02 Jan 2025

The central government has paused the Global City project in Ayyampuzha, part of the Kochi-Bangalore Industrial Corridor, citing a shift from its industrial focus to residential and real estate developments. Initially designed to complement the Industrial Manufacturing Cluster in Palakkad, the project envisioned IT hubs, financial institutions, and a tourism hub. Despite HUDCO's funding interest and land acquisition progress, concerns over its deviation from industrial goals stalled its approval. The state and central governments must collaborate to realign the project with KBIC's objectives, ensuring its industrial and economic potential is realized. Local demands for state intervention are growing.Read more

02 Jan 2025

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is spearheading efforts to revitalise the Chennai Outer Ring Road (CORR) by initiating e-auctions of land parcels along the 62-km stretch. This project aims to convert the corridor into an economic powerhouse with industrial zones, urban forests, premium housing, and logistics hubs. Drawing lessons from successful corridor developments like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, the plan integrates modern infrastructure and sustainability. Strategic connectivity through metro expansions and a comprehensive flood management system underscores the project's long-term vision. If executed well, CORR could redefine Chennai's urban and economic landscape.Read more

02 Jan 2025

Bayview Projects, supported by filmmaker Boney Kapoor and Bhutani Infra, has submitted the master plan for the first phase of Noida International Film City. The project, located in Sector 21 along the Yamuna Expressway, is being developed in a public-private partnership on a 1,000-acre site, with 230 acres earmarked for the initial phase. Kapoor emphasised its potential to transform India's filmmaking industry by providing state-of-the-art facilities, including virtual studios, underwater filming capabilities, and a dedicated film university. Targeted for completion within three years of approval, the film city aims to attract global talent and position Noida as a leading international filmmaking destination.Read more

02 Jan 2025

The Haryana cabinet, led by CM Nayab Singh Saini, has reclassified Pataudi-Hailey Mandi and Farrukhnagar from 'low' to 'medium potential' zones under the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Rules, 1976. This strategic move aims to spur economic growth and increase state revenue via higher development and license fees. While developers see this as an opportunity for modern projects and infrastructure improvement, residents express concerns about rising property costs and sustainability. Strategically located near Gurugram and key expressways, the zones are poised for growth, but balancing rapid urbanization with existing community needs remains a critical challenge.Read more

01 Jan 2025

Mumbai is preparing to open its first elevated forest walkway by New Year, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) overseeing the project. The 482-metre trail, situated on Malabar Hill, offers stunning views of the city and Girgaon Chowpatty. Despite challenges like protecting trees, difficult terrain, and limited working hours, over 90 per cent of the construction has been completed. The walkway, designed to minimise disruption to the environment, has been built with minimal concrete and includes special measures to protect British-era pipelines beneath it. The final phase is expected to be completed by the end of January.Read more

01 Jan 2025

Sri City, an integrated business hub in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district, is set to expand with an additional 2,000 acres allocated by the state government. Since its establishment in 2008, the industrial area has grown to host 220 companies from 30 countries, achieving USD 4 billion in exports and USD 4.5 billion in investments. With 95% of its 62,000 workforce from nearby villages, Sri City exemplifies community-focused industrial development. The expansion aligns with the government's goal of creating 20 lakh jobs over five years by fostering investments and industrial growth, solidifying Sri City's status as a model industrial hub in Asia.Read more

31 Dec 2024

India's Union Tourism Ministry recently announced that 76 projects have been sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with a total allocation of INR 5,287.9 crore, out of which 75 projects are now physically complete. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme, aimed at the development of theme-based tourist circuits, was revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for the creation of sustainable tourist destinations. Additionally, under the PRASHAD Scheme, 48 projects worth INR 1,646.99 crore are in development, and 40 projects have been approved under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. As a result, India has seen a significant rise in international tourist arrivals and foreign exchange earnings in 2023.Read more

31 Dec 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the much-anticipated Ken-Betwa river linking project, aiming to transfer excess water from Madhya Pradesh's Ken River to Uttar Pradesh's Betwa, benefiting millions in the Bundelkhand region. The project, costing an estimated INR 44,605 crore, will provide drinking water to over 6 million people across two states and irrigate 1 million hectares of farmland. Additionally, it will generate 103MW of hydropower and 27MW of solar energy.Read more

30 Dec 2024

Switzerland-based Terminal Investment Ltd (TIL) will invest INR 20,000 crore in developing Maharashtra's Vadhvan port, in collaboration with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). A special purpose vehicle, Vadhvan Port Project Ltd (VPPL), jointly owned by JNPA (74%) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (26%), has been established for the project. Strategically located on the Arabian Sea, the port will enhance cargo efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and accommodate larger vessels. The initiative includes a skilling program for local youth and aligns with India's Sagarmala Project, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in the maritime sector.Read more

27 Dec 2024

The Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation (GMC) launched an anti-encroachment drive on 18th December, removing unauthorized structures on 1.55 acres of land around Khariya Pokhara. Despite public protests, the operation cleared permanent structures and boundary walls, paving the way for a planned beautification project. Officials cited a 1998 ruling confirming the land as part of the pond and dismissed fraudulent ownership claims. Future plans include parks and recreational spaces to enhance the area�s appeal. While the initiative garners mixed reactions, the GMC aims to balance redevelopment efforts with community engagement.Read more