13 May 2025

The Charkop elevated road bridge project, aimed at improving east-west connectivity in Mumbai's western suburbs, has had its completion deadline extended to June 2027, according to MMRDA. Originally slated for end-2025, the 3.4-km bridge connecting Malvani and Charkop faced delays due to design changes and utility relocation challenges. Executed by J Kumar Infraprojects at a cost of INR 620.15 crore, the project required revisions to align with existing infrastructure and safely shift underground utilities. Once complete, the bridge is expected to ease congestion on Link Road and improve travel times for thousands of commuters between Borivali and Malad.Read more

13 May 2025

India is poised to require an additional 45-50 million square feet of real estate and 40-45 terawatt-hours (TWH) of incremental power for data centres by 2030, driven by the rising demand for artificial intelligence (AI), according to Deloitte. The company's report highlights India's cost advantages, renewable energy focus, and strategic location, but stresses that the country's growth as a global AI hub is dependent on overcoming significant gaps in infrastructure, talent, and policy. The report calls for targeted interventions and policy support to foster AI-driven data centre development, alongside investments in power and connectivity.Read more

13 May 2025

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed granting alternative investment funds (AIFs) greater flexibility in providing co-investment opportunities to investors under the AIF structure. Additionally, SEBI has suggested removing restrictions that currently prevent AIF investment managers from offering advisory services in listed securities. Under the proposed guidelines, co-investment could be facilitated through a Co-Investment Vehicle (CIV), a separate scheme within the AIF structure specifically designated for such purposes. SEBI has also suggested exempting the CIV scheme from specific AIF requirements, such as investment diversification norms, sponsor investment commitment, and minimum scheme tenure, with certain conditions. Public comments on the proposal have been invited until the end of this month.Read more

13 May 2025

To tackle rising traffic congestion in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), especially after the Sion bridge closure, the MMRDA has approved a strategic traffic management plan. With around 2 lakh employees and 4 lakh visitors daily, BKC faces severe vehicular pressure, worsened by heavy transport inflows. The plan includes converting underused cycle tracks into vehicle lanes, expanding road capacity to accommodate 600-900 extra vehicles per lane. A one-way system will also be introduced in high-traffic zones. These changes are expected to reduce peak travel times by 40% and cut emissions by 30%. The initiative reflects MMRDA's focus on sustainable, efficient urban mobility.Read more

12 May 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a new policy aimed at encouraging private investment and structured development of bus infrastructure throughout the state. Named the 'UP Stage Carriage Bus Terminal, Contract Carriage and All India Tourist Bus Park (Establishment and Regulation) Policy, 2025,' the initiative seeks to streamline the establishment of stage carriage bus terminals, contract carriage parks, and tourist bus parks. A regulatory authority, chaired by the District Magistrate, will be formed to manage the application process and ensure adherence to the policy guidelines. The policy sets specific eligibility criteria regarding land, net worth, and turnover for applicants, while also outlining operational rights and transfer protocols for private entities.Read more

12 May 2025

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is set to launch a lottery for approximately 5,200 affordable homes in Mumbai around Diwali 2025. These homes will be available across various income categories, including Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Lower Income Group (LIG), Middle Income Group (MIG), and High Income Group (HIG). The application process will be entirely online, with further details regarding pricing, locations, and schedules to be announced in the coming months.Read more

12 May 2025

The third Thane Creek Bridge (TCB-3), a vital 1.8-km six-lane link between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, is now complete and awaits final approval for inauguration. Executed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation at a cost of INR 850 crore, the bridge aims to ease traffic on the heavily congested Sion-Panvel highway, which sees over 1.3 lakh vehicles daily. Civil work finished in April, but the opening is pending clearance from the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Road Transport. Once inaugurated, TCB-3 is expected to significantly reduce commute times and enhance regional connectivity between the two growing urban centres.Read more

09 May 2025

Hubballi is undergoing rapid infrastructure development in 2025, led by a INR 273 crore expansion of its airport to accommodate 2,400 peak-hour passengers, with completion set for 2026. The airport also operates on an 8 MW solar power plant, supplying surplus energy to other Karnataka airports. Under the Smart Cities Mission, projects like the Tolankere Lake revival, Mahatma Gandhi Park upgrade, and Savari bike-sharing system have improved urban livability. The city earned the SKOCH Silver Award for municipal governance. Additionally, the revised Hubballi-Ankola rail project will boost coastal connectivity, reinforcing Hubballi's emergence as a key urban and industrial hub in Karnataka.Read more

09 May 2025

The Uttan-Virar Sea Link (UVSL) Phase-1, spearheaded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), is progressing rapidly with a revised layout that promises to revolutionise northern Mumbai's infrastructure. Originally conceptualised as the Versova-Virar Sea Link, the project was reorganised into phases after being handed over from MSRDC to MMRDA in late 2022. The first phase, connecting Uttan to Virar, was approved for implementation earlier this week, while the second phase awaits feasibility clearance. With modern engineering features, international funding, and socio-economic benefits spanning connectivity, investment, safety, and sustainability, UVSL is poised to become a transformative link in the region.Read more

09 May 2025

Maharashtra has become the first state in India to register over 50,000 housing projects with the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA), which recently entered its 9th year. The state accounts for roughly 35% of India's total housing projects, with key districts like Pune, Thane, and Mumbai registering significant numbers. While Tamil Nadu and Gujarat follow, their numbers are far lower, with 27,609 and 15,322 projects, respectively. MahaRERA's role in regulating the sector and safeguarding homebuyers' interests has contributed to the rapid growth of the real estate market across Maharashtra.Read more