Infrastructure

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Kerala: City Corporation to begin construction of housing for vulnerable communities in Muttathara

Author : PNT Bureau

The City Corporation's Thanal Housing project is set to provide secure housing for 136 disabled families from Vikalanga Colony in Muttathara, marking a milestone in improving living conditions for the community. Revised as a two-storey design after addressing objections and obtaining Airport Authority clearance, the INR 20 crore project will begin construction in January, led by Uralungal Labour Construction Co-operative Society (ULCCS). Additionally, 102 displaced fishermen families from Valiyathura will be housed in a new 400-flat complex under the 'Punargeham' project. These initiatives aim to uplift vulnerable communities by offering dignified housing and improved living standards, showcasing the state's commitment to social welfare....

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Kerala: Delays in compensation for landowners threaten Karamana-Kaliyikkavilai road project in Balaramapuram

Author : PNT Bureau

Landowners in Balaramapuram are frustrated by delays in compensation for properties acquired for the Karamana-Kaliyikkavilai road widening project. While the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) is set to release INR 102 crore, financial delays have stalled progress, leaving 80 landowners unpaid. Despite INR 40 crore already disbursed, the total compensation needed is INR 97 crore. The project, aimed at creating a 30.2-metre-wide four-lane road, faces uncertainty as landowners threaten protests. The district administration cites financial constraints as the primary cause of delays, prompting calls for swift action to ensure timely compensation and the project's completion for regional connectivity....

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PM Modi to reveal over INR 6,640 crore projects for tribal welfare on Birsa Munda's birth anniversary

Author : PNT Bureau

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil development projects worth over INR 6,640 crore on the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, marking Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in Jamui, Bihar. The initiatives, including housing, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, aim to uplift tribal communities. Highlights include 10 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, 23 mobile medical units, 300 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and housing for over 116,000 families under tribal-focused schemes. Modi will also inaugurate museums and research institutes dedicated to tribal heritage. These efforts emphasise the government's commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth, integrating tribal communities into India's development framework....

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GIFT City launches GIFT International Fintech Institute and Innovation Hub

Author : PNT Bureau

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has launched the GIFT International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI) and the GIFT International Fintech Innovation Hub (GIFT IFIH), supported by the Asian Development Bank. These initiatives aim to position GIFT City as a global leader in fintech education, innovation, and startups. The GIFT IFI will provide industry-aligned training, while the GIFT IFIH will support fintech startups with resources and mentorship. The programmes, led by Ahmedabad University, IIT Gandhinagar, and UC San Diego, will commence in January 2025, fostering talent and accelerating fintech solutions to reshape the financial landscape....

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DTP demolishes illegal structures across unauthorised colonies in Gurugram

Author : PNT Bureau

Earlier this month, the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTP) conducted a two-day demolition drive across unauthorised colonies in Gurugram, removing illegal structures spanning 30 acres. The operation focused on Gwal Pahari, Bhondsi, and Alipur villages. Key actions included the demolition of colonies, under-construction buildings, boundary walls, and road networks. DTP Enforcement head Manish Yadav emphasised the importance of verifying property legality before making investments, highlighting the drive's role in sending a strong message to those involved in illegal construction....

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Tamil Nadu: CM Stalin inaugurates 'Muthalvar Padaippagam,' appoints DRA Homes for project management

Author : PNT Bureau

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated "Muthalvar Padaippagam," a new initiative supporting youth and women empowerment. This flagship program aims to provide coworking and learning spaces, focusing on opportunities for competitive exam candidates and entrepreneurs. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) awarded the facilities management contract to DRA Homes, with Managing Director Ranjeeth Rathod receiving recognition at the event. DRA Homes' experience in co-living management, through its subsidiary Truliv, played a crucial role in this selection. Rathod expressed gratitude, emphasizing DRA's commitment to supporting the project's goals. Developed for INR 2.85 crore, the Kolathur facility accommodates 40 coworkers and 50 students, aiming to foster inclusive growth....

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Visakhapatnam: GVMC launches drone surveillance for unauthorised construction detection

Author : PNT Bureau

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is launching a pilot project using drones to monitor building plan compliance and detect unauthorised constructions. This initiative, which will begin in Zone II (Madhurawada, Kommadi), aims to streamline the identification of structural violations and could potentially increase GVMC's revenue by INR 100 crore through better property reassessment and taxation. Drones will replace traditional methods, offering precise geo-referenced data and real-time aerial footage to identify violations. The project also introduces a Vacant Land Tax (VLT) scheme to encourage landowners to utilise vacant plots, further boosting municipal revenue....

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Indore district administration cracks down on illegal colonies

Author : PNT Bureau

Earlier this month, the Indore district administration launched a crackdown on illegal and unauthorised colonies, identifying around 100 cases and taking legal action against four colonisers. Following instructions from collector Asheesh Singh, the revenue department thoroughly investigated complaints, revealing that these colonies were built without necessary approvals. As part of preventive measures, the administration decided to mark these plots as 'illegal' in their records, ensuring transparency. Legal actions, including lodging FIRs, have been initiated against the involved colonisers. This action aims to deter future violations and maintain the city's urban planning standards....

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Kanpur faces delays in Smart City Mission projects, drops to 'B' category in rankings

Author : PNT Bureau

Kanpur has dropped to the B category in the Smart City Mission ranking after scoring 8 out of 10 in the September state review meeting. Delays in projects and missed deadlines were flagged as major issues. Several projects remain incomplete due to pending approvals and halted construction. The District Magistrate has urged faster completion of these projects. The nodal officer has promised to resolve obstacles. This ranking drop highlights the need for stronger management of Kanpur's Smart City projects....

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Apple's India vendors build 100,000 hostels for female employees, setting new standards in worker housing

Author : PNT Bureau

Apple is launching a large-scale project with its vendors to establish hostel facilities for 100,000 female employees across its Indian production sites, making it the country's largest worker-housing initiative by a single company. Developed through a public-private partnership, these facilities are projected to be operational by the end of the fiscal year. Inspired by successful housing models in China and Vietnam, the initiative aims to enhance worker safety and efficiency. Key players in Apple's ecosystem, such as Tata Electronics, Foxconn, and Salcomp, are developing residential units near production sites in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with a particular focus on supporting a growing young female workforce....