Adani Group to Invest Rs.30,000 Crore in Kerala Over Five Years.
The Adani Group has committed to investing Rs.30,000 crore in Kerala over the next five years, with a major focus on port infrastructure, airport expansion, and logistics development.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Invest Kerala Global Summit, Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd, announced that Rs.20,000 crore will be allocated to Vizhinjam International Transshipment Port, positioning it as the largest transshipment hub in the region. The company has already invested Rs.5,000 crore in the project. In addition, Adani Group will invest Rs.5,500 crore to expand Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, increasing its passenger handling capacity from 5 million to 12 million. The company also plans to develop a logistics and e-commerce hub in Kochi, along with expanding its cement terminal capacity in the state. The two-day Invest Kerala Global Summit kicked off with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighting the state’s progress in fostering a startup ecosystem and improving its ease of doing business. He noted that 6,200 startups have been launched in Kerala over the past eight years, attracting Rs.5,800 crore in investment and generating 62,000 jobs. The state aims to establish 15,000 startups and create one lakh jobs by 2026. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also addressed the summit, emphasizing India’s goal of becoming a $30-35 trillion economy by 2047, up from its current $4 trillion. He mentioned that India is in trade negotiations with the EU, UK, and Oman, and will soon begin discussions with Bahrain for a free trade agreement. The government is also working towards a bilateral trade deal with the US, which Goyal described as the “mother of all deals” with immense economic potential. Adding to Kerala’s infrastructure boost, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari announced 31 new road projects worth Rs.50,000 crore for the state in his online address.
The investments announced at the summit underline Kerala’s growing appeal as a business and infrastructure hub, with a focus on global trade connectivity, industrial growth, and job creation.
RRTS Track Laying Nears Completion, Project Set for Final Stages.
The track laying on the 82-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor is nearly complete, with around 55 km already operational. The Namo Bharat corridor features a precast slab track system designed for high-speed trains, unlike the ballastless tracks used in metro systems and Indian Railways, which are proven for speeds up to 95 kmph.
“Final stages of track installation are progressing swiftly, marking a major milestone for the project,” said an official from the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which is executing the corridor. Since the corridor’s first section became operational on October 21, 2023, Namo Bharat trains have served approximately 66 lakh commuters. Trial runs on the Meerut South–Shatabdi Nagar section began in February, while testing on the Delhi section between Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan is expected to commence soon.
The corridor consists of approximately 70 km of elevated tracks and 12 km of underground sections. “Given the corridor’s high-speed operations of up to 160 kmph and stations spaced every 5-10 km, an advanced track system was necessary,” the official added. To support the project, a precast factory spanning 45,000 sqm in Meerut produced 44,000 slabs with high precision, ensuring smooth alignment and installation. “This system minimizes vibrations and jerks, providing a stable and comfortable ride,” the official said. The corridor, originating from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi and terminating at Modipuram in Meerut, features 16 Namo Bharat stations and nine additional stations for the Meerut Metro. The Sarai Kale Khan station is expected to be ready by June this year.
Centre Likely to Approve Shillong-Silchar Highway Project
The Union government is expected to approve the construction of a Rs.25,000 crore, 160 km greenfield high-speed corridor connecting Shillong and Silchar. The project, aimed at cutting travel time between the two cities to just four hours, may receive cabinet approval. Originally conceived under the Bharatmala programme in 2017, the four-lane highway will be one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Northeast. It will enhance connectivity between Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura while also facilitating the swift movement of defense forces in the region.
The highway will serve as an alternative to NH-6, which faces severe deterioration, particularly in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma previously emphasized that the project would enable travelers to commute between Guwahati and Silchar within a day.
Officials noted that expanding the existing Shillong-Silchar highway poses technical challenges, making a new alignment the most viable option. The project is expected to provide a long-term solution to recurring connectivity issues, particularly disruptions caused by landslides on the Ratacherra stretch during monsoons. The improved corridor is also anticipated to boost economic activity by ensuring seamless movement of passengers and freight across the region.
Construction of 701-km Samruddhi Expressway Completed.
The 701-km Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway, a key infrastructure project initiated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is now fully constructed, according to Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) officials. The final 76-km stretch between Igatpuri and Amane in Thane district is complete, with additional works like tree plantation and crash barrier installation expected to finish by mid-March, an MSRDC official said. Once the Maharashtra government gives clearance, vehicle movement will begin on the entire expressway.
The project, launched in 2019, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic but was built by 16 construction firms. Over 8,861 hectares of land were acquired, with initial challenges in convincing farmers to part with land. The expressway, passing through 10 districts, features multiple underpasses and a 7.7-km tunnel through the Western Ghats at Igatpuri. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase in December 2022, followed by additional sections opening in 2023.
The expressway is expected to ease congestion on the existing Nashik-Mumbai highway, improve travel times, and boost industrial investment in Nashik and surrounding areas.
Govt to Expand Aviation Infrastructure in Western Odisha with Four New Airstrips.
The Odisha government will develop four new airstrips in western Odisha, increasing the region’s total number of airports to eight. The new airstrips will be located at Jamadarpali (Sambalpur), Satibhata (Bargarh), Gotma (Nuapada), and Tusura (Balangir), Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena informed the state assembly while responding to a query from Balangir MLA Kalikesh Singh Deo.
Currently, western Odisha has four operational airports: Jeypore (Koraput), Veer Surendra Sai Airport (Jharsuguda), a small airport in Rourkela (Sundargarh district), and an airstrip at Utkela (Kalahandi district), all of which provide direct connectivity to Bhubaneswar.
In his query, Singh Deo sought details on the government’s initiatives to develop regional airports, particularly in Balangir and Jeypore, and raised concerns regarding potential delays in project execution.
The minister stated that Jeypore airport would be upgraded from 2B to 3C category with the acquisition of 229.4 acres of land, for which Rs.64.4 crore has been allocated. Similarly, Tusura airport in Balangir will be upgraded to 2B category with an investment of Rs.65 crore. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation for its upgradation in November 2023, and the obstacle limitation survey has already been completed. However, procedural hurdles, land acquisition, and aerodrome licensing have delayed project implementation, Jena noted.
Additionally, four more airports will be developed in Raisua and Barbil (Keonjhar district), Gudari (Kandhamal), and Amarda (Mayurbhanj district), enhancing connectivity across central, northern, and west-central Odisha.
In September 2023, then Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed an allocation of Rs.45 crore for the development of the World War II-era airstrip at Amarda Road. The airstrip, owned by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has been unused for years, prompting local demands for its revival to improve connectivity in north Odisha.
Further expanding the state’s aviation infrastructure, the Odisha government has earmarked funds in its recent budget for a greenfield airport in Paradip, aimed at boosting industrial growth, exports, and connectivity to coastal economic hubs. Unlike brownfield airports, which utilize existing infrastructure, greenfield airports are built entirely from scratch.
Chennai Metro Phase II Expansion Underway; Corridor 5 Construction Begins.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has officially commenced the expansion of the city’s metro network under Phase II, following the successful implementation of Phase I and its extension since June 2015. With rising ridership across Corridors 1 and 2, the new phase aims to enhance connectivity and ease urban commuting.
Phase II spans a total of 118.9 km across three corridors, backed by funding from multiple international agencies, including the Asian Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, New Development Bank, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. As part of the expansion, work has begun on Corridor 5, which extends 47 km from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Shollinganallur, passing through key hubs like Koyambedu, Porur, and Alandur.
The corridor features five underground stations and 39 elevated stations. To execute the underground tunneling for Corridor 5, four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have been deployed, each named after distinct Tamil landscapes: Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, and Neithal.
The first TBM, Kurinji, was launched on Wednesday to excavate a 246-meter tunnel from Kolathur Ramp to Kolathur Station (upline), with completion expected by June 2025. It will then be retrieved and redeployed for a 1.06 km tunnel towards Srinivasa Nagar. The second TBM, Mullai, is set to arrive by March 2025 and will drill a 603-meter tunnel from Villivakkam Railway Station to Villivakkam Bus Terminus.
The remaining TBMs will be launched as site preparations progress. The underground section of Corridor 5, spanning 7.8 km with twin tunnels of 3.9 km each, is being constructed by Tata Projects Limited. The company is tasked with deploying all four TBMs to complete the tunneling works.
This expansion marks a significant step in Chennai’s metro development, aiming to bolster urban mobility and reduce congestion in key residential and commercial areas.
Kerala government likely to approve Thiruvananthapuram metro rail project soon.
The Kerala government is likely to approve the much-anticipated Thiruvananthapuram Metro rail project soon, with the proposed alignment receiving a green signal from the finance department, sources said. However, the final decision on the route will be taken only after a detailed presentation before Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Once the chief minister gives his nod, the alignment will be presented for cabinet approval, expected by the end of this month. While officials have confirmed that the metro corridor will begin from Kazhakkoottam in the north, the government has yet to disclose the final route.
Transport Secretary Biju Prabhakar, who oversees the project, stated that the alignment is under review and will soon be presented to the chief minister. “Once I receive the file, I will examine it and proceed with the presentation. We expect the cabinet’s approval soon after,” Prabhakar told TOI.
The state’s 2025-26 budget had already announced that preliminary work on the metro would begin this year. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), the implementing agency, has urged the government to finalize the alignment at the earliest. KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera said the metro’s inclusion in the budget reflects the government’s commitment to the project.
The state government had earlier approved the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) and Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) to secure central funding.
The approval of the AAR, including the final alignment, is a key step toward project implementation.
KMRL submitted an executive summary of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the state government in February 2024, presenting two possible alignments—one via Karyavattom-MG Road-Thampanoor-Killipalam and another along NH 66 through Kazhakkoottam, Akkulam, Enchakkal, and Killipalam.
Meanwhile, construction of the Sreekaryam flyover, which is part of the metro project, has already begun, marking a step forward in the city’s transit infrastructure development.
Major Decisions Expected as Nashik Neo Metro Project Meeting Scheduled in Mumbai.
Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik will chair a crucial meeting regarding the proposed Nashik Neo Metro project. The meeting will take place at the Chief Secretary’s office in Mantralaya, Mumbai. The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has been notified about the meeting, with officials from NMC, Maha Metro, and other relevant departments expected to attend.
Originally scheduled for February 24, the meeting was postponed to March 3. The Nashik Neo Metro project was first announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2021-22 budget, with a provision of Rs.2,092 crore. However, the project is still awaiting Union Cabinet approval.
In February 2023, the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (Maha Metro) made a detailed presentation on the project at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), but no further progress was made. Despite expectations of an announcement during the recent Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections, no updates were provided. Officials hope the upcoming meeting will provide much-needed momentum for the long-delayed metro project.
Halwara International Airport to Be Handed Over to AAI Within a Month.
The transfer of the under-construction Halwara International Airport to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is progressing, with officials expecting the handover to be completed within a month. The Public Works Department (PWD), which supervised the airport’s construction, is conducting final checks before AAI takes control and begins operational preparations.
A PWD official confirmed that the transfer process began last week and involves reviewing key infrastructure, including public health systems, electrical setups, and fire safety measures. “Since AAI will make the airport operational, they need to verify these systems before taking full control,” the official said. The handover is expected to be finalised by mid-April, after which AAI will start obtaining necessary operational clearances.
The terminal building is complete, with air conditioning, baggage handling, and lighting systems already functional. Final furnishing will be done just before the airport becomes operational to prevent dust accumulation.
Meanwhile, runway carpeting is set to begin this week and should be finished by mid-April. “Runway work requires specific temperature conditions, and March is the ideal time for this,” an official explained. The last layers of Link Taxi Tracks 1 and 2 will also be laid this month, with a trolley gate already installed.
An AAI official confirmed that minor finishing tasks remain and that AAI is working closely with the PWD and the Air Force to expedite the airport’s readiness.
Local residents and businesses eagerly anticipate the airport’s launch, viewing it as a major boost for trade, industry, and travel in the region.
BRO Begins Work on 1.1-km Bhimber Gali Tunnel with Inaugural Blast on Jammu-Poonch NH.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) recently carried out the inaugural blast for the construction of the Bhimber Gali Tunnel, a critical infrastructure project along the Jammu-Poonch National Highway. Spanning 1.1 km, the tunnel is part of a 16.1-km-long road project connecting Kalali in Rajouri to Bhataduria in Poonch and is expected to reduce travel distance by 10.8 km.
The blast was executed by BRO’s Project Sampark Chief Engineer Brig Neeraj Madan and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Jammu Regional Officer A.M. Prasad. The event, preceded by a ceremonial prayer, was attended by officials from the civil administration, marking a collaborative effort to boost connectivity in the Pir Panjal region.
The tunnel will provide an alternative route for both civilian and military movement in the strategic Rajouri-Poonch sector. The project follows the recent breakthrough of the 700-meter Naushera Tunnel in January, highlighting BRO’s rapid infrastructure expansion in Jammu and Kashmir.
Brig Madan emphasized the tunnel’s significance in strengthening regional accessibility, economic development, and national security. The BRO continues its mission to enhance connectivity in remote and forward areas, ensuring seamless transport for both defence and civilian purposes.
UP Government Delays Approval of Ghaziabad’s Unified Master Plan 2031.
Development along Ghaziabad’s major transport corridors remains stalled as the Uttar Pradesh government has yet to approve the Unified Master Plan 2031. Submitted to the state committee in November 2023, the plan aims to regulate growth around rapid rail, metro, and expressway corridors but has faced multiple rejections and delays.
The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) board had previously rejected the draft at least four times. In March 2023, approval was deferred to incorporate the state’s transit-oriented development (TOD) zone into the plan. In August, the Meerut divisional commissioner put it on hold, citing the exclusion of the Duhai Namo Bharat station-cum-depot from the TOD zone. The board again returned the plan in September 2022 due to the lack of public feedback and objections.
A revised draft, which included TOD zones and public feedback, was finally approved by the GDA board in November 2023. However, in March 2024, the UP government sent it back, raising concerns over certain clauses, including green zones and ‘record of right’—a provision mandating 100-meter-wide green belts along expressways and 60-meter-wide zones on both sides of state highways.
The draft proposes TOD zones spanning 4,261.43 hectares along a 1.5 km stretch of the rapid rail corridor and 616.61 hectares along a 500-meter stretch of the Red and Blue Line metro corridors. Additionally, a 909.82-hectare Special Development Area (SDA) is planned around the Duhai rapid rail depot to promote mixed-use land development with higher floor area ratios for residential and commercial expansion.
“For now, we are waiting for the state government’s approval. Once sanctioned, a gazette notification will be issued before implementation. Pending approval, NCRTC cannot proceed with the zonal development plan,” a GDA official stated.
Embassy REIT Invests Rs.100 Crore in Kadubeesanahalli Metro, Secures 30-Year Naming Rights.
Embassy Office Parks REIT has committed Rs.100 crore to develop the Kadubeesanahalli Metro Station along Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road (ORR) corridor. Under a definitive agreement, the station will be named Embassy TechVillage Kadubeesanahalli Metro Station for 30 years from its commercial launch.
The 17-km ORR metro project, connecting Central Silk Board Junction to K R Puram, features 16 stations and provides key connectivity to commercial hubs, including Embassy TechVillage business park.
Embassy REIT has previously invested over Rs.180 crore in constructing a flyover at Embassy Manyata Business Park and Rs.30 crore in a pedestrian footbridge to enhance urban mobility and safety, according to CEO Ritwik Bhattacharjee.
Highlighting the significance of the ORR metro project, BMRCL Managing Director M Maheshwar Rao said, “The Outer Ring Road corridor is a vital mobility route in Bengaluru, linking major commercial hubs, IT parks, and residential areas.”
69.04 km Railway Line to Link Assam’s Kokrajhar with Bhutan’s Gelephu: NFR CPRO.
Indian Railways is advancing the government’s ‘Act East Policy’ and ‘Neighborhood First Policy’ by launching new railway projects to strengthen connectivity with neighboring countries. As part of this initiative, a 69.04 km railway line from Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan has been proposed to enhance cross-border connectivity and bilateral ties.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the project recently at the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati.
According to Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway, the project is estimated to cost Rs.3,500 crore and will include six new stations—Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri, and Gelephu. The plan also features two important bridges, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, one Road Over Bridge, 39 Road Under Bridges, and two viaducts. The Final Location Survey (FLS) has been completed, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted for approval.
The railway line is expected to bolster India-Bhutan relations by enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges while also marking Bhutan’s first-ever railway link. Additionally, the project is set to position Bodoland as a trade and transit hub, benefiting local businesses and communities, and driving long-term economic growth in the region.
RGL Secures 450,000 Sq. Ft. Logistics Hub in Bhiwandi
Robinson Global Logistics Solutions Pvt Ltd (RGL), a key player in India’s third-party logistics (3PL) sector, is set to strengthen its footprint with a 450,000 sq. ft. Grade A+ sustainable warehouse at One Samruddhi Park, Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. Slated for launch in May 2025, the facility is designed to enhance logistics efficiency while integrating sustainable and innovative solutions.
The state-of-the-art warehouse will adhere to top-tier industry compliance and sustainability standards, incorporating eco-friendly construction, energy-efficient systems, and solar installations.
Strategically positioned on Kalyan-Sape Road, the facility offers seamless connectivity to major trade corridors, including the Mumbai-Nashik Expressway, the Mumbai-Delhi Corridor, and Samruddhi Mahamarg, as well as key national highways. Its proximity to Mumbai’s international airports and JNPT port further enhances its logistical advantage.
“With an investment of Rs.25 crore, our new Bhiwandi warehouse marks a major milestone in strengthening India’s supply chain. It will not only support growing consumer demand but also create jobs, boost local economies, and build a more resilient logistics network,” said Aditya Vazirani, CEO of RGL.
RGL is aggressively expanding its presence, having recently launched a 150,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Gurgaon, positioned near major highways for efficient connectivity to IGI Airport and Delhi’s industrial zones. Additionally, the company has secured a 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Bangalore to optimize supply chains across South India and is finalizing a new facility in Pune to cater to the high-demand automotive sector. Plans are also underway for a warehouse in Lucknow to strengthen regional capacity.
With these developments, RGL is set to increase its total warehousing space by 45% in FY25-26, from 1 million sq. ft. to 1.45 million sq. ft. “This expansion isn’t just about scale—it’s about redefining logistics in India with agile, technology-driven, and customer-centric solutions,” Vazirani added.
