21 Feb 2025

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has confirmed that no new projects will be initiated under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, its flagship highway development programme. Approved by the Cabinet in 2017, Phase 1 of the project covers 34,800 km across 31 states and union territories. However, only 26,425 km-76% of the sanctioned length-has been awarded for construction. The initiative has faced significant delays and cost overruns, leading to its projected completion being pushed to 2027-28. As of the past month, 55% of the awarded length has been completed, with expressways, border roads, and economic corridors in various stages of progress.Read more

21 Feb 2025

Telangana Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka has directed housing and revenue officials to fast-track Indiramma house construction in districts unaffected by the election code, prioritizing Mahabubnagar and Rangareddy. The state has allocated funds for 3,500 houses per assembly constituency, emphasizing efficient execution. Bhatti also pushed for satellite townships near Hyderabad's ring roads to meet housing demand and urged digital land surveys for better land management. Additionally, he instructed officials to install solar systems on government buildings and streamline rent payments for government offices. These initiatives align with the Congress government's welfare goals and urban development plans.Read more

20 Feb 2025

The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) recently completed a large-scale demolition drive, razing 41 unauthorised buildings in Vasai East over 22 days. The structures, illegally constructed on land designated for a water and sewage treatment plant, were reportedly encroached upon by local land mafias. The demolitions followed a Supreme Court directive after residents failed to secure a stay order. The displaced families, mainly comprising factory workers and migrant labourers, now face severe housing crises. While the Bombay High Court has sought clarification from the state government on rehabilitation plans, only a handful of affected residents have submitted valid proof of residence.Read more

20 Feb 2025

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai police has established a special investigation team (SIT) to examine alleged financial irregularities in contracts awarded for desilting the Mithi river. The investigation, covering the period between 2005 and 2023, focuses on misappropriation of funds amounting to approximately INR 1,100 crore. Officials have identified 18 contractors involved in these projects, and three have already been summoned for questioning. The probe also extends to contracts related to sludge removal and the river's beautification. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been systematically desilting major and minor nullahs, with a significant portion of the silt removal occurring before the monsoon season.Read more

19 Feb 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has temporarily suspended its plan to concretise the Auxilium Convent Road in Pali Hill after strong opposition from local residents. The decision followed a formal complaint highlighting concerns about dust pollution, environmental damage, and access issues for emergency vehicles. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani directed civic officials to engage with residents before proceeding further. Similar opposition has been observed in other parts of Mumbai, including Bandra West, Colaba, and Marine Drive, where citizens have urged the civic body to prioritise roads in poor condition rather than reconstructing those in good shapeRead more

19 Feb 2025

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has introduced new demolition procedures in line with Supreme Court guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability. Affected parties will now receive a 15-day notice and a personal hearing before demolition, with all actions video-recorded. Notices will also be sent to district collectors in Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri, and Sanga Reddy. Builders must now secure Occupancy Certificates before granting occupancy, and financial institutions will verify approvals before sanctioning loans. GHMC will conduct regular site inspections to prevent unauthorized constructions, aiming to enhance urban governance and regulatory compliance.Read more

19 Feb 2025

The Greater Ludhiana Development Authority (GLADA) continued its crackdown on unapproved and haphazard development, demolishing three illegal colonies on the outskirts of the city, in Ladian Kalan and Hussainpura. The demolition, led by district town planner Sandeep, included the removal of boundary walls, roads, passages, and sewer manholes under construction. GLADA also warned the public against investing in such unapproved colonies, urging action against those misleading residents with promises of cheap plots in areas that fail to meet government standards. Past efforts by GLADA highlight the ongoing battle against illegal development in Ludhiana.Read more

18 Feb 2025

The Maharashtra government is considering implementing the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulation (UDCPR) across the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR), even as the region's overall development plan remains pending. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed initial support for the proposal during a recent PMRDA meeting in Mumbai. The move, once formalized via a Government Resolution (GR), could standardize building norms, boost development fees, and streamline infrastructure planning. Developers and urban planners see this as a step toward affordable housing and better urban management, though public engagement will be key to ensuring an inclusive and practical implementation.Read more

18 Feb 2025

The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) is using drone technology to survey the Madhuban Bapudham housing scheme as part of a land audit, aiming to improve accuracy in land records. The scheme, launched in 2014, covers 1,234 acres and 2,750 plots. The drone survey will help correct mapping errors, including plots mistakenly allocated on crematorium land. Traditionally, manual zonal maps led to discrepancies, but digital integration will enhance precision. GDA officials assured affected allottees of reallocation. This technological upgrade aims to ensure transparency, reduce errors, and establish a reliable digital land record system for improved urban planning and development.Read more

17 Feb 2025

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is expected to see a 5% decline in road construction in FY2026, with execution projected at 9,500-10,000 km, down from 10,000-10,500 km in FY2025, according to ICRA. The slowdown stems from reduced project awards over the past two years, with only 3,100 km awarded in 9M FY25, much lower than 5,835 km in 9M FY23. Toll collections are forecast to grow 7-9% in FY26, driven by a 3.5-5% traffic increase and moderate toll rate hikes. Despite these challenges, expressway projects and monetization efforts may offer long-term sector resilience.Read more