Infrastructure

link

RIL to invest INR 13,400 crore in 3,750-acre global economic hub in Navi Mumbai

Author : PNT Bureau

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is launching a massive project to create a global economic hub in Navi Mumbai, covering 3,750 acres. Secured through a sub-lease for INR 13,400 crore, this development aims to decongest Mumbai and create a parallel economic engine. RIL plans to leverage its expertise in large-scale industrial projects to build a world-class facility focused on integrated digital services. The project will foster innovation, collaboration, and job creation, transforming Navi Mumbai into a thriving economic and industrial centre with advanced infrastructure and improved connectivity, especially with the new Mumbai Trans Harbour Link....

link

Power outages prompt safety checks in 14 Greater Noida West high-rises

Author : PNT Bureau

Residents of 14 high-rise apartments in Greater Noida West will soon receive visits from Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL) officials as part of a new multi-phase inspection program. Triggered by recent power outages affecting buildings like Panchsheel Hynish and Supertech Eco Village 1, the initiative aims to assess and improve the electrical infrastructure within these societies. NPCL teams will evaluate the capacity, maintenance, and safety of internal power networks, issuing notices for required repairs. This effort seeks to address resident concerns, enhance electrical safety, and reduce future outages, with plans to eventually inspect all 104 high-rises in the area....

link

Central Railway completes major platform upgrades at Thane and CSMT

Author : PNT Bureau

The Central Railway carried out platform widening, and extension works at Thane and CSMT stations over the weekend to facilitate longer passenger trains. The work was carried out in a 36-hour shutdown from 1-2 June on the CSMT-Byculla and CSMT-Vadala Rd lines. Platforms 5 and 6 at Thane were widened using concrete blocks to ease passenger movement. Platforms 10 and 11 were extended at CSMT using a new signalling system. Over 250 workers completed the works within the shutdown period to resume train services on schedule....

link

Driving Growth: India's ambitious highway plans to generate INR 1 lakh crore by 2028

Author : PNT Bureau

With over 8,551 kilometres of new projects awarded in FY24 and a target to double that figure by FY25, India's road network is on an ambitious trajectory. The surge in toll revenue, predicted to exceed INR 1 lakh crore by 2028, is attracting Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) and unlocking new funding avenues. Backed by the government's asset monetization program, this road expansion promises a more connected, efficient, and prosperous India. As toll collections soar and investor confidence grows, the road sector emerges as a cornerstone of India's economic growth story....

link

BMC reclaims Byculla bakery land for major redevelopment project

Author : PNT Bureau

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently demolished a 50-year-old bakery in Byculla, Mumbai, occupying 500 square meters of land owned by the civic body. The bakery, which had been operating in the Kamathipura area since 1974, was allegedly hindering the redevelopment process of the area. Despite being provided an alternate location in Goregaon by the BMC, the bakery owner continued to use both premises, leading to a legal battle. The court ultimately ruled in favour of the BMC, allowing the demolition to proceed under the supervision of 25 BMC officials and 20 police officers. The civic body has already issued a letter of intent for the redevelopment of the 3,400 square meter area, which includes 117 tenants, ensuring the creation of a 22-story rehabilitation wing, a 35-storey sale tower, and a new public playground. This case sets a precedent for the BMC's renewed efforts ...

link

India's GCCs lease 22.5 msf of office space, driven by tech and manufacturing

Author : PNT Bureau

India's Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are experiencing a remarkable surge, with a 17% year-on-year increase in office space leasing to 22.5 million square feet in the financial year 2023-24. The growth is primarily driven by sectors like Engineering and Manufacturing, BFSI, and Technology, with GCCs accounting for a 29% share of total office leasing in the last quarter. Geographically, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi NCR lead the GCC expansion. India's strategic focus on digital technology, coupled with its competitive talent and rental costs, are instrumental in attracting global players to establish and expand their GCC presence in the country. The report projects India to host over 1,900 GCCs by 2025, with a professional talent pool exceeding 2 million....

link

Building a Sustainable Future: Bengaluru mandates treated water for construction

Author : PNT Bureau

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) mandates using treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) for construction in Bengaluru. This move aims to conserve groundwater resources valued at INR 3,584 crore (USD 48 billion). Despite initial concerns from builders about water quality affecting concrete strength, a study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) confirmed the safety and effectiveness of treated water. The initiative requires strict adherence to water quality standards by STPs. A successful pilot program in Bellandur is paving the way for city-wide adoption, potentially saving millions of litres of water annually....

link

40% of India's infrastructure projects delayed, cost overruns hit INR 5 trillion

Author : PNT Bureau

India's ambitious infrastructure development plans are facing a significant challenge, with nearly 40% of projects running behind schedule, leading to cost overruns. A government report reveals that out of 1,873 projects, 779 are delayed, causing a cost overrun of INR 5 trillion, increasing total project costs from INR 26.9 trillion to INR 31.9 trillion. This situation raises concerns for banks and NBFCs, which have loaned INR 26.9 trillion for these projects. The delays disrupt the repayment cycle, prompting the RBI to propose stricter guidelines for project loans. Despite these issues, infrastructure loans have grown by 30% over the past five years....

link

BMC addresses leakage, extends Mumbai coastal road opening to October

Author : PNT Bureau

The much-anticipated Mumbai Coastal Road, a critical infrastructure project, has hit a snag with the discovery of a leakage in the recently opened south-bound tunnel. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has now pushed forward the opening of the entire road by almost five months, from May to October this year, in order to address the issue. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured the public that the main structure of the road is safe, and the leakage, which is from the expansion joints, is being addressed as a priority. The delay in the project's completion is also attributed to a labour shortage and the upcoming monsoon season, which will impact road construction. Despite these challenges, the BMC remains committed to delivering this crucial infrastructure project to the people of Mumbai....

link

Thane district's 76-kilometre segment of Samruddhi Mahamarg to open by August 2024

Author : PNT Bureau

The final 76-kilometer stretch of the Samruddhi Mahamarg in Thane district, Maharashtra, is nearing completion and is expected to be open for traffic by the end of August. This milestone marks the full operationalization of the 701-kilometer expressway, the longest in the country. The Thane segment includes 16 bridges and four tunnels, with the Khardi bridge, standing at 82 meters, being the tallest on the expressway. Despite the technical challenges posed by the hilly terrain and the complex bridge construction, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is working diligently to ensure the project's timely completion. Once fully operational, the Samruddhi Mahamarg will provide a seamless link between Nagpur and Mumbai, transforming the transportation landscape of the state....