16 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several infrastructure projects worth around INR 11,000 crore in Kerala. The initiatives include a major polypropylene unit at the Kochi refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, a floating solar power plant, and upgrades to road and rail infrastructure. The projects are aimed at strengthening petrochemical manufacturing, expanding renewable energy capacity and improving transport connectivity. These developments are expected to support industrial activity, improve logistics movement and add to Kerala's long-term infrastructure capacity.Read more

Chennai News Desk

16 Mar 2026

Southern Railway has started the process of leasing out a newly built multi-level parking facility at Chennai Egmore railway station through an online auction. The parking area is located inside a Multi-Functional Complex on the Gandhi-Irwin Road side of the station and includes the second, third and fourth floors of the structure. The selected licensee will manage vehicle movement, parking operations, maintenance and manpower at the site. Railways have also allowed the possibility of introducing services such as EV charging stations and pay-and-use facilities with prior approval. The move is part of ongoing efforts to improve passenger amenities and traffic management at the busy station.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

16 Mar 2026

Western Railway is planning to monetise elevated decks being built above platforms at several suburban stations in Mumbai as part of ongoing station improvement works. The decks are being developed by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation to ease congestion and improve passenger circulation at busy stations. Railway authorities are now examining ways to lease these newly created spaces for retail outlets, kiosks and passenger facilities to generate non-fare revenue. Officials say the commercial use will be planned carefully so that commuter movement remains unaffected while the additional space contributes to station maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.Read more

16 Mar 2026

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has informed Parliament that the proposed scheme to incubate eight new cities across India will not be implemented. The programme was linked to an INR 8,000 crore challenge fund recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, but its award period will end on March 31, 2026, making implementation difficult. The ministry also noted that proposals submitted by states did not adequately address the large investment requirements and revenue models needed for new cities. Funds earlier earmarked for the scheme have now been reallocated, while the government is shifting focus to developing seven City Economic Regions.Read more

Pune News Desk

16 Mar 2026

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has earmarked INR 954 crore in its draft budget for FY2026-27 to fund infrastructure development in villages merged into the city's municipal limits in recent years. The allocation is aimed at addressing gaps in civic amenities such as roads, sewage networks and water supply in peripheral areas incorporated into the PMC jurisdiction through administrative expansion. The funding forms part of the civic body's proposed INR 13,995 crore municipal budget presented earlier this week by municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram. Officials said the investment is intended to standardise urban infrastructure across the expanded city and respond to demands from residents and elected representatives in newly incorporated areas who have raised concerns over inadequate services. The initiative also follows the transfer of planning authority for several merged villages from PMRDA to PMC.Read more

15 Mar 2026

Rajasthan has received central approval for four ropeway projects out of 16 proposals submitted to improve connectivity to tourist and religious destinations across the state. Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari informed the state Assembly that the remaining proposals are still under consideration by the Centre. The projects were proposed under the Parvatmala Scheme to improve access to difficult terrain and reduce travel time to hilltop temples and heritage sites. However, certain proposals, including one near the Rameshwar Mahadev Temple, face environmental restrictions due to their location inside the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve.Read more

15 Mar 2026

The Union Cabinet approved infrastructure projects totaling INR 8,313 crore to strengthen highway and railway networks across India. Key approvals include a four lane highway in Madhya Pradesh linking Ujjain with the Delhi Mumbai Expressway, which will improve travel efficiency and reduce congestion. In the rail sector, two multi tracking projects in West Bengal and Jharkhand will expand the network by about 192 km, enhance freight capacity, and improve operational efficiency. The Cabinet also sanctioned the upgrade of a Tamil Nadu airport to international status, supporting regional connectivity and economic growth.Read more

15 Mar 2026

Assam has recorded the highest green cover along national highways in India, according to the first National Highways Green Cover Index (NH-GCI) released by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The index provides a scientific assessment of vegetation within the right of way of highways using satellite-based monitoring. The study, prepared in collaboration with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), evaluated around 30,000 km of national highways across 24 states during the July-December 2024 period. Assam ranked first in the national assessment, followed by Gujarat, Telangana, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The index is intended to provide a quantitative measure of roadside vegetation and help authorities monitor plantation efforts and environmental sustainability across India's expanding highway network.Read more

Kochi News Desk

15 Mar 2026

Highway expansion projects around Kochi are gradually influencing the city's real estate market as improved road connectivity begins to shift buyer interest toward emerging suburban areas. Land prices near highway corridors have increased by about 25-30% compared to the city average, according to local real estate agents. Demand is especially visible in the mid-range housing segment, with buyers looking for small plots and houses priced below INR 1 crore. Better road access is making previously distant areas more attractive, and developers are also beginning to evaluate these locations for future residential development.Read more

15 Mar 2026

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has carried out an anti-encroachment operation in Airoli to remove unauthorised construction undertaken without approval under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966. The action was taken after the property owner failed to comply with a notice issued by the civic body in November 2023 directing the removal of the illegal structure. The demolition was conducted at a property located in Deshmukhwadi, Sector 1, Airoli, under the jurisdiction of the G Ward office. The operation was carried out under the direction of Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde and senior civic officials overseeing the encroachment department. Municipal staff, labour teams and police personnel were deployed to execute the partial demolition of the structure as part of ongoing enforcement measures against unauthorised construction within the municipal limits.Read more

15 Mar 2026

Managing Director of Amaravati Growth & Infrastructure Corporation Limited, SVR Srinivas, recently inspected major construction works underway in the capital city of Amaravati. The visit covered key sites within the Amaravati Government Complex including the Legislative Assembly building, Lok Bhavan and the Happy Nest residential project. During the visit, the Managing Director assessed construction progress and held review discussions with contractors and engineering teams involved in the developments. Officials briefed him on the status of the works. He instructed teams to maintain quality standards and complete the projects within the planned timelines set for the capital's infrastructure development.Read more

15 Mar 2026

Ceigall India Limited, in a joint venture with Sushee Infra & Mining Limited, has emerged as the lowest bidder for a highway construction project worth about INR 521 crore in Arunachal Pradesh. The project has been awarded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and involves the construction of a section of National Highway-913, also known as the Frontier Highway. The project will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model and is expected to be completed in about 36 months. Ceigall India will hold a 74 percent stake in the joint venture, while Sushee Infra & Mining will hold the remaining 26 percent.Read more

15 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government has acknowledged that a contractor involved in Mumbai's Metro Line 9 project received payments higher than what was due and assured that the matter would be investigated. The issue was raised in the state legislative assembly by Mira Bhayandar MLA Narendra Mehta, who alleged irregularities in land rent payments, project cost escalations and delays. The government confirmed that excess payments had been made for land used as a casting yard and stated that the amount would be recovered if required. Officials also said disciplinary action would be taken against concerned authorities if irregularities are confirmed.Read more

15 Mar 2026

Indian Potash Limited (IPL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Odisha to revive the long-shut Badamba Cooperative Sugar Mill in Cuttack district with an investment of about INR 360 crore. The mill, which has remained non-operational for more than 15 years, will be modernised and expanded with a crushing capacity of 3,500 tonnes of cane per day. The project will also include a 16 MW co-generation power plant, a 10-tonne-per-day Bio-CNG facility and cold storage infrastructure. Under the agreement, the Odisha government will provide 112 acres of land on a long-term lease to IPL for the redevelopment. The initiative is expected to revive sugarcane cultivation in the region and directly benefit around 10,000 farmers in Badamba block while generating employment and strengthening the cooperative sector.Read more

15 Mar 2026

IndiFrame will showcase its engineered uPVC window and door systems at iDAC Expo 2026, scheduled from March 12-14 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The company will highlight fenestration solutions designed specifically for coastal and high-rainfall climates, addressing challenges such as heavy monsoon rains, humidity and dense urban environments common in cities like Mumbai. Through live demonstration units at the event, IndiFrame plans to showcase the functional performance of its systems across parameters including sound insulation, air tightness, water resistance, wind pressure and heat management. The initiative aims to engage architects, developers and designers and demonstrate how modern fenestration systems can enhance building durability, efficiency and indoor comfort in rapidly growing urban centres.Read more

Kochi News Desk

15 Mar 2026

Highway expansion and new road infrastructure around Kochi are gradually reshaping the city's real estate landscape. Better connectivity is pushing residential and commercial demand toward emerging suburban locations such as Maradu, Koonammavu, Kundanoor and Madavana. These areas are seeing rising interest from homebuyers and investors due to relatively lower land prices and easier access to key parts of the city. Mid-range housing priced below INR 1 crore is driving most of the demand. At the same time, land values near highway junctions have increased, while the city's property price growth has shown slight moderation as demand spreads to newer corridors.Read more

14 Mar 2026

The Union government has approved the development of a dedicated information technology (IT) park in Puducherry with an estimated investment of INR 1,250 crore. The project will be developed as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on approximately 21.3 acres of government-owned land at Thattanchavady within the municipal limits of Puducherry. The initiative forms part of efforts to expand the region's technology and services ecosystem while generating employment opportunities. Officials indicated that the proposed IT SEZ is expected to create nearly 30,000 jobs over the coming decade and strengthen the Union Territory's position as a technology and services destination. The park will include plug-and-play office infrastructure along with supporting commercial and social facilities. Authorities said the project is intended to retain skilled graduates in the region while attracting domestic and global technology firms to establish operations in Puducherry.Read more

14 Mar 2026

Development of educational infrastructure in Amaravati has moved forward with the completion of a lease agreement between Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and Touch Stone Educational Foundation for setting up Basil Woods International School. The school will be built on around four acres with an investment of about INR 40 crore and will cater to students from kindergarten to Class 12. Planned with international standards, the campus will include modern classrooms, laboratories, sports infrastructure and other facilities. The institution is expected to accommodate nearly 2,000 students and contribute to employment generation while strengthening Amaravati's position as an emerging education hub.Read more

14 Mar 2026

India's first high speed rail service on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor will start operations in phases, with the initial services using the domestically manufactured B28 bullet train. Developed in Bengaluru, the train will initially run at around 250 kmph, with potential upgrades to 320-350 kmph in the future. The first operational section will cover approximately 100 km between Surat and Vapi. The full 508 km corridor is planned for completion by 2029. This project marks a major milestone in India's high speed rail programme, enhancing connectivity between Gujarat and Maharashtra.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

14 Mar 2026

The Bombay High Court has set aside a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) order concerning pending payments of over INR 6.41 crore to a contractor for additional work on the Girgaon Chowpatty viewing gallery. The court noted that BMC relied on documents without sharing them with the contractor or allowing him to respond, violating natural justice. Contractor Mukesh Purohit had completed the project and received partial payment of INR 1.36 crore, but the balance remained unpaid. The court has directed a fresh hearing with all submissions considered before a new decision is issued.Read more