16 Mar 2026

The government is reconsidering tenders for 1 GW of wind energy projects due to lower than expected industry interest and rising steel prices, a crucial material for project construction. MNRE is engaging with the World Bank and think tanks to create a roadmap for investment in wind energy. Alongside, the ministry is preparing a new policy to promote small hydro projects up to 25 MW. Financial assistance for solar component manufacturing, such as ingots and wafers, is also under consideration, reflecting a comprehensive approach to boost renewable energy development in India.Read more

16 Mar 2026

The Punjab government has earmarked INR 1,000 crore in the state budget to strengthen urban infrastructure through the Municipal Development Fund (MDF), marking a substantial increase from the previous allocation. The funding will be made available to urban local bodies across the state to support the creation and upgrading of civic infrastructure such as roads, water supply systems, sewerage networks, drainage, sanitation and solid waste management. State officials indicated that the enhanced allocation is intended to help municipalities address growing pressure on civic services caused by urban population growth and expanding city limits. A portion of the fund will also be used for the operation and maintenance of water supply and sewerage infrastructure to ensure continued service delivery. The initiative forms part of Punjab's broader urban development strategy aimed at improving municipal infrastructure and service efficiency.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Visakhapatnam Port Authority has achieved a milestone, handling over 85 million tonnes of cargo in 345 days, the highest in its 92-year history. The port aims to reach 90 million tonnes this year and 100 million tonnes in 2026-27, reflecting strong operational growth. Alongside cargo achievements, the VPA has launched a major three-year dredging and beach nourishment project worth nearly INR 83 crore to support coastline conservation and prevent erosion at key areas, including RK Beach, in coordination with the state government.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Maharashtra is reviewing the inclusion of first floor slum residents in the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) schemes, addressing a long-standing gap where only ground floor occupants are currently eligible. State minister Shambhuraj Desai said the matter will be discussed with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers. Lawmakers highlighted that many families have lived on first floors for decades, and excluding them could affect the city's slum free objectives. Officials also noted that agreements between builders and these residents are not legally enforceable under current rules.Read more

16 Mar 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has revised the FASTag Annual Pass fee to INR 3,075 for the financial year 2026-27, increasing the charge by INR 75 from the current INR 3,000. The revised rate will come into effect from April 1 and applies to eligible non-commercial vehicles using national highways and expressways. Introduced in August 2025, the annual pass allows private vehicle owners to make toll payments through a one-time annual fee covering either one year of usage or up to 200 toll plaza crossings. The facility is currently available across approximately 1,150 toll plazas on national highways and national expressways and has been adopted by more than 56 lakh users. The revision has been implemented in accordance with the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Services on a newly opened stretch of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation network were disrupted after signalling cables were stolen from the track section between Bhalswa and Majlis Park. Nearly 1,000 metres of cable were removed, affecting the signalling system and forcing trains to run at restricted speeds, leading to delays for commuters. The corridor had become operational only days earlier as part of the Delhi Metro expansion. Police arrested one suspect and recovered burnt cable pieces during the investigation, while authorities began restoration work and increased surveillance along vulnerable sections of the route.Read more

16 Mar 2026

ACME Solar Holdings subsidiary has secured two long-term power purchase agreements with SJVN for 450 MW of dispatchable renewable energy. The projects, awarded through tariff-based competitive bidding, will connect to ISTS substations and utilize night-time solar capabilities in Rajasthan. ACME Solar will provide four hours of guaranteed peak power during non-solar periods with high availability. This latest agreement adds to 1,690 MW of PPAs signed in the current financial year, taking the company's total signed capacity to 6,270 MW.Read more

Delhi News Desk

16 Mar 2026

The Delhi government is preparing to introduce a Green Budget for the financial year 2026-27 to integrate environmental priorities into its fiscal planning. The initiative aims to track public spending related to pollution control, clean energy, water conservation and biodiversity protection across various departments. By mapping such expenditures, the government intends to improve transparency and ensure that sustainability initiatives receive focused funding. The move comes as Delhi continues to face severe air pollution and rising urban pressures. Officials believe the framework will help guide future investment decisions and strengthen the city's long-term environmental planning.Read more

16 Mar 2026

VOC Port Authority has proactively expanded container storage by 90,000 square meters to manage potential disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis. While the additional space remains unused for now, the port continues smooth operations. The government's focus on developing India as a shipbuilding and ship recycling hub is expected to strengthen resource efficiency. VOC Port, one of India's oldest ports with significant cargo handling capacity, anticipates robust container traffic growth in the coming years.Read more

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