The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to dismantle the promenade built along Aksa beach in Malad West, citing violation of coastal regulation zone (CRZ) norms. The structure, built in 2023 at a cost of INR 11.83 crore, was constructed despite earlier rejections and conditional approvals by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). Activists flagged that the walkway was obstructing tidal flows and natural sediment deposits, causing erosion and damage to the beach.Read more

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the final stretch of Mumbai's underground Metro Line 3 from Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli to Cuffe Parade on September 30. On the same day, he will also launch the Navi Mumbai International Airport, a key project aimed at reducing the load on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Metro Line 3, spread across 33.5 km with 27 stations, is the city's first fully underground corridor and a long-delayed project. With its completion, south Mumbai's business hubs will be directly connected to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and other suburbs, cutting travel time, easing congestion, and offering a faster, cleaner transport option for lakhs of commuters.Read more

India has lowered GST on renewable energy equipment from 12 percent to 5 percent, a step expected to reduce project costs and free up investment worth INR 1-1.5 lakh crore for adding the remaining 300 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. With 193 GW already installed, including 123 GW solar and 53 GW wind, the reform will make utility-scale and rooftop solar projects more affordable, benefit farmers under PM-KUSUM, and reduce procurement costs for DISCOMs. The policy is also expected to create jobs, support domestic manufacturing, and cut CO2 emissions significantly.Read more

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently reviewed key development projects in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the need to speed up initiatives in infrastructure, health, education, and public facilities. He set timelines for important projects, including the Gwalior Elevated Road, railway station renovation, and Agra-Gwalior Expressway. Scindia also acknowledged the efforts of various central and state ministers in driving these projects. The review emphasized coordinated work between the central and state governments to transform Gwalior into a modern, well-planned city while maintaining high standards of quality.Read more

On the occasion of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 75th birthday, Varanasi saw the launch and foundation-laying of development projects worth INR 111 crore. The projects, announced by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation, include road repairs, drainage improvements, restoration of 75 traditional wells, construction of a shelter home, and initiatives for animal welfare. Cultural programs, including performances by renowned folk artists, and religious ceremonies were part of the celebrations. The BJP government also started a fortnight-long civic service drive, aiming to enhance cleanliness and public welfare across the city.Read more

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has announced a plan to invest INR 30,000 crore over the next two years, primarily focusing on Mundra, Dhamra, and Vizhinjam ports. The investment will be directed towards port and terminal expansions, logistics, renewable energy, and marine services. APSEZ aims to achieve a cargo handling capacity of one billion tonnes annually by 2030, with 850 million tonnes from domestic ports and around 140-150 million tonnes from international assets. The company currently holds a 27% share of India's cargo handling capacity.Read more

Union Minister Shri Ajay Tamta visited Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh to review the construction of the four-lane road at Nauni Junction. He checked progress at Nauni Chowk Junction, assessed land acquisition, and discussed the difficulties raised by local residents. The minister took note of the road damage caused by recent heavy rains and instructed officials to carry out immediate repairs, especially on sections connecting to Shimla. Senior district officials and the National Highways Authority of India briefed him on technical details and local challenges linked to the project.Read more

The Goa government has approved a plan to redevelop the Mapusa bus stand through a public-private partnership at an estimated cost of about INR 192 crore. Spanning over 27,000 square metres, the project will include more than 700 parking slots, air-conditioned waiting lounges with WiFi, automatic ticket machines, restaurants and other passenger amenities. The development will follow a design-build-finance-operate-transfer model with phased timelines for core transport and commercial components.Read more

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has signed a key agreement with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to execute track works for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. This contract covers the design, supply, construction, testing, and commissioning of a 157 km section from Mumbai to Zaroli village, including four stations and a rolling stock depot at Thane. Progress in Maharashtra is advancing with elevated viaducts, pre-stressed concrete box girders, tunnels, and steel bridges, reflecting coordinated efforts to meet the project's ambitious timelines.Read more

Insolation Energy has won multiple solar projects totaling 226.45 MW under the PM-KUSUM scheme, involving an investment of INR 750 crore. Its subsidiary, Insolation Green Energy Pvt Ltd, secured orders from Jaipur and Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam. The projects, scheduled to be completed by 2026-27, have varying levelized tariffs from INR 2.60 to INR 3.04 per unit. Under PM-KUSUM, the government aims to expand solar capacity across India through small power plants and solarisation of agriculture pumps, with financial support extended due to pandemic-related delays.Read more

Goa has inaugurated its first hazardous waste treatment plant at Pissurlem in Sattari, developed at a cost of INR 125 crore by Ponda Envocare Limited. The facility can handle 25,000 metric tonnes annually of landfillable and co-processing waste, plus 14,000 tonnes of incinerable waste, using a rotary kiln incinerator with real-time emission monitoring. Designed to prevent soil and water contamination, it integrates landfill, incineration and pre-processing units for safe disposal. Nearly 80% of the workforce are local residents employed across operations, labs, and administration, creating jobs and technical expertise. The plant marks a significant step in sustainable waste management and environmental protection in Goa.Read more

The US government is working on a wide-ranging plan to counter China's growing hold over global port assets. The strategy includes supporting Western companies to acquire Chinese stakes, reviewing key maritime chokepoints, reviving US shipbuilding, and tightening controls on vessels linked to China. Major Chinese state-owned enterprises such as COSCO, China Merchants, and SIPG already own or manage significant port infrastructure worldwide, including Greece's Piraeus Port. Washington has expressed concern about the security and supply chain risks of this dominance and is looking for ways to strengthen its maritime position.Read more

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear over two dozen review petitions challenging its May verdict that barred retrospective environmental clearances for projects violating environmental laws. Several firms, including public sector entities like Steel Authority of India Ltd, have requested clarifications or modifications. The court has scheduled the hearing for October 7. The May ruling highlighted the constitutional obligation of both the government and citizens to protect the environment and emphasized the right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere under Article 21.Read more

The Indian government is planning a INR 5,000 crore scheme to promote sustainable practices in the steel sector. Targeting both primary and secondary steel makers, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by incentivizing the adoption of cleaner technologies and alternative materials. Companies will be rewarded based on the reduction in emissions compared to previous years. This step aligns with India's commitment to the Paris Agreement and its net-zero ambitions. The domestic steel industry, which contributes 12 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions, stands to be a major focus of decarbonisation efforts.Read more

Land acquisition for Bhopal Metro's Orange Line is gaining pace as more landowners opt for the Mutual Purchase Policy under Madhya Pradesh's Aapsi Kharid Niti - 2014. So far, 40 property owners have consented, ensuring compensation within two months and avoiding lengthy acquisition disputes. Owners of structures will be reimbursed for buildings, while landholders will receive double the collectorate rate. In areas where consent hasn't been given, acquisition is moving forward through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, with objection periods now closing. With three acquisition notifications issued and final surveys planned, the project is advancing smoothly, signalling reduced resistance and steady progress for metro development.Read more

Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari stated that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to use all municipal solid waste from across the country in road construction by 2027. NHAI has already utilized 8 million tonnes of waste from Delhi and Ahmedabad in roads, demonstrating its potential to improve durability and sustainability. This initiative aims to address waste management challenges, reduce environmental impact, and promote long-lasting road infrastructure. The government sees this as a step toward greener and more resilient highways nationwide.Read more

China's first provincial solar auction under a new pricing mechanism has drawn attention after bids in Shandong settled at 225 yuan (USD 31.58) per MWh, levels that analysts say may challenge project viability. The new system replaces guaranteed coal-linked returns with competitive bidding, raising concerns for developers in provinces with weaker power demand. Analysts believe while coastal provinces may still attract new investments, oversupply in regions like Shandong highlights risks for returns despite government efforts to introduce market-driven pricing.Read more

India has rolled out its first national geothermal energy policy to boost clean power generation from underground heat sources. The move opens doors for oil, gas and mineral companies to form joint ventures with renewable developers. With 381 hot springs and 10 geothermal provinces identified, states like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat are set to lead initial projects. Global leaders such as the US, Indonesia and the Philippines have already established capacity, and companies in sectors like AI are also exploring geothermal for low-carbon electricity. Indian firms including ONGC have earlier piloted geothermal studies in Ladakh.Read more

Jaipur's Urban Development Department has released a draft policy proposing Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zones around transit hubs to encourage mixed-use growth, curb private vehicle dependence, reduce congestion and improve environmental outcomes. The framework designates land within 800 metres of metro, railway and regional stations as TOD zones, with a defined 'Intense Development Area' closer to stations. It lays down rules on road width, land use mix and criteria for landowners contributing land under the scheme, while also seeking public feedback on the proposal.Read more

India is setting its sights on emerging as a major global shipbuilding hub by 2047. The government plans to lift the country's share in the global shipbuilding market, currently less than 1%, and position India among the top five maritime nations. This initiative involves establishing large-scale shipbuilding clusters in multiple states, upgrading infrastructure, and entering partnerships with international firms. Policy reforms and financial support through the Maritime Development Fund are key elements of the plan. The strategy is expected to create significant employment and strengthen India's role in global trade.Read more