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

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

Nanded in Maharashtra's Marathwada region is set to become a significant hub for helicopter manufacturing with a planned investment of INR 4,250 crore. Announced by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Chavan this week in the state assembly, the project will include production, assembly, and spare parts units, along with engineering, maintenance, and repair services. It is expected to generate 1,800-2,000 direct jobs and numerous indirect employment opportunities. The project aligns with India's national focus on domestic aerospace manufacturing and regional industrial development, aiming to strengthen supply chains and local economic growth.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

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

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

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