The Gelephu Mindfulness City project in Bhutan, championed by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, promises to redefine regional connectivity and development, with Assam playing a pivotal role. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced plans for a six-lane highway and a railway connecting Bongaigaon and Gelephu, enhancing bilateral trade and tourism. Additionally, Bhutan's proposal to share water resources with Assam for irrigation and renewable energy marks a step towards sustainable growth. The collaboration aims to position Assam as an investment hub complementing Gelephu's luxury-centric vision, fostering long-term economic synergies between the two regions.Read more

Chhattisgarh is establishing a 141.84-acre pharmaceutical park in Naya Raipur's Sector-22, aiming to position itself as a central hub for pharmaceutical innovation and investment. Spearheaded by the Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC), the park will feature advanced infrastructure, including a flatted factory complex and a CETP. Supported by the 2024-30 industrial policy, incentives include SGST reimbursements, grants up to INR 300 crore, and tax exemptions. The park aligns with state healthcare initiatives like the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Ayushman Health Scheme, bolstering local employment and production of essential medicines, while attracting domestic and international investors.Read more

State-owned NBCC has secured contracts worth INR 368.75 crore for various projects. A INR 300-crore order involves developing the Jawaharlal Nehru Commercial Complex in Varanasi on a self-sustainable model. Additionally, NBCC received a INR 24.38-crore contract for constructing the Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at IIT Roorkee, including internal systems like firefighting, lifts, and CCTV. Another INR 44.37-crore project from Power Grid Corporation entails building a 500-bed multi-storey Vishram Sadan at AIIMS Gorakhpur. Operating in PMC, EPC, and real estate, NBCC highlighted these orders as part of its regular business operations.Read more

The central government has paused the Global City project in Ayyampuzha, part of the Kochi-Bangalore Industrial Corridor, citing a shift from its industrial focus to residential and real estate developments. Initially designed to complement the Industrial Manufacturing Cluster in Palakkad, the project envisioned IT hubs, financial institutions, and a tourism hub. Despite HUDCO's funding interest and land acquisition progress, concerns over its deviation from industrial goals stalled its approval. The state and central governments must collaborate to realign the project with KBIC's objectives, ensuring its industrial and economic potential is realized. Local demands for state intervention are growing.Read more

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is spearheading efforts to revitalise the Chennai Outer Ring Road (CORR) by initiating e-auctions of land parcels along the 62-km stretch. This project aims to convert the corridor into an economic powerhouse with industrial zones, urban forests, premium housing, and logistics hubs. Drawing lessons from successful corridor developments like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, the plan integrates modern infrastructure and sustainability. Strategic connectivity through metro expansions and a comprehensive flood management system underscores the project's long-term vision. If executed well, CORR could redefine Chennai's urban and economic landscape.Read more

Bayview Projects, supported by filmmaker Boney Kapoor and Bhutani Infra, has submitted the master plan for the first phase of Noida International Film City. The project, located in Sector 21 along the Yamuna Expressway, is being developed in a public-private partnership on a 1,000-acre site, with 230 acres earmarked for the initial phase. Kapoor emphasised its potential to transform India's filmmaking industry by providing state-of-the-art facilities, including virtual studios, underwater filming capabilities, and a dedicated film university. Targeted for completion within three years of approval, the film city aims to attract global talent and position Noida as a leading international filmmaking destination.Read more

The Haryana cabinet, led by CM Nayab Singh Saini, has reclassified Pataudi-Hailey Mandi and Farrukhnagar from 'low' to 'medium potential' zones under the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Rules, 1976. This strategic move aims to spur economic growth and increase state revenue via higher development and license fees. While developers see this as an opportunity for modern projects and infrastructure improvement, residents express concerns about rising property costs and sustainability. Strategically located near Gurugram and key expressways, the zones are poised for growth, but balancing rapid urbanization with existing community needs remains a critical challenge.Read more

Mumbai is preparing to open its first elevated forest walkway by New Year, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) overseeing the project. The 482-metre trail, situated on Malabar Hill, offers stunning views of the city and Girgaon Chowpatty. Despite challenges like protecting trees, difficult terrain, and limited working hours, over 90 per cent of the construction has been completed. The walkway, designed to minimise disruption to the environment, has been built with minimal concrete and includes special measures to protect British-era pipelines beneath it. The final phase is expected to be completed by the end of January.Read more

Sri City, an integrated business hub in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district, is set to expand with an additional 2,000 acres allocated by the state government. Since its establishment in 2008, the industrial area has grown to host 220 companies from 30 countries, achieving USD 4 billion in exports and USD 4.5 billion in investments. With 95% of its 62,000 workforce from nearby villages, Sri City exemplifies community-focused industrial development. The expansion aligns with the government's goal of creating 20 lakh jobs over five years by fostering investments and industrial growth, solidifying Sri City's status as a model industrial hub in Asia.Read more

India's Union Tourism Ministry recently announced that 76 projects have been sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with a total allocation of INR 5,287.9 crore, out of which 75 projects are now physically complete. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme, aimed at the development of theme-based tourist circuits, was revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for the creation of sustainable tourist destinations. Additionally, under the PRASHAD Scheme, 48 projects worth INR 1,646.99 crore are in development, and 40 projects have been approved under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. As a result, India has seen a significant rise in international tourist arrivals and foreign exchange earnings in 2023.Read more