28 Nov 2024

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) plans to auction 100 acres of land in its SEZ by December 2024, targeting manufacturers in "orange" category industries, such as food processing and glass manufacturing. This initiative aims to foster industrial growth while adhering to environmental norms. Additionally, JNPA is advancing India's first shore power project at Gateway Terminals India, investing INR 100 crore to eliminate diesel use for docked ships. Scheduled for completion by August 2025, the project aligns with sustainability goals. Together, these initiatives are expected to attract investment, enhance Maharashtra's industrial landscape, and support long-term economic growth.Read more

28 Nov 2024

India's data centre (DC) industry is set for rapid expansion, with a projected addition of 604 MW capacity between the second half of 2024 and 2026, as per JLL India. The industry, which has grown 2.5 times since 2019 at a CAGR of 24%, is being fuelled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the nationwide rollout of 5G, and government investments of 1.24 billion USD in AI infrastructure. The expansion will require 7.3 million square feet of real estate and 3.8 billion USD in capital. Mumbai will maintain its leadership, while Chennai and other regions see notable growth. This increase underscores India's emergence as a global tech hub, generating employment, fostering innovation, and strengthening the digital economy.Read more

28 Nov 2024

Ludhiana's civic authorities are racing to complete Smart City Mission projects before the March 2025 deadline, but key initiatives face delays. The INR 8.8 crore Nehru Rose Garden revamp, featuring landscaping, open gyms, and fancy lighting, remains in its tendering stage, with a mini zoo plan awaiting approval. Similarly, the construction of bridges on Sidhwan Canal (INR 11.96 crore) and Buddha Dariya (INR 2 crore) has been stalled due to failed tenders and procedural setbacks. With tight timelines and technical challenges, concerns grow over timely completion, leaving residents questioning whether Ludhiana can deliver on its Smart City promises to enhance connectivity and public spaces.Read more

27 Nov 2024

The Noida Authority has commenced a land survey for the Dadri-Noida-Ghaziabad Investment Region (DNGIR), or New Noida, to facilitate land acquisition and development. Spanning 209.11 sq. km across 80 villages in Gautam Budh Nagar and Bulandshahr, the project will be executed in four phases, with the first phase targeting 3,165 hectares by 2027. Part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), the DNGIR Master Plan 2041 allocates 40% for industrial use, 13% for residential, and 18% for green spaces. Enhanced connectivity via road, rail, and the upcoming Noida International Airport is expected to drive economic growth and infrastructure development.Read more

27 Nov 2024

On November 17, Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) conducted a large-scale anti-encroachment operation in Harmu Housing Colony, following a directive from the Jharkhand High Court. The focus was on clearing unauthorized structures, especially meat and fish stalls, near local temples. City manager Ambuj Singh explained that the drive was carried out to comply with the court's order and improve traffic flow. RMC had given encroachers a 24-hour notice, with some vendors agreeing to vacate, while others protested. Displaced vendors were offered alternative space at Janta Bazaar. The operation marks RMC's effort to enforce court orders and regulate public spaces effectively.Read more

27 Nov 2024

During a recent review in Ladakh, Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced a survey to identify homeless individuals under the PM Awas Yojana, aiming to ensure adequate shelter for all. He praised the performance of local power and housing departments and highlighted the potential for solar energy with a 13 GW solar plant in progress. Khattar also discussed financial support for street vendors and emphasized waste management and worker safety goals. He directed officials to expedite project reports for water and sewage systems while assuring that additional power demands during winter will be met by the Government of India.Read more

26 Nov 2024

A comprehensive survey by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has revealed the staggering scale of unauthorized construction in Bengaluru, particularly in the Mahadevapura zone, which houses the city's tech hub of Whitefield. The survey identified over 2,500 illegal structures across the city, with Mahadevapura leading the way with 528 such buildings. Despite directives from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to take strict action, the survey process has been hampered by local political pressures and past compromises, raising concerns about the commitment of civic officials to address this pressing issue.Read more

26 Nov 2024

The Chandigarh administration has established a high-level committee to assess the financial feasibility of the proposed Metro project and address inter-governmental coordination for critical infrastructure, including a shorter route to Chandigarh International Airport and a city ring road. Tasked with delivering a report in two months, the committee includes officials from the UT and Punjab and Haryana governments. These projects aim to ease traffic congestion and improve regional connectivity, with the ring road expected to redirect outer traffic, reducing the burden on Chandigarh's urban roads.Read more

26 Nov 2024

Delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project have prompted the Central government to explore alternatives to Japanese technology providers. Approved in 2015, the INR 1.08 lakh crore project aims for a 2026, but a lack of commitment to the deadline has raised concerns. Switching to partners now could add INR 15,000 crore to costs, as infrastructure already aligns with Japanese specifications. Additionally, a potential diplomatic fallout with Japan poses a challenge. While alternatives are being explored to meet deadlines, cost escalations and international relations add complexity to the project's timely completion.Read more

25 Nov 2024

In a bid to curb illegal construction in the Aravalis, the Sohna Municipal Council demolished eight unauthorised structures on 10 acres at the Ansal Aravali Retreat in Raisina. This marked the third demolition drive in the area this year, targeting buildings violating the 1992 Aravali notification that prohibits non-forest activities on protected land classified as 'gair mumkin pehad.' Despite repeated actions, illegal structures persist, with an estimated 800 unauthorised developments identified across Gurgaon and Faridabad. Environmentalists stress that periodic demolitions are insufficient, urging stronger enforcement and sustainable measures to protect the ecologically sensitive Aravalis from further encroachment.Read more