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

10 Jan 2026

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a fine of INR 1 lakh on the Union Ministry of Urban Development for failing to appear at a scheduled hearing related to a sewage treatment plant (STP) matter in Uttar Pradesh's Jalaun district. The tribunal noted that despite receiving notice, the ministry remained absent, leading to an unnecessary adjournment. Stressing that government bodies have a constitutional duty to participate in environmental proceedings, the NGT granted the ministry another opportunity to respond, subject to payment of the cost.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

10 Jan 2026

Dharavi's Ward 185, home to around 40,000 voters, is at the centre of Mumbai's civic election debate due to ongoing concerns over the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). The ward, historically a Congress stronghold, was previously won by T M Jagdish of the undivided Shiv Sena. Residents, especially the 150-year-old Kumbharwada pottery community, demand in-situ rehabilitation and safeguards for livelihoods. Political parties, including BJP, Congress, and AAP, are addressing housing, infrastructure, and trade preservation. Long-term residents remain cautious, weighing promises of modernisation against fears of displacement and limited living space.Read more

10 Jan 2026

The Himachal Pradesh government is prioritising planned development of affordable, eco-friendly housing across the state as part of its broader urban and rural infrastructure agenda. The housing minister outlined initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable design, efficient land use and environmentally conscious construction, with an emphasis on public-private partnerships and policy support. Key strategies include incentivising green building practices, streamlining statutory approvals for energy-efficient homes, and facilitating access to affordable finance for developers and buyers. Special focus is being placed on hillside towns and growing urban centres to ensure balanced development that respects the state's fragile ecology. By aligning housing growth with sustainability imperatives and community needs, the government aims to enhance accessibility to quality affordable homes while protecting the environment, supporting livelihoods and improving living standards across regions.Read more

Kochi News Desk

10 Jan 2026

The Kochi Metro integrated transport network recorded its highest single-day ridership during the recent New Year period, with 1,61,683 passenger trips across metro rail services, electric feeder buses and the Water Metro. Metro trains carried the bulk of commuters, supported by extended late-night operations. Feeder buses and Water Metro services also saw strong usage following extended schedules. The day also marked the network's highest single-day revenue collection of INR 44.67 lakh, reflecting growing public reliance on Kochi's integrated urban transport system.Read more

Delhi News Desk

10 Jan 2026

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is set to create its longest operational corridor after approval was granted for a new underground extension of the Magenta Line. The sanctioned stretch will add 9.9 km and nine stations between Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and Indraprastha. With this addition, the Magenta Line will expand to nearly 76.6 km, overtaking the Pink Line. The extension is expected to strengthen connectivity in Central Delhi and improve interchange access with multiple existing metro lines across the network.Read more

09 Jan 2026

Pune's proposed Yerawada Katraj underground tunnel project has progressed with the completion of a pre-feasibility report by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority. The report will be submitted to the Pune Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority after the model code of conduct is lifted. The project is aimed at easing traffic congestion through a north south underground corridor. While initial feedback from the state government has been encouraging, decisions on alignment, costs, execution and funding will depend on further evaluations and approvals in the next stage.Read more

Navi Mumbai News Desk

09 Jan 2026

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) recently directed the shutdown of 19 construction sites after air quality levels exceeded 200 in multiple localities, marking poor pollution conditions. Alongside these closures, notices were issued to 42 other sites for failing to meet environmental safety standards. Enforcement teams, including flying squads of assistant commissioners and engineers, are actively monitoring compliance with a 27-point air pollution control plan. The civic body is also increasing dust suppression measures, installing air quality monitoring devices, and issuing penalties to developers to control rising particulate pollution during the winter season.Read more

Chennai News Desk

09 Jan 2026

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has expanded its automatic fare collection (AFC) infrastructure at busy stations to reduce congestion and manage increasing passenger flows during peak hours. New bi-directional entry and exit gates have been installed at Thiyagaraya College and Saidapet stations, while additional gates are planned at other high-traffic stations. Excess fare counters have also been added to help commuters with longer trips. These upgrades complement earlier initiatives like Normally Open AFC gates and increased train frequencies, aiming to improve efficiency and overall commuter experience.Read more

09 Jan 2026

Hartek Power has won an INR 353.77 crore contract for an integrated solar and battery energy storage project in Karnataka. The order includes EPC work for a 280 MW AC or 410 MWp DC solar photovoltaic plant along with an 80 MW, 320 MWh battery storage system at Challakere. The scope covers design, supply, construction, commissioning and one year of operations and maintenance. The project highlights the increasing role of energy storage in supporting reliable and continuous renewable power supply in India.Read more