03 Jan 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has revised its list of national highway assets for potential acquisition by the National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT) under its FY26 monetisation plan. The updated portfolio includes 24 road assets totaling approximately 1,472 km, including key stretches in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. NHAI aims to raise INR 30,000-40,000 crore through a mix of Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) bundles and InvIT transfers. The plan aligns with the 2025 monetisation strategy, which seeks stable non-budgetary funding and reduced debt reliance to support future highway construction and development.Read more

03 Jan 2026

The Union Cabinet has approved a INR 1,526.21 crore project to upgrade a 243-km stretch of NH 326 from Mohana to Koraput in southern Odisha. The project will convert the existing two-lane road into a two-lane highway with paved shoulders under the EPC model, addressing sub-standard lane widths, sharp curves, and steep gradients. It aims to improve safety, reduce travel time by 2.5-3 hours, strengthen freight movement, and connect industrial, logistics, educational, and healthcare hubs, while linking NH 326 to NH 26, NH 59, NH 16, Gopalpur port, Jeypore airport, and nearby railway stations.Read more

03 Jan 2026

Indian Railways is set to introduce the country's first Vande Bharat sleeper train on the Kolkata Guwahati route later this month. The 16-coach fully air-conditioned train has completed testing and certification, and will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It offers 823 berths across 3AC, 2AC, and First AC classes, with fares significantly lower than air travel. The train features modern safety systems, improved suspension, automatic doors, upgraded toilets, and regional cuisine onboard, marking a key step in enhancing long-distance overnight rail travel in India.Read more

03 Jan 2026

The Union Cabinet has approved the development of a six-lane, access-controlled greenfield highway corridor connecting Nashik, Solapur and Akkalkot in Maharashtra at an estimated cost of INR 19,142 crore. The project will be implemented on a build-operate-transfer (toll) basis and is designed to significantly cut travel time and distance across the region. By linking key expressways and national highways, the corridor is expected to improve freight movement, strengthen regional connectivity, and support economic activity across several districts in the state.Read more

03 Jan 2026

Beed district has emerged as the leading performer in Maharashtra's rural housing sector, with more than 50,000 new homes completed for beneficiary families under central and state schemes. The district's success is attributed to structured planning, active field monitoring, and timely fund transfers, overcoming challenges such as water shortages, material constraints, and migration. Nearly INR 1,000 crore was credited directly to beneficiaries accounts to support construction. Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) played a major role, and authorities ensured that almost all identified families have moved into their new homes.Read more

02 Jan 2026

Kalpataru Projects International Ltd (KPIL) has secured a new order worth INR 719 crore in its urban infrastructure business, further strengthening its position in India's fast-expanding urban mobility segment. The order pertains to an elevated metro rail project in Thane, Maharashtra, highlighting growing investments in metro rail networks across major cities. The win reinforces KPIL's capabilities in executing complex engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects in urban transportation. With infrastructure-led growth gaining momentum, the latest contract adds to the company's strong order book and underlines its focus on metro rail, flyovers and other urban mobility solutions in India and overseas.Read more

02 Jan 2026

The Gujarat government has approved the establishment of the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) at GIFT City, aimed at strengthening artificial intelligence research and development. The institution will be set up under a public-private partnership involving the state government, the Union government and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, and will operate as a non-profit special purpose vehicle from early January 2026. An estimated budget of around INR 300 crore has been earmarked for the first five years, with funding shared equally among the three partners. IAIRO will focus on advanced R&D, creation of AI-based products and solutions, collaboration with academia and industry, and capacity building to support India's AI ecosystem.Read more

02 Jan 2026

Opposition AIADMK councillors raised allegations of misuse of Smart City Mission funds during a Salem Municipal Corporation meeting and staged a walkout after heated exchanges with the ruling DMK members. They claimed that development works worth several crore rupees had not been properly implemented and that no new projects were initiated under the current administration. The opposition also questioned the decision to outsource tax collection to a private agency. The protest highlighted ongoing concerns over fund utilisation, project execution and accountability in Salem's urban development programmes.Read more

02 Jan 2026

Maharashtra's smart city projects are nearing completion, yet works worth INR 1,555 crore under the Smart Cities Mission remain unfinished. While most tasks under the mission, which aims to improve urban infrastructure, mobility, and sanitation, have been delivered, the pending works include road construction, public space improvements, water supply upgrades, and other civic projects. Delays are due to coordination issues, land acquisition challenges, and procedural clearances. City Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are being urged to complete these tasks quickly so that citizens can fully benefit from the planned infrastructure.Read more

02 Jan 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated preparations for the detailed project report (DPR) to widen the Kopargaon Malegaon highway to four lanes, a key route connecting north-west Maharashtra. As part of the DPR, NHAI will assess the feasibility of a bypass around Yevla to divert heavy traffic away from the town centre. The Pimpalgaon Jalal toll plaza has been closed following the end of its contract, and the highway is now fully managed by NHAI. The project addresses long-standing concerns over traffic congestion and safety along this important freight and commuter corridor.Read more