20 Mar 2026

The Union government has approved the final location survey for doubling the Palakkad Pollachi Podanur railway line, a key link between Kerala and western Tamil Nadu. The project aims to reduce congestion, increase train frequency, and improve freight movement along the busy corridor. The current single track passes through forest areas, leading to wildlife risks and speed restrictions. The new alignment through Pollachi is expected to minimize these risks, and new stations at Kovilpalayam and Chettipalayam may be added. The survey paves the way for detailed planning and administrative approvals.Read more

20 Mar 2026

SpiceJet has approached the Delhi High Court seeking permission to submit an immovable property as security instead of depositing INR 144 crore in its ongoing arbitration dispute with Kalanithi Maran and KAL Airways. The airline cited liquidity challenges due to operational disruptions, including reduced Gulf operations. However, the court rejected the proposal and granted a final four-week extension to deposit the amount. The case stems from a long-standing 2015 share transfer dispute, and continues to impact SpiceJet's financial position and legal obligations.Read more

Hyderabad News Desk

20 Mar 2026

A fraud case has been registered against Bharathi Builders and its directors in Hyderabad following allegations of cheating investors through a pre-launch real estate scheme. The complaint, filed in the past week with the Central Crime Station (CCS), involves investments of around INR 87 lakh in a proposed gated community project in Bhanur, Sangareddy district. The accused allegedly promised investors returns including doubling of principal within a fixed period and allocation of residential units, but failed to deliver on commitments. Investigations revealed that the project did not progress and the underlying land had been transferred to other parties. The case adds to a series of regulatory and legal actions against the developer linked to unauthorised pre-launch sales and investor grievances in the Hyderabad market.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

20 Mar 2026

Residents of the seven Bombay Improvement Trust (BIT) chawls near Sandhurst Road in Mumbai have called for redevelopment similar to the ongoing Bombay Development Directorate (BDD) projects. Though the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Central Railway (CR) label these buildings as old and potentially unsafe, residents argue they remain structurally sound. They want funds earmarked for redevelopment to be used to upgrade their homes to 500 sq ft units like BDD chawls. The debate highlights safety concerns, questions about rehabilitation policy, and the need for better use of public funds for historic housing clusters.Read more

20 Mar 2026

Haryana's revenue and disaster management department has introduced Bhu Mitra, a WhatsApp chatbot providing 24/7 access to land and revenue services in Hindi and English. The tool allows citizens to request Jamabandi copies, Mutation records, compensation registrations, and deed registrations, as well as generate deed tokens, request land demarcation, lodge complaints, and track status in real time. Citizens can use it by saving a dedicated WhatsApp number. SMS updates for deed registration will also soon be available. The initiative aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and convenience, reducing physical visits and bureaucratic delays.Read more

19 Mar 2026

Preparations for a proposed Formula-4 (F4) street race in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, have drawn objections from environmental activists who claim that more than 70 trees may be cut or relocated to facilitate the event. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation is expected to spend around INR 28 crore on hosting the race. Activists have raised concerns over the removal of trees from a road divider and the possible use of a nearby playground for event infrastructure. They have also warned about traffic disruptions and environmental impact, while civic authorities continue planning the event scheduled for later this year.Read more

Lucknow News Desk

19 Mar 2026

The Lucknow Municipal Corporation has announced a 12% annual interest on pending house tax dues if not cleared before the financial year ends. The move is part of a stronger recovery push, supported by awareness drives and extended office hours to help taxpayers make payments. At the same time, the civic body has warned of strict action against persistent defaulters, including sealing and auction of properties. The step aims to improve revenue collection, which is critical for funding infrastructure and civic services in the city.Read more

19 Mar 2026

The Haryana government has initiated a large-scale land buyback programme covering over 6,600 acres in Ambala to facilitate planned urban expansion through the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP). Announced in the past week, the initiative adopts a consent-based model via the e-Bhoomi portal, allowing landowners across seven villages to voluntarily offer land and indicate expected prices. The acquisition aims to support the development of new residential, commercial, and institutional sectors with upgraded infrastructure, including roads, sewerage, and utilities. Authorities have set a deadline later next month for landowners to register interest. The move reflects a shift from compulsory acquisition to negotiated land aggregation, intended to streamline development while reducing disputes and improving transparency in large-scale urban planning.Read more

19 Mar 2026

The Indian-flagged tanker Jag Laadki, carrying approximately 80,886 MT of crude oil from the UAE, reached Mundra Port in Gujarat recently, highlighting the port's role in managing key energy imports amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Earlier, LPG carriers Nanda Devi and Shivalik docked at Vadinar and Mundra ports, respectively. The arrivals ensure continuity for India's refineries despite supply disruptions caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. India imports over 85% of its energy from the Middle East, making secure maritime routes vital for energy security.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

19 Mar 2026

The Bombay High Court has dismissed a petition filed by two societies representing the Koli fishing community in Danda Koliwada, Khar West, challenging slum redevelopment on land traditionally used for fish drying. The order, issued in the past week, upheld a court-appointed committee's findings that redevelopment would not impede fishing activities. The dispute relates to approximately 3,449 sqm of land, part of a larger 9,588 sqm parcel notified as a slum rehabilitation area by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority. The court held that the issues raised required detailed factual examination and could not be adjudicated under writ jurisdiction. Petitioners have been granted limited interim relief, with a short continuation of status quo, while being directed to pursue remedies before a competent civil court.Read more