Centre Approves Rs.4,406 Crore Road Project Covering 2,280 km in Rajasthan and Punjab Border Areas.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in border regions, the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to a project worth Rs.4,406 crore for the construction of 2,280 km of roads in the border areas of Rajasthan and Punjab. This decision, announced on Wednesday, marks a strategic effort to boost development in these crucial regions and improve the quality of life for residents, who will benefit from enhanced connectivity and essential amenities.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the Cabinet’s decision, highlighting its potential to transform the border villages into ‘Vibrant Villages’. He emphasized that the initiative reflects a paradigm shift towards prioritizing the development of border areas, ensuring they receive infrastructure comparable to other parts of the country.
According to an official statement, the project will significantly bolster road and telecom connectivity in these regions while improving access to vital services such as water supply, healthcare, and education. It is expected to boost rural livelihoods, facilitate easier travel, and integrate these areas more seamlessly into the national highway network.
Shah underscored the government’s commitment to fortifying border security through enhanced infrastructure development. “Security of the border is synonymous with the security of the nation,” he affirmed in a social media post in Hindi, further stressing the Modi government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border infrastructure.
The approved project marks a substantial investment towards modernizing infrastructure in Rajasthan and Punjab’s border areas, aligning with the government’s broader vision of inclusive and holistic development across the country.
Rs.17,000 Crore Sewerage Master Plan Set to Transform Hyderabad and Surrounding Areas.
Hyderabad, grappling with rapid urban expansion, is set to undergo a monumental overhaul of its sewerage system as the state government rolls out an ambitious Rs.17,212 crore comprehensive sewerage master plan (CSMP). The initiative aims not only to revamp existing infrastructure but also to extend the sewer network to encompass areas up to the outer ring road (ORR).
The CSMP outlines the construction of a vast sewer network spanning 4,378 km, covering peripheral circles and core city zones alike. Peripheral regions such as Uppal, Kapra, Malkajgiri, Alwal, Serilingampally, Rajendranagar, LB Nagar, Kukatpally, and Quthbullapur, which fall under various GHMC circles, are slated for development in three distinct packages totaling 2,231 km.
Within the core city area, the plan includes 424 km of sewerage network expansion, while urban local bodies (ULBs) within the ORR boundary will receive the remainder of the infrastructure upgrades. Officials emphasized the urgent need for an enhanced sewage collection system, citing deficiencies in the current setup originally installed by smaller municipalities. Upgrading lateral sewers, branch sewers, and trunk mains is crucial to redirect sewage flow away from nalas (drainage channels), officials stressed.
The project, budgeted at Rs.12,848 crore for construction, prioritizes establishing new sewage collection systems in underserved areas alongside refurbishing existing networks. Approximately 75% of the total project budget will be allocated to repairing and upgrading pipes, pumping stations, and related infrastructure.
The CSMP was formulated by Mumbai-based consultancy firm Shah Technical Consultants, renowned for its expertise in water and wastewater infrastructure. The firm previously contributed to master plans for water supply and sewerage in Chennai and numerous towns within the Mumbai Metropolitan region, underscoring its role in shaping sustainable urban development strategies.
Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) delineating the proposed sewer network for Hyderabad and its peripheries are integral components of the master plan, reflecting a concerted effort to modernize the city’s essential infrastructure and accommodate its burgeoning population growth.
Torrent Power Secures LoA from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company
Torrent Power Ltd has been awarded a letter of award from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) for a long-term supply of 2,000 Megawatts (MW) of energy storage capacity from its InSTS Connected Pumped Hydro Storage Plant. This 2,000 MW capacity includes 1,500 MW for which a Letter of Intent was previously issued by MSEDCL on September 17. With the recent allotment of an additional 500 MW, Torrent Power’s total capacity allocation now stands at 2,000 MW.
Under the agreement, MSEDCL will procure this energy storage capacity from Torrent Power’s InSTS Connected Pumped Hydro Storage for a period of 40 years. The company plans to supply the storage capacity from its upcoming pumped hydro storage plant being established in Maharashtra. According to the Energy Storage Facility Agreement (ESFA), Torrent Power will provide MSEDCL with a contracted capacity of 2,000 MW, capable of scheduled discharge for 8 hours each day, with a maximum continuous discharge of 5 hours. MSEDCL will supply the input energy needed for charging. With the increasing demand for energy storage solutions to accommodate the growing use of solar and wind energy, Torrent Power is committed to delivering reliable and dispatchable renewable energy. The company has identified potential Pumped Storage Project (PSP) sites in multiple states, in addition to Maharashtra, and aims to install approximately 5 to 8 GW of PSP capacity, with an estimated investment of Rs.25,000 to Rs.35,000 crore.
Kochi Metro Phase II Set to Begin Construction on Two More Stations
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) is gearing up to start construction on two additional Metro stations as part of Phase II of its expansion. The Revenue Department has issued notifications for land acquisition necessary to build the Chittethukara and Cochin SEZ Metro stations along the new Pink Line, which connects JLN Stadium with Kakkanad. The SEZ station will require 0.235 hectares of land, while 0.1810 hectares will be acquired for the Chittethukara station. Earlier, the government had granted permissive sanction to KMRL to begin construction of the Infopark station, with work already underway. The Pink Line project, encompassing a total of 11 stations, is budgeted at Rs.1,957.05 crore. KMRL has awarded the construction contract for the 11.2-km-long viaduct to Afcons, with a contract value of Rs.1,141.32 crore and a project duration of 20 months. Stations planned under the project include Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium, Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, Padamughal, Kakkanad Junction, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukara, Kinfra, and Infopark.
According to sources from KMRL, the Revenue authorities are in the process of completing formal acquisition procedures for the land needed for the Chittethukara and SEZ stations. The acquisition is being conducted under the provisions of the LARR Act, 2013, with the District Collector ensuring compliance with all relevant acts and rules, including the Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, Coastal Zone Regulation Act, and Environmental Act.
With an allocation of Rs.239 crore in the 2024-25 financial budget for Phase II, construction activities commenced two months ago, marking significant progress in Kochi’s metro expansion efforts.
Minister Inspects Proposed New Route to Kodaikanal
State Highways and Small Ports Minister E V Velu, accompanied by Food Minister R Sakkarapani and Palani MLA I P Senthilkumar, conducted a detailed assessment of a proposed new road to Kodaikanal aimed at alleviating traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons. The proposed seven-kilometer route would stretch from Vilpatti to Perumalmalai, serving as a crucial junction linking Palani and Batlagundu routes to Kodaikanal.
During the inspection, Minister Velu emphasized the need for more frequent repairs on ghat roads like those leading to Kodaikanal, proposing a maintenance schedule of once every three years instead of the current five-year cycle. He assured reporters that a detailed project report for the new route would be promptly prepared, with construction set to commence soon.
“The roads in the Cauvery delta and ghat sections often suffer from poor stability and require more frequent attention,” Minister Velu stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring road quality and holding officials accountable for maintenance lapses.
In a bid to enhance expertise, Minister Velu also announced plans to send highway officials for training abroad, particularly in countries like Australia, focusing on road stability techniques.
Following the inspection, Minister Velu and Minister Sakkarapani visited Kodaikanal GH to review ongoing construction work costing Rs.7.19 crore, underscoring the government’s efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure alongside transportation enhancements.
NHSRCL Invites Bids for Bullet Train Track Construction in Maharashtra
The National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) announced that it is inviting bids from eligible Indian and Japanese companies for the design, supply, and construction of tracks for the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project in Maharashtra. The planned bullet train track will span 314 km, with a route alignment of 157 km between the Bandra Kurla Complex station and Zaroli village, located on Maharashtra’s border with Gujarat.
The tender encompasses the design, supply, and construction of tracks and related works, including testing and commissioning for the double-line high-speed railway. Technical bids are set to be opened on February 3, 2025. According to the release, this will be the final track construction contract for the bullet train project and will also cover track works for four stations and a rolling stock depot in Thane. Construction on the tracks has already begun in Gujarat, where contracts have been awarded to Indian companies. The project will utilize a ballast-less slab track system, similar to that used in Japan’s High-Speed Rail (Shinkansen), and the Japan International Consultants Co. (JICC) is providing detailed designs and drawings for major track components.
Additionally, under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS), training, certification, and advisory services will be offered for the construction of the track works in the high-speed rail corridor.
The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs.1.08 lakh crore. The Central government is set to contribute Rs.10,000 crore to NHSRCL, while the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra will each pay Rs.5,000 crore. The remaining funding will be provided by Japan through a loan with an interest rate of 0.1%.
Bengaluru Metro to Launch Multimodal Connectivity Systems at 11 Phase-III Stations
The Bengaluru Metro is set to address a key commuter issue- the lack of designated parking for feeder buses-by introducing multimodal connectivity systems at 11 stations in Phase 3 of the Namma Metro project. These new systems aim to streamline travel, providing smoother transitions between different transport modes and improving last-mile connectivity.
Phase 3 of Namma Metro includes two major corridors: one linking JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura (32 km) with 22 stations, and another connecting Hosahalli to Kadabagere (13 km) with 9 stations. Of these, 11 stations will have dedicated spaces for feeder buses, offering passengers easy access to other transport options such as railway stations and future suburban rail networks, according to officials from the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). In addition, to enhance commuter safety and ease of movement, BMRCL plans to construct 8-foot overbridges (FOBs) at key junctions, including JP Nagar Junction, Kamakhya Junction, Mysore Road Station, and Hebbal Railway Station. These FOBs will help passengers safely cross busy roads near metro stations. To address the increasing demand for parking near metro stations, BMRCL has also drafted a new parking policy and is inviting public feedback. The policy aims to provide permanent parking solutions, focusing on metro terminals, interchange stations, and strategic locations near transport hubs. Proposed measures include multi-level parking solutions, partnerships with private entities for additional space, 24/7 security, CCTV surveillance, and transparent pricing. Citizens can submit their suggestions on the parking policy via email by October 18, as the metro system works to meet the growing needs of Bengaluru’s commuters, who currently number around 800,000 daily.
Delhi Government Issues Tenders for Maintenance of 74 Roads, 15 More to Follow
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi held a press conference recently to unveil the government’s plans for road repair and maintenance in the capital, aiming for a pothole-free Delhi.
“After Kejriwal ji was released on bail, we assessed the condition of Delhi PWD roads. He instructed me to prioritize repairs, and immediately, the PWD commenced work on the roads. In just a week, AAP MLAs inspected all PWD roads, leading to the issuance of tenders for 74 out of 89 roads, with tenders for the remaining 15 currently in progress,” she stated. Atishi’s remarks followed a review by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who accused the BJP of neglecting routine maintenance of PWD roads. “I conducted a review of the PWD roads with Atishi ji and wrote to her about the condition. I’m pleased that our MLAs and leaders have actively assessed the damage and identified necessary repairs,” Kejriwal remarked. Earlier, Atishi, along with other AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Minister Gopal Rai, inspected roads in the Okhla area as part of the government’s road assessment initiative. The Chief Minister announced that various AAP ministers have been assigned to oversee specific road sections across the city. Kejriwal had previously assured residents that work would resume following delays during his recent jail term, calling for a comprehensive city-wide road assessment and encouraging all legislators and ministers to partake in inspections.
Government Initiates Plans for New Bridge Construction in Kochi
The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister, P.A. Mohamed Riyas, announced in the assembly that the government has begun preliminary steps to construct two new bridges parallel to the first and third Goshree bridges in Kochi. This initiative follows a request from Vypeen MLA K.N. Unnikrishnan, who highlighted the escalating traffic issues in the area and the potential development of a coastal highway in Vypeen.
Minister Riyas confirmed that instructions have been issued to the PWD’s bridges wing to initiate investigative procedures for the construction of the Elamkunnapuzha-Pookkad bridge. In response to the MLA’s concerns, he also noted that an investigation estimate for a bridge connecting Kalamukku Junction to Vallarpadam, parallel to the third Goshree bridge, has been submitted to the finance department. “We will bring this to the finance minister’s attention to secure the necessary approval,” Riyas stated.
Additionally, to facilitate the construction of a parallel bridge to the first Goshree bridge, the minister revealed that a letter has been sent to the irrigation department to obtain the required vertical and horizontal clearances. The bridges department will prepare and submit an investigation estimate based on the feedback received. Currently, there is a bridge parallel to the second Goshree bridge. Riyas emphasized that the PWD chief engineer has been assigned the task of reviewing the procedures for all three bridge projects to ensure efficient progress.
Machilipatnam Port Set to be Completed by December 2025, Says AP Chief Minister
The construction of Machilipatnam port is set to be completed by December 2025, according to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the port works in Machilipatnam, Naidu emphasized that the port will be developed as a “Capital Port” to complement the new Greenfield capital, Amaravati, due to its proximity.
Located approximately 70 km from Vijayawada, Machilipatnam port, also known as Bandar Port, is conveniently connected to Vijayawada via an expressway. The Chief Minister noted that the port’s location will significantly benefit industries and attract prospective investors to the state.
Regarding the port’s capacity, Naidu stated that the current plan includes the development of four berths, which will be sufficient for initial operations, with the option to expand capacity as needed in the future. He pointed out that while construction commenced during the previous Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government from 2014 to 2019, the project had been stalled under the YSR Congress Party government, which lost its mandate in the recent elections.
The Greenfield port at Manginapudi, near Machilipatnam, is being developed on approximately 1,145 acres. It will feature a draft of 14.5 meters and is designed to accommodate vessels weighing around 60,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) during its initial phase.
The upcoming port has received environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and a special purpose vehicle, Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation Ltd, has been established for its development. Additionally, the Power Finance Corporation has approved a loan of Rs.4,500 crore for the project.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates Asia’s Longest Flyover in Nagpur
In a significant advancement for infrastructure, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently inaugurated Asia’s longest double-decker flyover, which also boasts the continent’s first four-tier structure. Located near Gaddigodam Gurudwara on National Highway, this engineering marvel integrates four distinct levels of transit: a Metro line at the top, a flyover below it, a railway track further down, and a road at the base—all at a single location.
The 5.6-kilometer Kamptee Road flyover, stretching from LIC Square to Automotive Square, was constructed by MahaMetro and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) at a cost of Rs.573 crore. This project surpasses the previous record held by Nagpur’s 3.14-kilometer Wardha Road flyover, establishing new benchmarks for double-decker flyover construction, particularly with its innovative four-tier configuration. Initiated in 2019, the project encountered various challenges, including the acquisition of private properties in the bustling Sadar area. Despite these hurdles, the flyover’s completion marks a significant milestone in urban transportation. During the inauguration, Gadkari emphasized the potential of adopting ultra-reinforced concrete technology, commonly used in Singapore and Malaysia, for future infrastructure projects. “I have proposed this technology to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has entrusted me with implementing it in Parliament’s Vista and upcoming Metro projects, potentially reducing construction costs by 20%,” he stated.
The flyover is set to drastically reduce travel time, enabling motorists to cover the 20 kilometers from Kamptee to Nagpur airport in just 20 minutes. Gadkari also noted the demand from Sadar residents for a dedicated entry to the flyover, with MahaMetro already working on a design. Additionally, the road beneath the flyover leading to Kamptee is scheduled for concrete reconstruction, funded by the Central Road Fund (CRF). The minister praised MahaMetro, NHAI, and local officials, including Collector Vipin Itankar and Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari, for their efforts in bringing this ambitious project to fruition. He highlighted that NHAI has invested between Rs.1,300 crore and Rs.1,400 crore in Nagpur’s three major flyovers—Kamptee Road, Wardha Road, and Pardi. Gadkari further commended Nagpur Metro for setting a new standard in Metro construction, achieving costs of Rs.350 crore per kilometer, significantly lower than in other Indian cities. He also announced plans to redevelop Gaddigodam Market to improve traffic flow in the area.
This flyover stands as a testament to modern engineering, seamlessly blending innovation and functionality to meet the growing demands of urban transit.
PM Modi Unveils Multiple Development Projects in Maharashtra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of initiatives totaling Rs.23,300 crore focused on the agriculture and animal husbandry sectors during an event in Washim, Maharashtra.
Among the key announcements was the release of the 18th installment of the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, amounting to approximately Rs.20,000 crore, which will benefit around 9.5 crore farmers. PM Modi emphasized the state government’s commitment to providing dual advantages to farmers.
He also highlighted the NaMo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana, which has extended financial assistance of about Rs.1,900 crore to roughly 90 lakh farmers in Maharashtra. During the event, the Prime Minister initiated the fifth installment of this scheme, totaling around Rs.2,000 crore. In addition, PM Modi inaugurated more than 7,500 projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), with a cumulative value exceeding Rs.1,920 crore. These projects include custom hiring centers, primary processing units, warehouses, sorting and grading units, cold storage initiatives, and post-harvest management facilities. Furthermore, 9,200 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) were launched, boasting a combined turnover of approximately Rs.1,300 crore. The Prime Minister also introduced innovative technologies such as the Unified Genomic Chip for cattle and indigenous sex-sorted semen technology. This initiative aims to enhance the availability of sex-sorted semen for farmers while reducing the cost by about Rs.200 per dose. Additionally, he inaugurated five solar parks with a total capacity of 19 MW across Maharashtra under the ‘Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0.’ During the program, PM Modi honored beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a financial assistance scheme for women implemented by the Maharashtra government.
Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Construction of 2.1 TMC Kikvi Dam
The Maharashtra cabinet approved the construction of the Kikvi dam at Brahmanwade village in Trimbakeshwar taluka, as announced by NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal. Once completed, the dam will store 2.1 TMC of water, addressing the drinking water needs of Nashik city residents.
Minister Bhujbal stated, “The state government has given its approval to start the construction of Kikvi dam,” emphasizing the project’s significance. The decision to build the new dam arises from the reduced storage capacity of the Gangapur dam, which has served as a major water source for the Nashik Municipal Corporation, hampered by continuous silt deposits.
The minister explained that desilting the Gangapur dam would be a massive undertaking. Instead, constructing the Kikvi dam was proposed to ensure a reliable water supply for Nashik’s growing population, projected to rise significantly by 2041.
The project has faced several challenges since it was initially sanctioned in 2009. Environmental clearance was obtained in 2014, but it was later contested in the high court over concerns that the water storage would exceed the total availability upstream of the Jayakwadi dam. In 2017, the Kikvi dam was incorporated into the Godavari water plan and received government approval. However, progress was halted due to a suspension of various water resource projects across the state. With the latest government approval, construction is set to commence. A senior official from the water resources department noted that the project requires a total of 738 hectares of land, with 174 hectares already allocated from the forest department as alternative land.
Originally estimated at Rs.283 crore in 2009, the project cost has surged to Rs.1,400 crore, with land acquisition expected to amount to Rs.662 crore and construction costs projected at Rs.738 crore.
Tamil Nadu CM Launches 19 Water Projects to Enhance State’s Water Supply
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently inaugurated 19 water management projects across eight districts in Tamil Nadu, enhancing the state’s water infrastructure. The projects, implemented by the Water Resources Department at a cost of Rs.89 crore, include three major check dams in Coimbatore and Tirupur districts, which were inaugurated via videoconferencing from Chennai, with Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan in attendance.
Key projects include two check dams across the Amaravathy River in Kavundayanvalasu and Mambadi-Punganthurai villages near Dharapuram, costing Rs.11.5 crore. In Coimbatore, a check dam was inaugurated across the Kothavadi stream in Vadakkipalayam near Pollachi. Other notable projects include check dams across Kudaganaru, Santhanavarthiniyaru, and Nanganchiyaru rivers in Dindigul, a barrage on the Palaru stream, and a new lake at Kasthurirangapuram near Thisayanvilai in Tirunelveli. Additionally, a check dam across Maruthayaru in Perambalur district and a new Water Resources Department office in Trichy were unveiled.
The state government is committed to rolling out several water manage
ment projects to support agriculture and provide drinking water, according to the Water Resources Department’s statement.
UP Allocates Rs.892.7 Crore to Resume Delayed Chilla Elevated Road Project
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a budget of Rs.892.7 crore to resume construction on the long-delayed Chilla elevated road project, which aims to connect Mayur Vihar in Delhi with the Mahamaya Flyover in Noida. This decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by the state’s infrastructure and industrial development commissioner. The allocated funds are slightly lower than the Rs.937.9 crore requested by the Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation Ltd (UPSBCL), the agency responsible for the project.
Initially conceived in 2012 to alleviate traffic congestion between Noida and Delhi, the construction of the 5.9-kilometre, six-lane elevated road has faced numerous setbacks, including financial delays, rerouting of pipelines, and complications from the Covid-19 pandemic, which halted work in March 2020. To date, only 13% of the project has been completed, with the Noida Authority disbursing Rs.79 crore.
MG Contractors, a company based in Panchkula, Haryana, was awarded the execution of the project in June of this year; however, the contractor is currently awaiting formal approval from the Noida Authority before beginning work.
The Chilla elevated road project received its first formal approval from the Delhi government in 2018, six years after its initial conception. Following this, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath laid the foundation stone in January 2019, and the Noida Authority provided initial funding to kick-start the project. Progress has been hindered by delays in releasing funds from the Public Works Department and the rerouting of a GAIL pipeline, a critical infrastructure hurdle.
Initially budgeted at Rs.605.3 crore, the cost-sharing agreement between the Noida Authority and the state government has been strained by rising costs and inflation. In October 2023, UPSBCL requested an updated budget of Rs.940 crore based on current market rates. While the government granted in-principle approval, only Rs.892.7 crore has been allocated.
A fresh tender process was initiated, with MG Contractors winning the contract by offering a price 7% lower than the tender estimate.
However, UPSBCL subsequently requested an additional Rs.153 crore to cover new costs, causing further delays in issuing the final work order.
At a meeting on August 27, it was decided that UPSBCL would not receive maintenance charges for the project. Instead, the Noida Authority will take over responsibility for maintaining the elevated road upon completion.
The Chilla elevated road is viewed as a crucial infrastructure project for improving traffic flow between Noida and Delhi.
In June 2022, the Uttar Pradesh state cabinet sanctioned Rs.787 crore for the project, to be shared equally with the Noida Authority. However, the tender process needed revisiting due to market fluctuations and rising costs.
On September 19, the Uttar Pradesh government instructed the Noida Authority to expedite the construction process. Once completed, the elevated road is expected to be a vital connector for thousands of commuters, easing congestion and reducing travel times between Noida and Delhi.
