PWD Minister Parvesh Verma conducted a thorough inspection of several ongoing road and drainage projects in Outer and Dehat Delhi, covering areas like Dhaula Kuan, Najafgarh, Nangloi, Mundka, Karala, and Mangolpur. The review focused on improving connectivity and drainage systems, addressing longstanding infrastructure gaps. Key projects include the transfer of Mundka Road to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the construction of new drainage corridors. The inspection also highlighted work on critical stretches such as Nangloi-Najafgarh Road, Rohtak Road, and Karala-Kanjhawala Road.Read more

Ashok Leyland announced earlier this week that it has secured an order from Tamil Nadu State Transport Undertakings (TNSTU) for nearly two thousand buses. The company, which has already supplied over twenty-one thousand buses to TNSTU, stated that the new order will include a mix of fully built and chassis configurations catering to town, mofussil, and SETC operations. Each bus will be built on the latest AIS 153-compliant chassis platform, adhering to updated Indian safety and performance norms.Read more

Earlier this month, the Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) approved a significant sewage infrastructure project in Behrampur valued at INR 191 crore. The initiative will introduce a 100 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) alongside a 400 MLD main pumping station, in response to mounting waste load from newly developed sectors. Existing sewer lines have partly been laid, with the remainder to be completed soon. The project also includes efforts to upgrade water treatment standards and reduce environmental hazards linked to untreated discharge.Read more

Kerala's Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, confirmed that Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) will manage the metro rail projects in Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram. In Thiruvananthapuram, preliminary work has commenced with the construction of the Sreekaryam flyover. KMRL has submitted multiple alignment options, and a secretary-level committee will select the most efficient route. In Kozhikode, the project remains in the planning phase, awaiting the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) as per national guidelines. Additionally, the second phase of the Kochi Metro, extending 11.2 km from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Kakkanad Infopark via Smart City, is progressing, with no current plans for further expansion.Read more

NTPC has signed an MoU with the Gujarat government to explore and develop energy projects in both conventional and renewable sectors. The agreement, signed during the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, will focus on thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power initiatives. NTPC, which supplies nearly one-fourth of India's electricity, has an installed capacity of over 83 GW and 30.9 GW under construction. The company aims to achieve 60 GW of renewable capacity by 2032 and has expanded into electric mobility, battery storage, pumped hydro, waste-to-energy, nuclear, and green hydrogen solutions, supporting sustainable energy growth.Read more

Nitish Kukreja, Director at Outlook Designheed

Real estate is shifting from a focus on property features and location to prioritizing human experience. Design thinking enables architects to understand how people interact with spaces, creating homes, offices, and commercial areas that are more flexible, collaborative, and user-friendly. Smart systems, sustainability measures, and technology integration further enhance comfort, efficiency, and environmental resilience. Iterative processes, client input, and real-world observation ensure properties meet actual needs, not just aesthetic goals. This approach is redefining urban spaces, increasing value, and promoting healthier, more productive communities.Read more

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has rolled out free Wi-Fi services at all stations on Metro Line 3, responding to commuter concerns over weak mobile connectivity in underground sections. The service allows passengers to access the MetroConnect3 app for digital ticket booking directly from the concourse level of each station. MMRC expects this initiative to reduce waiting time, improve convenience, and enhance the overall travel experience, while further promoting the use of digital services among commuters.Read more

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah recently inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects worth INR 1,816 crore aimed at rejuvenating the Yamuna River in Delhi. The initiatives focus on reducing pollution through upgraded sewage treatment plants and sewer lines across 22 major drains. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the collaboration between the Centre and the state government and urged citizens to actively participate in maintaining the river's cleanliness. The projects form part of ongoing efforts to restore the Yamuna's health and improve water quality in the capital.Read more

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) carried out a demolition drive in the Belapur division after property owners ignored prior notices regarding unauthorised construction. Acting under the orders of the Additional District Court and following the directives of Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, the Encroachment Department, led by Additional Commissioner Dr Rahul Gethe and Deputy Commissioner Dr Kailas Gaikwad, executed the clearance operation with the support of civic and police personnel.Read more

The Jharkhand Urban Development Department has established multiple expert teams to assess and improve urban infrastructure across the state. These teams, guided by Principal Secretary Sunil Kumar, include engineers from the Urban Development and Housing Department, Road Construction Department, and JUIDCO. They will inspect existing facilities, evaluate road networks, intersections, and greenery, and prepare proposals for roads, flyovers, underbridges, and footpaths. The initiative aligns with Chief Minister Hemant Soren's vision to strengthen sustainable urban growth and position Jharkhand as a leading state in modern urban development.Read more

Following a recent peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the organization's commitment to assist in rebuilding football infrastructure in Gaza as part of broader post-war reconstruction efforts. This initiative includes restoring facilities destroyed during the conflict, launching a fund for new pitches and youth programs, and collaborating with the Palestinian Football Association to create opportunities for children through the game. FIFA aims to contribute mini-pitches and "FIFA Arenas" and invites other partners to join the effort.Read more

Bhavesh Shah, Joint Managing Director, Today Group

Navi Mumbai is steadily redefining its economic landscape, with the Panvel-Kharghar corridor emerging as the city's new central business district. The inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), along with game-changing infrastructure such as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and the proposed International Corporate Park in Kharghar, has transformed this once-peripheral zone into a major commercial and residential hub. Supported by strategic government planning, improved connectivity, and sustainable urban development, the region is poised to rival traditional Mumbai business districts like Bandra-Kurla Complex and Andheri.Read more

The construction of a new fishing harbour at Vizhinjam is scheduled to begin in November, running alongside the ongoing expansion of Vizhinjam International Seaport. The total project cost is INR 271 crore and is divided into two packages. Package 1, handled by Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd (AVPPL), includes a 235-meter breakwater, a 500-meter fishery berth, and other related facilities. Package 2, managed by the Harbour Engineering Department (HED), involves a 250-meter angled seaward breakwater. The project addresses the concerns of local fishermen and will provide modern amenities for traditional fishing vessels.Read more

The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the allocation of 6,000 acres near Ramayyapatnam Port in Nellore district to BPCL for establishing a 9-12 MMTPA greenfield refinery cum petrochemical complex. The project, with an estimated investment of around INR 1 lakh crore, will receive significant state incentives, including capital subsidies, GST refunds, and stamp duty waivers. BPCL plans phased investments over several years, with employment opportunities during construction and operational stages. The refinery's total power requirement is projected at 600 MW, combining in-house generation and state grid supply.Read more

Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) is set to restore 75 indoor and outdoor smart digital kiosks that have become non-functional due to insufficient maintenance. Installed across key locations, these kiosks provide services such as online tax payments, ticket booking, building approvals, and marriage certificate applications, along with internet browsing, charging facilities, and SOS services. Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra confirmed that repair work will begin soon to revive the kiosks and improve access to essential services for residents, addressing concerns over taxpayer money.Read more

Jakson Green and Blueleaf Energy have finalized the financial closure for their 840 MWp solar projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan, completing funding for the 1 GWp Rajasthan Solar Portfolio. The portfolio includes 280 MWp and 560 MWp ground-mounted plants, backed by 25-year power purchase agreements with SECI and NHPC. Funded through Axis Bank, the projects are ready to start construction and will join the ongoing 140 MWp Bhawad Solar Project. Once operational, the Bikaner plants are expected to supply electricity to over 1.5 million households, supporting India's renewable energy goals and the partners' target of adding more than 5 GW to the grid by 2030.Read more

Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has inaugurated an urban forest at the Uttan solid waste management site, planting 8,600 native trees using the Japanese Miyawaki method. This forms part of a larger plan to plant 50,000 trees city-wide, aimed at reducing air pollution, controlling foul odours, and improving green cover. The initiative focuses on close collaboration between public, private, and government sectors to ensure proper care, preservation, and sustainability. The project demonstrates a strong step toward environmental improvement and urban biodiversity enhancement.Read more

The second phase of the Vazhayila-Nedumangad road project, covering a 4-km stretch from Keltron Junction at Karakulam to Valicode, is set to begin shortly. Nearly 90% of land acquisition for this section has been completed, with most affected landowners already compensated. Funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and executed by the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), the project aims to ease congestion, improve safety, and enhance connectivity along the Thiruvananthapuram-Tenkasi corridor. The upgraded 12-km corridor will significantly reduce travel time, support goods movement, and strengthen public transport links in the region.Read more

A Smart City road in Thiruvananthapuram, built at a cost of INR 33.02 crore, had to be excavated shortly after completion due to a serious sewage line leak beneath the surface. Residents noticed foul smell and water seepage along the Killippalam-Attakulangara stretch, prompting inspection. Though the road was designed with underground utility ducts, the old sewage pipeline required direct access for repairs. Authorities, including Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) and Kerala Water Authority (KWA), are coordinating to repair the damage quickly, highlighting ongoing challenges in planning and coordination among city agencies.Read more

Gurgaon Metro Rail Limited (GMRL) has approved a 1.8 km metro spur line connecting the upcoming metro corridor directly to the Gurgaon railway station. This move aims to strengthen last-mile connectivity and reduce dependence on road transport for commuters. The project, estimated at INR 454 crore, was not part of the original plan but was recommended after a feasibility study. GMRL has also sanctioned 24 additional metro coaches and a separate depot to support the expanded network and rising ridership efficiently.Read more