01 Feb 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has revised toll rates for the 91.3 km Gorakhpur Link Expressway, setting INR 285 for a one-way trip for private cars, which equals about INR 3.12 per kilometre. Officials explained that the higher toll reflects the increased costs due to alignment changes, monsoon damage, and complex engineering requirements like bridges and interchanges. The four-lane expressway, inaugurated last year, connects eastern Uttar Pradesh districts and integrates with the broader expressway network, aiming to improve regional connectivity and travel efficiency.Read more

01 Feb 2026

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has stepped up enforcement against single-use plastic as part of its ongoing citywide plastic prohibition drive, collecting penalties worth INR 75,000 and seizing around 44.5 kg of plastic bags. The action forms part of special inspection campaigns conducted in line with directives issued by the Central and Maharashtra Pollution Control Boards. The latest drive, carried out earlier this week across markets, shops and hawker zones, focused on curbing the use and storage of banned plastic items. Civic officials said the campaign combined awareness initiatives with strict penal action to ensure compliance. The municipal administration reiterated that the sustained enforcement is aimed at eliminating single-use plastic from daily commercial activity, while urging both citizens and traders to shift towards environmentally friendly alternatives such as cloth bags.Read more

01 Feb 2026

The Himachal Pradesh government has allocated around 3,428 bighas of land for the development of the proposed Him-Chandigarh City township near Baddi in Solan district, marking a significant step in advancing the planned urban project. Officials have also identified an additional 5,000-6,000 bighas from the common land pool for potential inclusion in the development. A cabinet sub-committee meeting chaired by the state's revenue minister reviewed land availability and revenue records, and directed the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) to conduct a drone-based digital survey of the parcels. The agency will coordinate with the revenue department and local officials to consolidate land within a month into a contiguous parcel suitable for project implementation. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to create a structured urban centre near the Chandigarh border.Read more

31 Jan 2026

Eight years after the Union environment ministry approved the diversion of 51.12 hectares of forest land for the Badshahpur Sohna stretch of the Delhi Mumbai Expressway, official data on compensatory afforestation remains unclear. While 42,468 saplings were planted in the Nuh division in 2025-26, there is no consolidated record of plantations since 2018, nor details of precise locations, monitoring, or survival rates. Environmental activists have highlighted that some plantations occurred far from the project site, raising questions about regulatory compliance, ecological effectiveness, and transparency in large infrastructure projects.Read more

31 Jan 2026

Puducherry is set to undertake major road infrastructure projects with Union funding of INR 437 crore to ease urban congestion and improve safety. Plans include a 4 km four lane flyover connecting Indira Gandhi Square, Rajiv Gandhi Square, and Marapalam, and a 13.5 km four lane arterial road from Ariyankuppam to Mullodai, along with widening of existing roads. The initiative is expected to reduce traffic by about 55 per cent, enhance commuter safety, and support the growing tourism sector. These works align with broader connectivity improvements across road, rail, and air networks.Read more

31 Jan 2026

Southern Railway has assigned MIC Electronics Limited to modernise passenger information systems across five stations in its Salem Division under the Amrit Bharat Scheme. The INR 56.43 lakh project involves supplying and installing RDSO-compliant display boards, Full HD and 4K UHD units, network monitoring devices, public address systems, cabling, and related infrastructure. The work also includes civil, signalling, and telecom tasks, along with testing, commissioning, and a five-year maintenance contract. The initiative aims to improve real-time passenger communication, enhance station-level digital infrastructure, and support operational efficiency.Read more

Navi Mumbai News Desk

31 Jan 2026

Global technology firm HERE Solutions India Pvt Ltd has signed a long-term lease for about 2.1 lakh square feet of office space in the Mindspace Airoli West business park in Navi Mumbai, reaffirming strong demand for institutional-grade office assets in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The lease, spanning more than ten years, covers four floors of office space in the Gigaplex commercial tower, with a monthly rental and annual escalation structure agreed under the terms of the agreement. The transaction includes a significant security deposit and dedicated parking provision, highlighting tenant commitment to the location's business ecosystem. The deal adds to ongoing corporate expansion in Navi Mumbai's office market, where large-format leases continue to form a key component of Grade A office demand, particularly from technology and services firms seeking sustainable, long-term operational bases.Read more

31 Jan 2026

Kerala has recently seen the launch of three Amrit Bharat Express trains aimed at improving long-distance connectivity. While these trains were largely welcomed, passengers using the Alappuzha route have raised concerns since the new services bypass this corridor in favor of the Kottayam route. The single-line Alappuzha section, coupled with limited track capacity, continues to restrict additional train operations. Commuters are calling for more MEMU services, better scheduling, and stoppages at key stations to ease travel, while passenger groups highlight delays due to the pending doubling project along this coastal line.Read more

31 Jan 2026

Kerala's Vizhinjam International Seaport is moving into a larger expansion phase, with the state government expecting significant employment creation and local economic activity. The port has already begun regular operations, reducing dependence on foreign transshipment hubs. The ongoing second phase, backed by a major private operator, aims to scale capacity sharply over the next few years. Government leaders have highlighted benefits beyond cargo handling, including tourism support, crew services, and related infrastructure, positioning Vizhinjam as a key maritime asset for the state and the country.Read more

31 Jan 2026

Southern Railway has announced a scheduled halt for the Chennai Bengaluru Double Decker Express at Tiruvallur railway station, responding to long-standing commuter demand from the suburban region. Although the halt has come into effect from earlier this week, passengers are currently unable to book tickets to or from Tiruvallur as the station has not yet been updated in the Passenger Reservation System. Railway officials have stated that such system updates usually take a few days. Commuters have also flagged unresolved ticket printing issues following a recent reservation system upgrade.Read more

Kochi News Desk

31 Jan 2026

Kochi Municipal Corporation is evaluating the future of the RoRo ferry service between Fort Kochi and Vypeen after sustained financial losses and operational issues. The civic body is considering ending its agreement with Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd (KSINC) and exploring alternatives such as transferring operations to Kochi Water Metro or inviting new tenders. Audit findings revealed discrepancies in revenue and expenditure reporting, while high maintenance costs and vessel downtime added pressure. Safety concerns, infrastructure decay, and commuter challenges have also intensified the need for a sustainable solution.Read more

31 Jan 2026

The MATECIA Exhibition, in collaboration with SURFACES REPORTER, is set to host a major architecture, interiors and building materials event in Kolkata, bringing East and Northeast India into sharper national focus. Scheduled from 30 January to 1 February 2026 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, the three-day platform will bring together architects, interior designers, developers, manufacturers and dealers from more than a dozen states across the region. Spread across 1.5 lakh sq ft, the event will feature over 100 brands, showcase more than 500 projects and attract up to 16,000 visitors. With dedicated honours, knowledge platforms and curated showcases, the initiative aims to challenge long-held perceptions about the region and underline its growing role in India's architecture, design and building materials landscape.Read more

31 Jan 2026

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has appointed Aarvee Engineering Consultants Limited to prepare the master plan for the new Hathras Urban City, covering nearly 4,000 hectares. The plan, expected to be completed in nine months, will guide the city's growth until 2041, emphasizing industrial, residential and infrastructure development. Hathras, with over 10,000 existing MSME and cottage industry units, is planned as a potential satellite town of Agra. The project also aims to boost employment, exports and agro-based and manufacturing sectors, aligning with broader Yamuna Expressway Phase II plans.Read more

31 Jan 2026

Sankla Buildcoon, through its clean energy arm Sankla Renewables, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Maharashtra to develop a large-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) manufacturing facility at Chalisgaon in Jalgaon district, involving an investment of INR 15,000 crore. Formalised on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, the agreement marks the group's strategic expansion from real estate into infrastructure-grade clean energy assets. The proposed project will convert agricultural residues into aviation-grade fuel using internationally certified technologies and will be commissioned in phases through 2029. Designed in line with global ESG benchmarks, the initiative aligns with India's energy security and aviation decarbonisation goals while creating structured rural income opportunities and employment across the value chain.Read more

31 Jan 2026

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has intensified its property tax recovery drive, initiating strict enforcement action against defaulters by sealing three commercial properties in Nerul earlier this week. The action forms part of a citywide campaign aimed at accelerating tax collections and addressing long-pending arrears. Civic officials said the crackdown follows repeated appeals and notices issued to property owners who failed to clear outstanding dues. Acting under the directions of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Dr Kailas Shinde, the civic administration has adopted a zero-tolerance approach, signalling that no concessions will be extended to chronic defaulters. The corporation has constituted dedicated attachment teams across ward offices and indicated that the drive will be expanded across Navi Mumbai, with direct sealing and seizure of properties wherever dues remain unpaid.Read more

31 Jan 2026

Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA) will charge developers INR 25,000 per quarter for failing to submit Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs) for registered projects in the financial year 2025-26. Promoters have a final opportunity to file overdue QPRs for the first three quarters without penalty until February 20, 2026, after which recovery actions will start. Builders suggested that fines should remain proportionate, while homebuyer groups welcomed stricter enforcement to ensure project transparency. Past lapses in filing prompted this renewed focus on accountability and timely updates.Read more

31 Jan 2026

Railway infrastructure in Uttarakhand is making steady progress, with the 27.45 km Roorkee Deoband line now ready for commissioning, featuring new stations at Banhera Khas and Jhabrera. The 125.2 km Rishikesh Karnaprayag rail project is advancing rapidly, with 12 stations, 35 bridges, and 17 tunnels, and major tunnels nearly 94% complete. Redevelopment of Harrawala, Roorkee, and Kotdwar stations is also underway under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Officials emphasized timely preparation for Ardh Kumbh travel to ensure smooth facilities for devotees and passengers, reflecting sustained focus on strengthening regional rail connectivity.Read more

31 Jan 2026

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is set to organise its first-ever Green Expo on 14-15 February 2026 at Baansera Park, New Delhi, positioning the event as a national platform for sustainable urban development. Anchored in the recent rejuvenation of the Yamuna floodplains through projects such as Asita, Baansera and Yamuna Vatika, the Expo will focus on urban greening, nature-based solutions and climate-first planning. The two-day event is expected to bring together policymakers, international experts, urban practitioners and industry stakeholders to showcase innovations in green infrastructure and sustainable city ecosystems. Through exhibitions, expert sessions and collaborations, the Expo aims to promote scalable and replicable solutions for cities grappling with climate, water and environmental challenges, reinforcing DDA's long-term vision for environmentally responsible urban growth.Read more

31 Jan 2026

As global capability centres (GCCs) continue to scale in size and scope, a quieter shift is taking place in early-stage innovation. Nano GCCs compact teams typically comprising 20 to 100 professionals are emerging as disproportionately effective engines for idea generation, experimentation and problem-solving. Their strength lies not in scale, but in intent, agility and proximity to decision-making. Free from heavy governance structures and layered approvals, these small teams are better positioned to challenge assumptions, explore uncertainty and test feasibility at speed. With overlapping roles, direct leadership involvement and lower costs of failure, nano GCCs are increasingly being used by enterprises as discovery units within a broader innovation portfolio. Their growing relevance suggests that meaningful innovation often begins in focused, low-profile environments rather than large, formalised centres.Read more

31 Jan 2026

GreenFortune Windows & Doors has rebranded as IndiFrame, marking a strategic shift aimed at building a trusted, consumer-facing windows and doors brand in India's largely unorganised fenestration market. Backed by funding of USD 5.55 million from a mix of global and Indian investors, IndiFrame seeks to introduce standardisation, performance-led products and end-to-end accountability in a segment dominated by fragmented local players. The rebrand reflects a structural separation between GreenFortune's materials-led business and IndiFrame's finished products and solutions offering, allowing sharper focus on homeowner needs. Operating across multiple states with pan-India execution capabilities, IndiFrame positions itself as a vertically integrated brand, controlling design, manufacturing, installation and after-sales service. The company aims to offer India-specific solutions tailored to local climatic and usage conditions, while expanding gradually across multiple materials beyond uPVC.Read more