Maharashtra is undertaking a major initiative to reduce traffic congestion in Mumbai by creating an extensive underground tunnel network called 'Paatal Lok.' The tunnels, designed to run parallel to existing roads, will complement Metro expansions and coastal road projects, improving east-west and north-south connectivity. Key projects include tunnels linking Thane-Borivali, Mulund-Goregaon, Atal Setu-Girgaon Chowpatty, and Bandra-Bandra Kurla Complex. Additionally, the Mumbai One app now offers a common ticketing system for multiple transport modes while keeping second-class suburban train fares unchanged.Read more

South Central Railway (SCR) is working on a long-term plan to expand Hyderabad's rail network by building three major terminals at Nagalapalli, Jukal and Dabilpur. These terminals are linked to the Regional Ring Rail (RRR) project, estimated at INR 26,000 crore and planned to run around 392-420 km while connecting several surrounding districts. The upcoming facilities are intended to ease pressure on busy stations like Secunderabad, Kacheguda and Hyderabad. They will also support future passenger growth, long-distance travel and expanded MMTS services in the region.Read more

The Indian Railways has projected that e-ticketing will make up 89 % of all reserved bookings in FY26, continuing the steady digital shift seen over the last decade. The share stood at 86 % in FY25 and 81 % in FY23, while in 2014-15 it was 54 %. The railways said its systems handled record booking loads in March and that mobile apps accounted for more than half of all e-tickets in FY25. Recent measures include the launch of the RailOne app and the ongoing upgrade of the Passenger Reservation System, expected to finish by December 2025.Read more

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is set to introduce an online system that will monitor airport projects in real time through CCTV feeds, drone visuals, videos and other digital inputs. The system, which has been in development for about a year, is expected to launch in the coming weeks and is aimed at improving oversight and reducing delays. AAI currently has around 25 projects underway, each costing between INR 200 crore and INR 500 crore. AAI and its PPP partners together have recorded capex of more than INR 96,000 crore since 2019-20.Read more

Noida International Airport (Jewar) is on the verge of beginning operations later this year, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Uttar Pradesh's civil aviation department set for a critical readiness review. After successful calibration tests of navigation, communication, and surveillance systems, the airport is awaiting its aerodrome licence. Its security infrastructure has already been cleared, and system-wide trials under the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme are underway. Once approved, commercial domestic and cargo flights will launch, marking a major milestone for the infrastructure project.Read more

Air India Express will start flight operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport from December 25, with the first service to Bengaluru. The airline will operate daily flights to Bengaluru and five weekly flights to New Delhi, both of which are among its strongest domestic hubs. It also plans to double frequencies on these routes from January 2026. This expansion aligns with the carrier's recent network additions from Bengaluru to several domestic and international destinations. The move is expected to support the new airport's initial traffic growth and improve regional connectivity.Read more

The Maharashtra government has approved an allocation of INR 290 crore to expand Kolhapur Airport. The funds will be used to acquire about 30.25 hectares of land � both to extend the runway and to divert the Kolhapur-Hupari state highway. A portion of the funding is earmarked for rehabilitating a nearby residential colony. The runway is planned to be extended from its current length to 2,300 metres, with a long-term goal of reaching 3,000 metres, enabling the airport to accommodate larger aircraft.Read more

Nashik's Ozar Airport is set for a major INR 556 crore expansion in preparation for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, scheduled from October 2026 to July 2028. The project includes constructing a new integrated terminal building, which will raise the airport's passenger capacity from 300 to 1,000 per hour. The Maharashtra government will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to execute the work, which the divisional commissioner has directed to be completed by March 2027. Ancillary facilities will also be upgraded to handle increased traffic.Read more

The Vidyavihar East-West connector, expected to ease travel between Ghatkopar, Kurla, and Vidyavihar, has been delayed once again due to unresolved rehabilitation work on the western side. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation shifted the deadline from the earlier target to June 2026, marking the project's third extension. Cost estimates have risen sharply to nearly INR 179 crore from the original INR 99.98 crore, mainly because of prolonged demolition work and necessary design changes. Although rehabilitation hurdles have reportedly been resolved, only a fraction of the required structures on the western side have been cleared so far.Read more

Western Railway has decided that trains on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad-New Delhi corridor will move to 160 kmph only after the Kavach anti-collision system is fully installed across the entire route. The railway ministry remains cautious about allowing higher speeds without full technological protection in place. Although track upgrades for 160 kmph operations are already in advanced stages, the clearance will be issued only once Kavach is activated end-to-end. Officials said the system is essential to minimise human error, especially on long high-density routes where visibility and signalling conditions can vary.Read more