Infrastructure

link

GIFT City launches GIFT International Fintech Institute and Innovation Hub

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....

link

DTP demolishes illegal structures across unauthorised colonies in Gurugram

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....

link

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

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....

link

Visakhapatnam: GVMC launches drone surveillance for unauthorised construction detection

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....

link

Indore district administration cracks down on illegal colonies

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....

link

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

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....

link

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

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....

link

Agra to become solar city with new government initiative, following Ayodhya's lead

PNT Bureau

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to transform Agra into a "solar city," following Ayodhya's lead. The initiative includes installing 2,000 solar streetlights and 161 rooftop solar power plants (over 25 KW each) on government buildings. Newly constructed Sulabh toilets will also feature solar panels. In the first phase, Agra will see 600 solar streetlights and 50 mini masts. Aligned with the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, the scheme targets 1.3 lakh rooftop solar installations in Agra. The program offers subsidies, providing 60% support for systems up to 2 kW and 40% for 2-3 kW systems, aiming to make solar energy affordable and reliable....

link

Lucknow: RLDA initiates bidding for 23 commercial units in Gomti Nagar

PNT Bureau

The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has launched the bidding process for 23 commercial units in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, aiming to utilise railway land for economic growth. Located in a developing business district, the four-story complex near key landmarks will be auctioned via a Mega E-Auction on November 12, 2024. Bidders can access documents from October 9, enhancing transparency. The modern facilities include earthquake resistance, double-basement parking, and central air conditioning, making it attractive for investors. This initiative aligns with urban redevelopment trends, fostering local commerce and job creation while supporting Lucknow's transformation into a modern city....

link

JSW Infra and Adani Ports commit INR 80,000 crore for port expansions, aiming for 33% market share by 2030

PNT Bureau

India's top private port operators, JSW Infrastructure and Adani Ports & SEZ, are advancing INR 80,000 crore expansion plans to capitalise on anticipated trade growth. JSW Infra aims to boost capacity from 170 mtpa to 400 mtpa by FY2030, with significant projects in Odisha, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Adani Ports, targeting a 33% market share, plans a capacity increase from 627 mtpa, focusing on both domestic and global expansions, including in Vietnam and Dar es Salaam. Both companies are eyeing logistics and digitalisation to enhance efficiency, reflecting a strategic drive to meet India's rising demand for maritime infrastructure by 2030....