PNT Reporter

09 Dec 2024

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued a preliminary notification to acquire around 143 properties, including 94 buildings, to widen a 2.4-km stretch of Gunjur-Varthur Main Road in Gunjur village. The project aims to enhance the existing 30-meter road between Gunjur Lake and Vinayaka Theatre, part of State Highway 35. This road is one of 14 slated for development under the Revised Master Plan for 2025, with a total of 25 km planned for improvement. BBMP officials stated that the land acquisition will be compensated through transferable development rights.Read more

PNT Reporter

09 Dec 2024

Mumbai Metro has partnered with the 'Toilet Service App' to improve cleanliness and accessibility of toilets at 30 metro stations on the Metro 7 and 2A corridors. The app provides real-time information on toilet availability and condition, allowing passengers to easily locate and use facilities. It also enables passengers to report issues, ensuring prompt action is taken. Metro staff can monitor and maintain cleanliness through the app. Passengers can download the app by scanning a QR code at the stations. This initiative enhances hygiene standards and improves the overall commuter experience, focusing on convenience and passenger satisfaction.Read more

PNT Reporter

06 Dec 2024

The Smart Cities Mission has seen significant progress, with 13 out of 100 cities completing all projects, and 48 cities achieving over 90 per cent completion. Over 84,000 CCTV cameras and 713 km of cycle tracks have been installed. The mission has seen INR 17,303 crore invested in 714 ongoing projects, with 91 per cent of projects completed. The deadline has been extended until March next year, and the government has released INR 47,225 crore, of which 94 per cent has been utilised. Despite some delays due to legal issues, the mission has delivered major infrastructure improvements across cities.Read more

PNT Reporter

06 Dec 2024

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has approved the redevelopment of slum areas under the "Jahan Jhuggi Wahin Makaan" scheme, a move aimed at enhancing housing for Delhi's slum dwellers. Key policy changes by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) include increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for residential and commercial components, offering developers greater flexibility and financial viability. At least 40% of plots must be used for housing, ensuring slum residents remain in their neighborhoods. By integrating slum rehabilitation with commercial opportunities, the scheme aims to provide dignified housing, promote social mobility, and foster inclusive urban growth, ahead of the Assembly elections.Read more

PNT Reporter

05 Dec 2024

The Noida Authority is advancing plans to acquire 25 hectares in Sector 165, primarily in Gulawali village, along the Noida Expressway to develop an industrial zone. The land, spread across four villages, will be procured through mutual consent to address farmers' concerns and ensure smooth acquisition. While the Authority already possesses some land, encroachment and habitation in other areas pose challenges. Sector 165 is part of a broader expansion involving six sectors, with 40% of the required 540 acres acquired so far. Sectors 162, 164, and 165 will host industrial units, while mixed-use developments are planned for other sectors.Read more

PNT Reporter

05 Dec 2024

Last week, Kerala and Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd signed a supplementary concession agreement, accelerating the revenue-sharing timeline for the Vizhinjam deep-water port. The expanded capacity will allow the port to handle 4.5 million containers annually, with revenue projections rising from INR 54,750 crore to INR 215,000 crore over 36 years. Kerala's share of revenue will also increase, while indirect revenue through GST and corporate taxes is expected to rise significantly. The agreement reduces the state's financial obligations and ensures an earlier start to revenue.Read more

PNT Reporter

05 Dec 2024

Cracks in over 150 houses and a historic temple in Agra's Moti Katra and Syed Gali areas, attributed to metro tunnelling, have displaced over 500 residents. The tunnelling, part of a 2km underground rail project, began in October 2023, though residents reported cracks as early as July. Divisional commissioner Ritu Maheshwari ordered quality repairs, thorough surveys, and damage reassessments, involving IIT Roorkee for quality assurance. Despite ongoing repair efforts and temporary stabilisation measures, fear and dissatisfaction persist. Locals demand compensation, accountability, and long-term solutions, highlighting the need for stringent oversight in infrastructure projects to prevent such disruptions and risks.Read more

PNT Reporter

04 Dec 2024

The state government has announced plans for New Agra, a heritage city envisioned along the Yamuna Expressway in Agra district, under the jurisdiction of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). Covering approximately 10,500 hectares, the New Agra Urban Centre aims to become a commercial and tourism hub, incorporating 60 villages in the Etmadpur tehsil near the Taj Mahal. Developed with input from a consulting firm, the project will prioritize connectivity and environmental regulations. As the Noida International Airport prepares to open next April, New Agra is poised to enhance Agra's appeal as a tourist destination.Read more

PNT Reporter

04 Dec 2024

A recent study by Cusat, SACON, and FLAME University highlights an alarming 126% increase in built-up areas across Kochi's taluks between 2001 and 2020, far exceeding the global average of 20%. Urbanisation has caused a 57.56% loss of wetlands and a 15% decline in cropland, triggering severe ecological imbalances. Pollution, declining biodiversity, and near-extinction of species like the Soapnut tree (only 50 remain) underscore the crisis. Researchers warn of rising health issues and ecosystem degradation. The findings call for sustainable urban planning to balance development and conservation, ensuring long-term environmental and social health for Kochi.Read more

PNT Reporter

04 Dec 2024

India is advancing negotiations with Japan to accelerate the localisation of bullet train design and manufacturing. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor will feature high-speed trains developed by a consortium of Japanese firms, Kawasaki and Hitachi, targeting speeds up to 300 km/h. Indigenous production is also being pursued, leveraging the Vande Bharat platform, with BEML leading prototype development. Land acquisition is complete, and significant civil infrastructure progress has been reported. Updated signalling systems, including Kavach 4.0, are also in development. The NDA government's efforts have propelled the project forward, aiming for trial runs by early 2026 and further expansion of bullet train corridors nationwide.Read more