Delhi News Desk

12 Jan 2026

The Union Environment Ministry has instructed states to prepare sector-wise action plans to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR and mandated monthly ministerial reviews to monitor progress. States like Rajasthan and Punjab are being asked to address gaps in public transport, truck parking, road redevelopment, and waste management. The ministry emphasized planting trees, deploying mechanical road sweepers, and enforcing emission control in industries. Efforts are also focused on electric bus infrastructure and community participation. These measures aim for visible improvement before the next high-pollution season, ensuring accountability and structured implementation across the region.Read more

12 Jan 2026

The Railway Ministry has approved additional stoppages for more than 15 trains operating across Kerala, following representations made by the state BJP leadership toward the end of last year. The newly cleared halts cover stations from Dhanuvachapuram and Balaramapuram in the southern region to Vadakara and Kannur in the north. The decision was communicated by the Union Railway Minister through an official letter, stating that the approvals were aimed at easing travel difficulties raised by passengers through formal channels and public outreach platforms.Read more

12 Jan 2026

The Vazhayila Nedumangad four-lane road project has encountered another delay after the Kerala Road Fund Board cancelled the phase II contract due to the contractor's failure to submit the mandatory bank guarantee within the stipulated time. The affected stretch, connecting Karakulam and Valicode, had already seen most land acquisition completed, with compensation largely paid. Authorities have decided to re-tender the work, with bids expected to open shortly. While phase I construction continues, the setback is likely to slow the overall timeline of this key suburban road upgrade.Read more

12 Jan 2026

Bhopal Metro's Orange Line corridor has seen a notable drop in passenger numbers after the operator revised its schedule earlier this week. The new timetable delayed the first service to noon, reduced daily trips from 17 to 13, and fixed a frequency of 75 minutes between trains. On the first day under this plan, only 434 passengers boarded, down from an initial daily average of around 2,800. Metro authorities said the change aligns services with actual demand, but limited hours and fewer trips have clearly affected commuter convenience and ridership trends.Read more

12 Jan 2026

Chhattisgarh has taken a pioneering step in sustainable housing by integrating solar power with rural homes built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), specifically targeting tribal communities in remote areas. In a first-of-its-kind pilot project, houses under the welfare scheme were equipped with rooftop solar systems, providing reliable, clean electricity to households that previously lacked dependable power access. The initiative not only improves living conditions but also reduces recurring energy costs for marginalised families, enhancing financial security and quality of life. By combining affordable housing with renewable energy, the move addresses both shelter and energy needs, setting a national example for inclusive, eco-friendly development in tribal regions. The success of this project could inspire wider adoption across other underserved parts of the country.Read more

Noida News Desk

11 Jan 2026

A recent inspection by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) found that most major roads in Noida had low or no visible dust, even though the city continues to face sustained air pollution and has not recorded a clean air day in recent months. Under Operation Clean Air, 142 road stretches were checked, with only a few showing high dust levels. Regular mechanical sweeping was cited as a key reason for improved conditions on arterial roads, while construction zones and damaged stretches remained areas of concern.Read more

11 Jan 2026

The government has granted in-principle approval for India's first underwater road-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam, connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh. The project will feature twin tubes, one for road traffic and the other for rail movement, as part of a 33.7 km corridor including approach links. With an estimated cost of around INR 18,600 crore, the tunnel aims to reduce travel time from over six hours to about 30 minutes while strengthening civilian connectivity and defence logistics in the Northeast.Read more

11 Jan 2026

The Indian Railways is redeveloping six major railway stations in Bihar to nearly double their train and passenger handling capacity in the coming years. Patna Junction will get five new suburban terminals to reduce congestion, while Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU), and Bhagalpur stations will receive upgraded yards, improved line capacity, and modern facilities. The Patna Jhajha DDU rail corridor is also being expanded with additional tracks. These projects aim to support growing rail traffic, enhance connectivity across Bihar, and improve passenger experience.Read more

Lucknow News Desk

11 Jan 2026

The 63 km Lucknow Kanpur expressway will require at least three more months for completion due to the relocation of a 400 kV power transmission line. While most civil work is complete, moving the high voltage infrastructure demands careful coordination with power authorities. The expressway, once ready, will cut travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur from 120 minutes to 70 minutes, allowing speeds up to 120 km/h. An interchange linking it with the Ganga Expressway near Unnao will enhance regional connectivity toward Meerut and Prayagraj. NHAI is managing the costs of relocation.Read more

10 Jan 2026

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi to seek approvals for key national highway projects aimed at improving connectivity, safety, and economic activity in the state. Proposed works include the four lane Rishikesh Bypass, widening of Almora Danya Panar Ghat route, and realignment of Jyolikot Khairna Gairsain Karnprayag corridor. The state also reviewed ongoing projects under Char Dham Mahamarg worth INR 12,769 crore and other strategic corridors. Officials assured timely consideration, with several new tunnels, bypasses, and elevated stretches planned to improve traffic flow and environmental safety.Read more