20 Mar 2026

The government is working to strengthen India's aerospace manufacturing sector by promoting global collaborations and expanding domestic production capabilities. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu informed the Rajya Sabha that Indian firms are partnering with global players such as Embraer and Sukhoi to set up manufacturing and assembly facilities in the country. While India already has a base in component manufacturing, the focus is now on moving towards final assembly and higher-value production. These efforts aim to attract investment, improve the aviation ecosystem, and position India as a global aerospace manufacturing hub.Read more

Visakhapatnam News Desk

20 Mar 2026

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has initiated the Vizag Bay City coastal project, aiming to transform a 40 sq km stretch between Kailasagiri and Bheemunipatnam into a vibrant mixed use waterfront destination. The plan focuses on coastal tourism, global business ecosystems, and premium residential development. It will feature scenic corridors, heritage restoration, Blue Flag beaches, water sports, adventure parks, innovation districts, and luxury residences. By FY2032, the project aims to attract about 1.5 million high-value visitors annually, supporting regional economic growth and positioning Visakhapatnam as a global coastal city.Read more

20 Mar 2026

The Union government has extended localisation requirements for electric bus and truck manufacturers by six months under the PM E-Drive scheme, allowing continued import of traction motors until early September. The decision, taken in the past week by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, provides relief to manufacturers facing supply disruptions linked to rare earth magnet availability. The scheme, with an outlay of INR 10,900 crore, links incentives to phased domestic manufacturing of key EV components. The extension applies to traction motors used in heavy electric vehicles, which were earlier required to be locally produced within strict deadlines. The move aims to ensure continuity in production while giving industry additional time to meet indigenisation targets amid ongoing global supply challenges.Read more

19 Mar 2026

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has secured a contract worth INR 95.27 crore from NMDC Limited for railway track refurbishment and maintenance works in Chhattisgarh. The order, awarded in the past week, covers upgrading permanent railway infrastructure at mining-linked sidings in Kirandul and Bacheli. The scope includes refurbishment of tracks and ongoing maintenance of mobile equipment rail systems critical for mineral transport operations. The project is scheduled for completion within 36 months and forms part of RVNL's core railway infrastructure business. The contract reflects continued investment by NMDC in strengthening logistics infrastructure at its mining sites, supporting operational efficiency and bulk material movement through rail connectivity.Read more

19 Mar 2026

The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the allocation of over 424 acres of land in Kadapa district to facilitate an integrated steel plant by JSW Steel. The land, spread across multiple villages in Jammalamadugu mandal, has been allotted to the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) at a cost of INR 21.3 crore. The decision follows recommendations by the Andhra Pradesh Land Management Authority. The developer has been mandated to utilise the land within three years, failing which the allocation may be revoked. The move reflects continued state-level efforts to attract industrial investments, which are expected to drive regional infrastructure development and influence land use patterns in emerging industrial corridors.Read more

19 Mar 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has awarded a contract worth approximately INR 181 crore to construct a 7 km greenfield bypass near Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu. The project, announced in the past week, aims to divert vehicular traffic particularly heavy vehicles away from the UNESCO World Heritage temple precinct located along NH-81 in Ariyalur district. The two-lane bypass with paved shoulders will run between Ponneri Lake and Meensurutti, including service roads, bridges, and underpasses. The initiative is intended to reduce congestion, improve safety for pilgrims and tourists, and minimise structural and environmental impact on the heritage site. The project is expected to be completed within a year and will also enhance regional connectivity.Read more

19 Mar 2026

The INR 24,000 crore PLI scheme for high-efficiency solar PV modules has yet to release any funds to manufacturers, as incentives are scheduled for one year after project commissioning. The scheme has awarded 48,337 MW of module manufacturing capacity, including 30 GW of modules, 10.5 GW of cells, and 2 GW of ingot-wafer capacity, with 4 GW commissioned last October. Slow progress in upstream components is due to limited domestic experience and global supply chain concentration. The government is promoting vertical integration and supporting ancillary manufacturing while developing a skilled workforce to reduce import dependence.Read more

19 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have initiated joint site inspections for the proposed Vanaz Chandni Chowk Metro extension in Pune, aimed at finalising alignment, station locations, and associated infrastructure. The exercise, undertaken in the past week, covers a 1.4 km stretch forming part of the approved Phase II expansion of the Pune Metro network. The extension will include two stations Kothrud depot and Chandni Chowk and is expected to improve connectivity to a key western entry point of the city. Authorities are also evaluating plans for a double-decker flyover along the corridor, integrating vehicular and Metro infrastructure. The inspections are intended to address design constraints, ensure traffic management, and minimise disruption during construction.Read more

19 Mar 2026

A total of 85 under-construction national highway projects in India have been delayed by more than three years, primarily due to land acquisition challenges, statutory clearances, and implementation constraints, the government informed Parliament. The delays also stem from contractor performance issues, financial constraints, and external factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic. In response, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has initiated measures to streamline project execution, including digital land acquisition systems, faster environmental clearances, and online approvals for infrastructure designs. These developments highlight ongoing execution challenges in large-scale infrastructure projects, which have implications for logistics networks, industrial growth, and real estate development linked to highway connectivity corridors.Read more

19 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for infrastructure projects worth INR 18,680 crore in West Bengal earlier this week. The initiatives cover highways, railways, and ports to improve connectivity across the state and eastern India. Key projects include the Kharagpur Moregram economic corridor, bypasses, bridges, redeveloped railway stations, mechanised port facilities at Haldia and Khidderpore, and new express train services. These upgrades aim to reduce travel time, boost trade and tourism, and provide better facilities for residents, entrepreneurs, and students, while preparing the state for upcoming elections.Read more