Bajel Projects Commissions Two Major 400kV Transmission Lines.
Bajel Projects Limited, a Bajaj Group company and a leader in power transmission and distribution solutions, has successfully commissioned two key 400kV transmission line projects: Raipur Pool – Dhamtari (CKT-I & CKT-II) and Navsari – Magarwada (CKT-I & CKT-II). Both projects were executed under challenging conditions, showcasing the company’s expertise and commitment to excellence.
Commissioned on March 22, 2025, the Raipur Pool – Dhamtari transmission line spans 88.65 km. The project involved the supply and installation of specialized 400kV Dwarf Towers, facilitating seamless execution in space-restricted areas. Despite obstacles such as Right-of-Way constraints, waterlogged terrain, and high-voltage crossings, the project was completed efficiently and on schedule. Similarly, the 44 km Navsari – Magarwada transmission line, commissioned for Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL), achieved an impressive 1.5 million safe man-hours. Delivered ahead of schedule, the project adhered to the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and safety while navigating complex terrain and stringent optimization requirements.
Commenting on the milestone, Rajesh Ganesh, MD and CEO of Bajel Projects, stated, “Our expertise in execution positions us as a trusted partner for our customers, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety at every stage. By leveraging the latest technology and best-in-class practices, we continue to set new benchmarks in the power transmission sector.”
He further added, “These projects reaffirm our commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainable execution, contributing to the growth of India’s energy sector.”
As India advances its power transmission capacity, these projects play a crucial role in strengthening the national grid and supporting increased power flows. They align with the country’s ambitious target of adding 1,274 GVA of transformation capacity by 2032, in line with the National Electricity Plan (Transmission) set forth by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
4-Lane Bypass Connecting NH-75 & NH-38 in Vellore to Be Built at Rs.753 Crore.
The Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has approved the construction of a 4-lane bypass for Vellore town, connecting NH-75 and NH-38. Spanning 20.492 km, the project has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs.753 crore.
Designed as a greenfield alignment, the bypass aims to reduce congestion within Vellore city. To accommodate future expansion, land acquisition will be carried out with a Right of Way (RoW) of 50 meters instead of the standard 30 meters, allowing for the eventual upgrade to a 6-lane carriageway with 2-lane service roads, in line with IRC guidelines.
The project will also include adequate cross-drainage systems and bridge structures to ensure the smooth flow of water bodies, addressing concerns related to the region’s history of severe flooding and associated disasters.
Redeveloped Hisar Airport to Enhance Regional Connectivity and Specialized Air Services.
The redeveloped Hisar airport in Haryana is set to boost regional connectivity and specialized aviation services, with an inauguration expected by April 14. The airport, revamped at a cost of approximately Rs.1,500 crore over the past four to five years, has received all necessary regulatory approvals.
The upgraded facility will cater to air cargo, aircraft maintenance, and manufacturing, featuring an integrated aviation hub with an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) center and an aviation academy.
Spread over 7,000 acres and located 190 km from Delhi, the airport includes an Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) spanning 3,000 hectares and parking space for around 15 aircraft. Given congestion at major airports nearby, Hisar aims to attract airlines with ample slot availability, extensive parking, and a competitive 1% VAT on jet fuel. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will manage operations, and the Haryana government has sought inclusion under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
Alliance Air is expected to be the first airline to operate from the redeveloped airport, with its inaugural flight likely to connect Hisar to Ayodhya.
The airline has also signed an agreement with the Haryana government to launch services to destinations including Jammu, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh. Other carriers have shown interest in operating from the airport.
The redevelopment, managed by Haryana Airports Development Corporation Limited (HADC), is being executed in three phases. The first phase, involving the refurbishment of the terminal, has been completed, while the second phase is currently underway. The third phase, expected to be completed by 2030, will support international flight operations.
Chennai Metro Expansion to Enhance Connectivity with New Corridors & Transit Hubs.
Chennai’s metro network is set for a major expansion, introducing new corridors and transit hubs to enhance urban mobility. The proposed plan includes key routes such as Lighthouse to Medavakkam and a 21 km corridor linking Tambaram with Velachery via Guindy and Phoenix Mall, aiming to improve connectivity across the city. The state budget, presented on Friday, is expected to approve additional metro corridors, including Airport-Kilambakkam, Poonamallee-Sunguvarchathiram, and Koyambedu-Avadi. Additionally, a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) will link Chennai with Villupuram and Vellore, with stops every 10-15 km, providing a faster alternative to suburban rail.
Transportation experts believe these projects could be transformative for commuters in Arakkonam, Kancheepuram, and Avadi, offering faster and more reliable transit options. However, concerns remain over affordability, with some arguing that increased investment in public buses could provide a more cost-effective solution for daily commuters.
The government has also increased funding for state transport corporations, allocating Rs.2,646 crore to well-performing units and Rs.650 crore for operational support to the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), alongside subsidies for student concessions and free travel for women.
JICA Extends Rs.3,065 Crore ODA Loan for Chennai’s Second Seawater Desalination Plant.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed a loan agreement worth 52,556 million Japanese Yen (approximately Rs.3,065 crore) to support the construction of the Chennai Seawater Desalination Plant (II) in Tamil Nadu. The Official Development Assistance (ODA) agreement was signed by Manisha Sinha, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India.
The project includes the construction of a 400 MLD desalination plant along with water transmission and distribution infrastructure such as pumping stations, reservoirs, and pipelines. It also covers consulting services for design, construction supervision, operational management support, and public awareness initiatives.
The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is responsible for executing the project, which aims to bolster Chennai’s water supply infrastructure to meet the growing demand. With a current population of approximately 8.69 million (as per the 2011 census), the Chennai Metropolitan Area is expected to exceed 15 million by 2035, further straining existing water resources. The city’s water demand already surpasses 1,400 million litres per day (MLD), creating a supply gap that affects both residents and industries, including over 360 Japanese companies operating in the region.
Given Chennai’s limited surface and groundwater availability, seawater desalination has been prioritized as a stable and sustainable solution to secure long-term water supply. The project is expected to improve water availability, enhance living conditions, and create a more attractive investment environment in the region.
Takuro, Chief Representative of the JICA India Office, emphasized JICA’s commitment to supporting Chennai’s efforts to establish a resilient and sustainable water supply system. “Chennai has long faced challenges in securing sustainable water sources due to rapid urbanization and climate-related factors. Through this project, JICA is committed to supporting the city’s efforts to ensure a better quality of life for residents and a more favorable business environment,” he said.
This initiative aligns with previous and ongoing international aid efforts, including the Asian Development Bank’s Tamil Nadu Urban Flagship Investment Program and the World Bank’s Chennai City Partnership Program, both of which focus on enhancing urban water infrastructure.
WABAG enters into Non-Binding Equity Partnership of USD 100 Million with an Investor Consortium including Norfund, towards Capital Project investments in Municipal Projects
VA TECH WABAG (‘WABAG’), a leading pure-play water technology Indian Multinational Group, is pleased to announce the signing of non-binding term sheet for a dedicated platform (‘Municipal Platform’) to focus on the development of Capital Projects for the Municipal Sector. The Municipal Platform will commit equity investment of up to USD 100 Million in capital projects over a 3 to 5 years period. The Municipal Platform will be established in collaboration with an Investor Consortium including Norfund and two other international investors, Norfund is the Norwegian Government’s investment fund dedicated to supporting sustainable development. WABAG will play a pivotal role in the platform as the Technical Partner, delivering EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) and O&M (Operations and Maintenance) services. WABAG will also make a minority investment in the platform, consistent with its Asset-Light Strategy.
The proposed platform will focus on leveraging the combined expertise and resources of WABAG and its partners to address the growing demand for advanced water treatment technologies and infrastructure. By uniting capabilities, the platform will target key opportunities in municipal sector, supporting sustainable water management and contributing to economic development.
The term-sheet outlines the framework for collaboration and represents an important step toward formalizing the partnership to accelerate the delivery of transformative projects in key regions. The establishment of this platform reflects WABAG’s ongoing dedication to maintaining its core focus on the water sector and fostering growth through strategic financial partnerships. Further updates regarding this collaboration will be provided as progress is made towards the definitive agreements.
Commenting on this key development, S. Varadarajan, Whole-time Director & Chief Growth Officer, VA Tech Wabag said, “This step of signing the term-sheet with strong global partners to establish the Municipal platform underscores our commitment to addressing global water challenges by leveraging cutting-edge technology and expertise. This initiative reflects our asset-light strategy, emphasizing partnerships that combine WABAG’s technical excellence with the financial strengths of our collaborators to accelerate impactful and sustainable water solutions.”
NHAI Modifies Aroor-Edappally Highway Plan to Integrate Metro Viaduct.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has directed the Detailed Project Report (DPR) consultant of the proposed Aroor-Edappally elevated highway on NH 66 to modify the design, as the current plan is impractical at Palarivattom Junction, where the Metro viaduct for the upcoming Pink Line is planned to pass through. Hibi Eden, MP, stated that the DPR consultant has been instructed to submit a revised report within a month.
The proposed Metro viaduct, which will connect JLN Stadium to Kakkanad, needs to pass over the existing Palarivattom flyover.
To accommodate this, NHAI has asked for necessary provisions in the design to allow the Metro viaduct to cross over smoothly.
While the DPR proposes an elevated highway alongside the existing flyovers at Kundannoor and Vyttila junctions, further analysis is needed for an improved design at the Palarivattom bypass intersection.
The Edappally-Aroor project is planned as an extension of the Aroor-Thuravoor elevated highway.
According to a report by Highway Engineering Consultants Ltd, the DPR consultant, the project is expected to cost Rs.3,600 crore.
Eden emphasized the importance of completing the Edappally-Aroor stretch in tandem with the ongoing NH 66 widening works to ensure seamless traffic movement.
Adani Group Reaffirms Commitment to Renewable Power Project in Sri Lanka.
The Adani Group is once again pursuing its $1-billion renewable energy project in Sri Lanka, with sources indicating that talks over tariff agreements are progressing.
The project, undertaken by Adani Green Energy, was previously shelved in February when the company announced its withdrawal. However, ongoing negotiations suggest both parties are working toward a mutually acceptable tariff structure.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, a tentative rate of 7 cents per kWh is being considered, while Sri Lanka had previously pushed for a lower range of 5-6 cents per kWh, down from the originally proposed 8.26 cents under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
If a final agreement is reached, work on the project could commence as early as June, provided all regulatory and procedural requirements are completed. The Indian government is reportedly supportive of the project, viewing it as a strategic investment in the island nation.
The project, which involves the development of 484 MW wind farms in Mannar and Pooneryn along with associated transmission infrastructure, had previously stalled due to disagreements over tariffs. Discussions between Adani Green and Sri Lankan authorities, including officials from the Ceylon Electricity Board, had broken down, leading to uncertainty about its future.
Despite formally notifying Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment about its withdrawal, Adani Green has not taken legal steps to exit the project entirely.
The company has already invested $5 million in pre-development activities and remains open to future collaboration opportunities in the country.
While the project has secured most regulatory approvals, environmental clearance for the Mannar site remains pending. The initiative, originally approved under Sri Lanka’s previous administration, faced scrutiny after the government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed a review committee to renegotiate the tariff structure.
With discussions back on track, sources suggest that an agreement could be finalized soon, paving the way for Adani Green’s return to Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector.
Rajasthan Government Sets Metro Network Expansion in Motion.
The Rajasthan government is considering an expansion of the Jaipur Metro network, with plans to connect towns and cities within a 45-50 km radius of the state capital. The initial plan is to conduct a study to link nearby cities to the metro, as a significant number of people commute to Jaipur for work.
The government intends to revise the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Metro Phase Two. Additionally, the state has called for a comprehensive study to assess the feasibility of expanding metro connectivity to smaller towns in the region.
The move aligns with the state’s efforts to enhance urban mobility and improve public transportation infrastructure in and around Jaipur.
HCC-TPL JV wins Rs.2,470 Cr order from Tata Power
Hindustan Construction Company Limited (HCC) and Tata Projects Limited (TPL) in a 50:50 Joint Venture have been awarded a Rs.2,470 crore contract by Tata Power Company Limited for the construction of Bhivpuri Off-Stream Open-Loop Pumped Storage Project (PSP) 1000 MW (2×333 MW + 2×167 MW) located at Karjat, Maharashtra.
The scope of work includes Civil and H&M components of the project i.e. Coffer Dam, Intake Structure including gates & screen at the existing upper reservoir of Thokerwadi, Head Race Tunnels, Penstock, Surge Shaft, Pressure Shaft, Powerhouse, Tail Race Tunnel, Lower Intake Structures including gate & screens, a new lower reservoir with GFRD Dam, adits, roads & drains, various BOP foundation and building structures. The scope will also include other appurtenant works required for completion of the project consisting of infrastructure works along with review and interface of electro-mechanical works.
HCC has served the nation in the development of nearly 26% of installed hydropower capacity and is currently executing five hydroelectric power projects, including the 1000 MW Tehri Pumped Storage System in Uttarakhand. This latest win by HCC further cements its position as a leading partner in the development of hydropower projects for the country.
HCC-TPL JV wins Rs.2,191 Cr contract for Indore Metro
Hindustan Construction Company Limited (HCC), in partnership with Tata Projects Limited (TPL), has won a Rs.2,191 crore contract for construction of an 8.65 km long corridor including underground tunnels and stations for Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL).
HCC holds a 55% share in the joint venture, amounting to Rs.1,205 crore.
The Package IN-05R is the first and only underground segment of the 31.32 km Indore Metro Phase 1 project. The package includes the construction of 11.32 km long tunnel by TBM and seven underground stations at Indore Railway Station, Rajwada, Chota Ganpati, Bada Ganpati, Ramchandra Nagar, BSF/Kalani Nagar, and Airport, connecting a ramp east of Indore Railway Station to a ramp west of Airport Station.
Currently, HCC is engaged in Mumbai Metro Line III, constructing 4 km of twin tunnels and four stations, along with two Chennai Metro packages. The company has made a significant contribution to India’s metro expansion plan having constructed of a material portion of Delhi Metro, Bangalore Metro, Mumbai Metro Line I and Kolkata Metro.
