22 Jul 2025

The Rajasthan government has approved a funding of INR 95 crore as its contribution toward the construction of the Renukaji and Lakhwar dams in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand respectively, under the Yamuna Water Agreement. These dams, part of a broader initiative in the upper Yamuna basin, are expected to enhance year-round water availability and support drinking water and irrigation needs in districts such as Churu, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu. The total project cost, as fixed by the Yamuna River Board, is INR 11,320.46 crore, with Rajasthan's full share amounting to INR 215.66 crore.Read more

21 Jul 2025

Vishnusurya Projects and Infra Ltd has bagged an INR 103.07 crore contract from JWIL Infra Ltd for the execution of a pipeline project tied to a major desalination initiative near Chennai. The scope includes laying, testing, and commissioning pipelines, along with civil construction, for a 400 MLD desalination plant at Perur. The project, awarded to JWIL Infra by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, aims to supply potable water to nearly 22.67 lakh residents across Tambaram and 20 surrounding panchayats.Read more

21 Jul 2025

L&T Energy GreenTech Ltd, a subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro, will develop India's largest green hydrogen plant at IOCL's Panipat Refinery in Haryana. Operating under a build-own-operate model, the facility will supply 10,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually for 25 years, advancing India's National Green Hydrogen Mission. The project will use high-pressure alkaline electrolysers manufactured at L&T's Hazira facility, supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This marks a significant milestone in India's clean energy journey and underscores L&T's leadership in large-scale energy transition projects, setting the stage for broader green hydrogen adoption across key industrial sectors.Read more

21 Jul 2025

The Indian government now requires all national highway projects exceeding INR 300 crore to use precast concrete materials, aiming to speed up construction and improve quality. Announced under the new National Highways Precast Concrete Policy by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the move targets reduced pollution, minimized traffic disruptions, and fewer delays-especially in urban areas. Precast components, manufactured off-site and assembled on location, will initially be used for non-critical elements, easing the sector into adoption. While this shift may raise project costs, it is expected to streamline timelines and enhance overall efficiency in national highway construction.Read more

21 Jul 2025

ACES India, a subsidiary of Saudi-based ACES, has signed a 13-year strategic agreement with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to roll out high-speed 4G and 5G mobile infrastructure across 62 metro stations under Phase 1 and 2 of Namma Metro. Using a neutral host model, ACES will provide seamless mobile connectivity for over 300 million annual commuters. The partnership supports Digital India and smart mobility goals by enabling multi-operator access, reducing network duplication, and accelerating rollout timelines. ACES has already worked on major telecom infrastructure projects across India, reinforcing its commitment to building future-ready digital frameworks in public spaces.Read more

21 Jul 2025

STL (Sterlite Technologies Ltd.), a global leader in optical and digital solutions, has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable manufacturing by collaborating with Hygenco to establish Maharashtra's first green hydrogen and green oxygen production facility for optical fibre. Located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, this pioneering project will supply green hydrogen and oxygen to STL's glass preform manufacturing unit. The initiative positions STL as one of the world's first optical fibre manufacturers to fully deploy green hydrogen in its production processes, marking a crucial step towards its ambitious Net Zero by 2030 goal and contributing to India's broader decarbonization efforts.Read more

21 Jul 2025

Navi Mumbai has been honoured with entry into the prestigious 'Super Swachh League' under Swachh Survekshan 2024, recognising cities that ranked in the top three at least twice over the past three years. It is the only city from Maharashtra with a population over 10 lakh to receive this recognition. The city also retained its 'Seven Star' garbage-free rating and top-tier 'Water Plus' certification. Navi Mumbai's smart, decentralised waste management system, inclusive workforce, and eco-friendly initiatives have set national benchmarks. The award was accepted by civic leaders and sanitation workers in New Delhi, marking a proud moment for the city and state.Read more

21 Jul 2025

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has initiated key infrastructure projects in Chhattisgarh's Maoist-affected Bastar division, aiming to boost connectivity and security. Targeting districts like Bijapur, Sukma, Narayanpur, and Dantewada, the BRO will build 13 roads covering 683 km and 11 bridges spanning over 6,211 metres. These developments are vital for improving access for security forces and delivering essential services to isolated communities. In partnership with the Chhattisgarh government, the BRO seeks to bridge decades of neglect and help integrate these regions into the national framework, fostering long-term development and stability in historically underserved areas.Read more

21 Jul 2025

Ahmedabad's urban lakes are under threat, as outdated planning schemes by AUDA have led to the loss of significant waterbody areas. Early town planning models applied uniform land deductions even on lake beds, shrinking lakes in areas like Bopal, Vastrapur, Thaltej, and Memnagar. Vastrapur Lake alone lost over 22,000 sq m. Merged land parcels and unclear boundaries have triggered ownership disputes and complicated restoration. Despite AMC's updated planning norms, older legally binding maps have caused irreversible damage. A Gujarat government report noted a 46% decline in lake areas due to construction and encroachment. The National Green Tribunal has launched formal proceedings to address the crisis.Read more

21 Jul 2025

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has released its third master plan, introducing higher Floor Space Index (FSI) allowances near transport corridors to promote vertical, transit-oriented development. This move aims to curb urban sprawl and support compact, sustainable growth across the newly expanded Chennai Metropolitan Area. The plan includes a phased rollout of FSI norms, tied to infrastructure upgrades in roads, water, sewage, and public transit. Built on extensive stakeholder input, it emphasises inclusivity, accountability, and performance monitoring. Key features include TOD zones, walkable neighbourhoods, blue-green infrastructure, and satellite town development-signalling a bold shift toward smarter urban planning and climate resilience.Read more

21 Jul 2025

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) concluded its final public consultations for the Draft Master Plan-2041 after extensive stakeholder engagement across Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Vizianagaram. Concerns over potential land-use favoritism prompted a deadline extension and the formation of a technical committee to review feedback. Spanning 6,700 sq km, the plan includes key infrastructure like Vizag Metro, Bhogapuram Airport, and the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor. It also proposes transit-oriented zones, slum upgrades, and smart infrastructure. Focused on sustainable, inclusive development, the plan aims to balance growth with environmental protection and decentralised urban expansion across the fast-growing coastal region.Read more

21 Jul 2025

To manage Jaipur's rapid urban expansion, the Rajasthan government has begun feasibility studies for developing satellite towns in Bassi, Bagru, Chomu, and Kotputli. These towns, within 20-40 km of the capital, are being considered for high-tech township models inspired by Gujarat and Hyderabad. A multinational firm is assisting with planning, and Jaipur Metro extensions are being explored to ensure strong connectivity. The new Township Policy 2025 mandates green zones, public utilities, and housing for workers to promote sustainable, inclusive growth. These efforts aim to decentralize Jaipur's population, reduce congestion, and encourage private investment through simplified, eco-conscious urban planning frameworks.Read more

21 Jul 2025

Juniper Green Energy, through its subsidiary Juniper Green Cosmic, has inked a significant 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with state-owned NHPC. The agreement, signed recently, is for the development of a 250 megawatt Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) project in Haryana. This project, which integrates solar, wind, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), is crucial for providing assured, round-the-clock green power. It underscores Juniper Green Energy's growing footprint in the renewable sector and its contribution to India's goals for a stable and sustainable energy supply.Read more

21 Jul 2025

Pipeline Infrastructure Ltd (PIL) and Crown LNG Holdings Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish vital pipeline connectivity in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. This agreement will link Crown LNG's proposed 7.2 million tonnes per year regasification terminal with PIL's extensive existing pipeline network, enhancing gas transportation capabilities across India. The collaboration aims to efficiently evacuate imported natural gas to key demand centers, signifying a strategic step to boost gas infrastructure and utilization in the country. The terminal construction is slated to commence next year.Read more

20 Jul 2025

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with PS Group Realty for the redevelopment and beautification of Nimtalla Immersion Ghat. This partnership, part of PS Group's corporate social responsibility efforts, is aimed at enhancing the ghat's cultural, spiritual, and community value. SMPK will assist with utilities and necessary clearances during the redevelopment, and will take on maintenance responsibilities once the work is completed. The initiative mirrors a recent agreement with the Adani Group for Kumartoli Ghat, reflecting growing public-private interest in revitalising Kolkata's historic riverfronts.Read more

20 Jul 2025

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari to seek immediate assistance for repairing and reconstructing roads damaged by flash floods. He highlighted the delays in National Highway projects, advocated for tunnelling in strategic areas, and pushed for inclusion of roads under the PM Gati Shakti Yojana. Sukhu also requested approval for additional ropeway projects to address traffic concerns. Separately, he briefed Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah about infrastructure losses exceeding INR 1,000 crore due to monsoon-triggered disasters, with total damages since 2023 amounting to nearly INR 21,000 crore.Read more

20 Jul 2025

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved a significant hike in NTPC's investment autonomy, allowing the power PSU to invest up to INR 20,000 crore in renewable energy projects. This move, nearly tripling the earlier cap of INR 7,500 crore, will fast-track NTPC's efforts to add 60 GW of green energy capacity by 2032. The enhanced delegation will also empower its subsidiary NGEL to scale up projects, generate employment, and support India's broader goal of reaching 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.Read more

20 Jul 2025

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah recently led a high-level review of the Delhi Master Plan 2041, bringing together key officials including Delhi CM Smt Rekha Gupta and Union Housing Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar. The meeting focused on finalising the city's long-term development strategy, which aims to make Delhi more inclusive, green, and well-connected. Key issues discussed included slum redevelopment, regularising unauthorised colonies, managing Yamuna floodplains, and expanding public transport. The draft plan, submitted in April 2023, still awaits central notification. Once cleared, it's expected to guide structured urban growth and reshape how Delhi evolves over the next two decades.Read more

19 Jul 2025

Maharashtra's Chief Minister has directed swift clearance of the long-stalled Maan-Mhalunge town planning (TP) scheme, a flagship part of PMRDA's urban masterplan. Proposed in 2018 as a model "farmer-inclusive" initiative, the scheme lets landowners retain 50% of developed plots, avoiding full acquisition. Though four of six planned TP schemes in Hinjewadi have state clearance, final approvals remain pending. Elections and administrative delays have stalled progress and funding use, despite INR 150 crore in allocated support. Additional schemes in Vadachiwadi, Handewadi, Holkarwadi, and Manjari Khurd-Kolwadi are also in limbo. The government is expected to expedite approvals to align with the proposed Pune ring road.Read more

19 Jul 2025

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has proposed mandatory installation of automatic weather stations (AWS) at wind and solar plants of 50 MW or above. This move aims to enhance grid reliability and efficiency of green energy projects. The directive, issued on July 7, seeks to optimize renewable energy generation and improve predictability, addressing issues like inaccurate weather forecasts that lead to financial penalties. Guidelines specify AWS placement, parameters, and data transmission. All renewable energy implementing agencies are directed to include this requirement in bid documents.Read more