Infrastructure
Mumbai's toll waiver explained: What it means and who stands to benefit
The Maharashtra government has announced that light motor vehicles will no longer be charged a Rs 45 toll at five major entry points into Mumbai. This move is expected to ease traffic and benefit millions of commuters while also impacting government revenue. The toll exemption, introduced during a cabinet meeting today, will take effect at midnight, according to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
PM GatiShakti Portal's door may open for private firms
India is set to open the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan portal to the private sector this year to expedite infrastructure projects. The platform, currently used by government entities, will provide limited access to private companies, excluding sensitive data. Over 1,600 data layers are available for planning.
Targeting to open PM GatiShakti national master plan portal for pvt sector this year: DPIIT Secy
The government aims to give private sector access to the PM GatiShakti national master plan portal this year. Discussions are ongoing to identify sensitive data layers. The NMP, launched in October 2021, integrates infrastructure data to reduce logistics costs. Currently, the portal is available only to central and state governments.
PM GatiShakti: 208 infra projects worth Rs 15.39 lakh crore recommended for approval
208 infrastructure projects worth Rs 15.39 lakh crore have been recommended under PM GatiShakti, enhancing coordination across ministries such as roads and railways. The initiative aims to streamline logistics costs through integrated planning, with substantial use of geospatial data and inter-ministerial collaboration.
Cabinet okays Rs 4,406 cr plan to develop 2,280 km border roads in Punjab, Rajasthan villages
The Union Cabinet has sanctioned a ₹4,406 crore initiative to build 2,280 km of roads in Punjab and Rajasthan border areas to enhance village connectivity to main highways and markets. This forms part of broader efforts to improve border villages with infrastructure like telecom connectivity. BSF has reported a rise in drone seizures in these states, primarily used for smuggling narcotics and arms.
Soon, you can travel from Bangalore airport to Cantt Station in 40 minutes, says Minister Vaishnaw
Travelers will soon be able to commute between Bangalore's airport and Cantt station in about 40 minutes. This new railway link aims to ease traffic congestion. Ongoing projects include the modernization of 1,137 stations and planning for a circular railway to connect Bengaluru with nearby towns.
Maharashtra's Sangli, Satara to get better connectivity as work on NH 160 begins: Nitin Gadkari
Sangli and Satara will see better infrastructure with the development of National Highway 160. The road will connect Baramati, Phaltan, Vita, Tasgaon, and Sangli, enhancing the transport of agricultural goods. The project will also boost tourism to religious sites like Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur, and create employment opportunities in the region.
Cabinet approves phase-II of Chennai Metro at Rs 63,246 crore
The Union Cabinet has approved the 119-km second phase of the Chennai metro project, costing Rs 63,246 crore. This project, expected to be completed by 2027, will feature 128 stations and interconnect major areas in Chennai. It will be funded by central and state governments with additional loans and aims to enhance the city's transportation capacity significantly.
Each of 12 smart cities to be a dedicated industrial hub
Twelve new smart cities in India will be developed as dedicated industrial hubs focusing on sectors like electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. These cities, spanning across 10 states, will feature advanced infrastructure and aim to create substantial job opportunities while attracting global investments.
Nearly 40,000 km of rural roads constructed using plastic waste: Government
Nearly 40,000 km of rural roads have been built using plastic waste, 13,000 km in the past two years alone. This sustainable initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Secretary Vini Mahajan praised the progress in sanitation, waste management, and cleanliness, emphasizing collective support and cohesive leadership driving the 'Swachhata Hi Seva-2024' campaign.
Must Watch
Urbanisation an opportunity to build modern cities: Amitabh Kant
Amitabh Kant, India's G20 Sherpa, highlights the country's impending urbanization with 500 million people moving to cities in the next four to five decades. He stresses the need for sustainable urban planning to ensure modern, equitable cities and warns against unplanned development, citing mistakes of other nations.
Centre approves Rs 11,000 crore for strengthening road networks in Chhattisgarh
The Union government has approved Rs 11,000 crore to enhance road connectivity in Chhattisgarh. Key projects include the development of four national highways, with a collective length of 236.1 km, and additional road improvements to promote industrial growth and timely project completion.
India’s IPR regime improved, smart city work progresses in UP: Piyush Goyal
The first phase of smart city development in Uttar Pradesh is nearly complete, with plans for the next phase underway. The Union Cabinet has approved 12 industrial smart cities in the state. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's improved intellectual property regime and the upcoming Jan Vishwas 2.0 bill to enhance ease of doing business.
Top 5 Indian states with the longest road networks
India boasts the second-largest road network globally, covering an impressive 6.37 million kilometers. Below are the five states with the most extensive road networks in the country.
Light Rail Transit to connect Noida International Airport with Film City
Noida International Airport will be connected to Film City via a light rail transit integrated with the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS). The project, approved by the Uttar Pradesh government, aims to provide three services on the same tracks: metro, rapid rail, and light rail. The RRTS corridor will be constructed as a single unified project, expected to be completed by 2031.
Biz potential worth Rs 2 lakh cr for completion of interlinking river projects: ICRA
Business opportunities worth Rs 2 lakh crore are expected for EPC players over the next decade with four priority interlinking river projects. The National Water Development Agency has identified 30 ILR projects, with significant funding from the Government of India and state governments. The Ken Betwa project is already under implementation.
