Infrastructure

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Mumbai's Carnac Bridge reconstruction to boost connectivity by mid-2025

PNT Reporter

The 154-year-old Carnac Bridge in south Mumbai is undergoing extensive reconstruction, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently installing a 516-metric-ton iron girder on the railway's south side. Originally built in 1867, the bridge was deemed unsafe in 2018, prompting this redevelopment. The BMC aims to complete the reconstruction by June 2025, following a meticulous timeline that includes approach road construction and load testing. The project, overseen by senior officials, hinges on timely approvals from Central Railway for railway blocks and related activities....

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Maharashtra plans new airport in Gadchiroli to boost connectivity and development

PNT Reporter

The Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) is set to acquire 229 hectares of land across four villages-Murkhada, Pulkhal, Kanori, and Mudjha-for a greenfield airport in Gadchiroli. Approved by a recent government resolution, the project aims to improve connectivity and foster economic growth. Following a prefeasibility study by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the airport will feature a 2,500-2,800 metre runway. Targeted to be operational within 4-5 years, the airport will support growing industrial and mining activities, transforming Gadchiroli into a connected hub and integrating the district into Maharashtra's development framework....

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Valasaravakkam: GCC converts plot into an eco-park for residents

PNT Reporter

A previously neglected, garbage-filled four-acre plot in Valasaravakkam, Chennai, is undergoing a major transformation into a sprawling lake. Once prone to flooding, particularly near metro construction sites, the area faced regular disruptions. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has addressed this issue by converting an abandoned private land into a three-acre pond, now holding 1.5 million cubic feet of water. The pond is set to be developed into an eco-park at an estimated cost of INR 5 crore, featuring multiple facilities, including a walking path, open-air theatre, and parking areas. Residents have also raised concerns about encroachment and the need for boundary walls....

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Bhagalpur Metro: RITES launches phase 2 of the metro for east-west and north-south corridors

PNT Reporter

RITES has unveiled plans for a two-phase metro rail project in Bhagalpur, aimed at enhancing public transport and reducing traffic congestion. The first phase includes a 17-km east-west corridor with 12 stations, from Saidpur to Bhagalpur railway station, with a depot on 20 hectares in Saidpur. The second phase features a 7-km north-south line linking Bhagalpur railway station to Vastu Vihar Colony, with a 12-hectare depot. Extensions to Chanpanagar and Noorpur are also under consideration. The project promises faster, affordable transport, reduced pollution, and fewer accidents. Authorities are expediting feasibility reports to ensure timely implementation and community engagement....

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Andhra Pradesh: CRDA approves INR 8,821.44 crore worth of projects for Amaravathi development

PNT Reporter

The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA), led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, approved development projects worth INR 8,821.44 crore for Amaravathi, focusing heavily on road construction. Urban Development Minister P. Narayana shared that INR 3,807 crore has been allotted for roads in areas acquired under the land pooling scheme, with INR 4,521 crore for trunk roads and INR 492 crore for ministerial and judicial bungalows. Although works worth INR 41,000 crore were tendered between 2014 and 2019, only INR 5,000 crore worth of projects were completed, causing construction costs to rise significantly. The tendering process is set to begin by mid-December and conclude by the end of the month, contingent upon resolving pending legal and design issues....

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Prayagraj Airport expansion boosts capacity ahead of Maha Kumbh 2025

PNT Reporter

To prepare for the influx of pilgrims expected during the Maha Kumbh in 2025, the Prayagraj airport has undergone significant expansion at a cost of INR 233 crore. The revamped airport will increase passenger handling capacity from 350 to 2,050 passengers per hour with upgrades to terminal buildings and the apron area. Additional facilities include expanded aircraft parking bays, a new taxiway for smoother operations, night landing capabilities, and improved city-side amenities such as enhanced parking and a culturally inspired theme. Airlines have proposed 14 new flights, and provisions for chartered planes and transfer services for pilgrims are also in place....

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Lucknow Development Authority to install rooftop solar plants in 14 housing societies

PNT Reporter

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) plans to install rooftop solar power plants in 14 housing societies, with capacities between 10 kW to 200 kW, at a cost of INR 4.5 crore. This initiative aims to reduce electricity bills by 70-80% for residents while promoting renewable energy. Additionally, a 50 kW solar plant will be installed at Jyotiba Phule Zonal Park. LDA Vice-Chairman Prathmesh Kumar highlighted the project's role in reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainability. As urban areas adopt solar solutions, this initiative could inspire similar efforts nationwide, advancing India's renewable energy goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels....

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Indian government sets ambitious target for national highway construction despite slowdown

PNT Reporter

Highway construction in the first eight months of the fiscal year reached nearly 4,900 km, showing a 6.6% decline compared to 5,248 km in the same period the previous year. However, this pace surpasses the target set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for the year. The government has set a provisional target of constructing 10,421 km of national highways this fiscal year, which is 15% lower than the previous year due to delays in state clearances caused by the prolonged election process. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has a target of 5,000 km. However, the pace of awarding new projects has slowed, and the introduction of Vision 2047 has replaced the Bharatmala project, with no specific targets set under the new plan. Analysts predict that the slowdown in awarding projects will impact highway construction into 2025-26, with improvements expected in 2026-27....

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Goa: Panaji awarded INR 5 crore grant under CITIIS 2.0 for sustainable urban development

PNT Reporter

Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL) has secured a INR 5 crore grant under the CITIIS 2.0 program to advance sustainable urban development. The funds will support the creation of a State Climate Centre for Cities (S-C3) to coordinate climate strategies, along with climate data observatories for monitoring environmental changes. The initiative also includes capacity building for officials in areas like waste management and urban forestry. Managing Director Sanjit Rodrigues highlighted the plan's focus on integrating advanced technologies to improve residents' quality of life and reduce environmental impact. This project positions Panaji as a model for climate-responsive urban development....

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Noida International Airport completes key validation flight ahead of grand opening

PNT Reporter

The Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, has completed a validation flight. This is an important step before its official opening. The test used an IndiGo A320 aircraft to check navigation systems and safety protocols. The flight showed that NIA is ready for commercial operations. Final approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is still needed. The airport is expected to open soon and will offer a new travel option for passengers....