consumer Satisfaction Index, adopting a Balanced Scorecard framework, and obtaining ISO certification for uniform standards. Utilities are required to monitor performance at all levels and take steps to reduce technical losses, ensure safety, and optimize costs through the Haryana Power Purchase Centre. Concerns were raised about billing disputes, inadequate post-installation monitoring of rooftop solar projects, and safety issues. Timely implementation of SAC decisions and practical consumer service remain top priorities.Read more

28 Jan 2026

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has secured a USD 227 million contract from European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS to build six IMO Type II chemical tankers of 18,000 DWT each. Constructed at SDHI's Pipavav shipyard in Gujarat, this is India's largest single commercial shipbuilding order and the first major chemical tanker project awarded to an Indian yard. The contract includes an option for six more vessels, with the first tanker expected within about 33 months. The deal reflects growing international confidence in India's shipbuilding capabilities.Read more

28 Jan 2026

As construction progresses on Delhi Metro's Phase 4 corridors, DMRC has installed nearly 20 kilometres of barricades along work zones, along with around 17 kilometres of LED rope lights and blinkers to improve visibility for motorists and pedestrians. More than 270 trained traffic marshals manage vehicular and heavy machinery movement round the clock. Additional safety measures include road studs, warning signage, dedicated impact protection vehicles, fog lamps, reflective helmets, high visibility jackets, and reinforced concrete crash barriers. The initiatives reflect lessons from past projects and Indian Road Congress standards.Read more

27 Jan 2026

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has announced a cumulative INR 30,000 crore investment in Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, aiming to expand its capacity from 1 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs by 2029. The recently inaugurated second phase alone accounts for INR 16,000 crore, featuring advanced infrastructure and automation. APSEZ credited past and current Kerala political leadership for project continuity. The port's expansion is expected to strengthen India's transshipment capabilities, boost local employment, and enhance maritime trade connectivity with global shipping networks.Read more

27 Jan 2026

Brahmaputra Infrastructure Limited has been selected as the lowest bidder for a road-over-bridge project under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). The contract, valued at INR 46.62 crore, will replace the manned Level Crossing No. NC 5 between Rangapani and New Jalpaiguri stations on the New Jalpaiguri Aluabari section and is planned for completion in 18 months. The company confirmed that neither its promoters nor promoter group entities have any stake in the awarding authority and that this is not a related-party transaction. This order strengthens the company's infrastructure portfolio alongside recent PWD projects in Jammu.Read more

27 Jan 2026

India plans to achieve 100 GW of pumped storage hydroelectric capacity by 2035-36, according to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). This goal supports the growing energy storage needs driven by renewable power expansion, with storage requirements expected to reach 62 GW by 2029-30 and 161 GW by 2034-35. The roadmap identifies state wise potential and promotes off stream closed-loop projects for grid resilience. Recent power sector discussions emphasized reform, energy transition, nuclear development, and distribution sector efficiency. Torrent Power and UGVCL topped utility ratings, highlighting sector performance improvements.Read more

27 Jan 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is aiming to reduce its overall debt to below INR 2 lakh crore by the end of the current financial year, according to a senior government official. NHAI's debt had peaked at around INR 3.5 lakh crore in 2021-22, but has since been steadily brought down following a policy decision to stop fresh borrowings. As of December 31, 2025, the authority's outstanding debt stood at INR 2,35,947 crore. The reduction has been supported by significant prepayment of liabilities, including a large portion of loans from the National Small Savings Fund. In addition, proactive refinancing and renegotiation with lenders has helped lower interest costs, resulting in substantial savings over the past two years.Read more

27 Jan 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has identified land parcels in around 14 districts for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), offering concessional rates in relatively underdeveloped regions such as Purvanchal and Bundelkhand. Land will be allotted through an option-based mechanism, with base rates fixed at INR 2,500 per sq m, while select regions will receive a 25% rebate. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Expo (UPITEX) 2026 in Lucknow. In addition, the state has announced plans to develop industrial parks in all 75 districts, with 100 acres earmarked in each district to strengthen decentralised industrial growth. The measures are aimed at boosting MSME-led employment generation and supporting Uttar Pradesh's long-term economic targets.Read more