The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sanctioned a project valued at INR 62 crore to construct a state-of-the-art tunnel aquarium at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo in Byculla. The contract has been awarded to M/S Marine Aqua Zoo, known for its expertise in marine-themed projects. The 14,000 sq ft structure will feature a walk-through tunnel and multiple thematic tanks, showcasing over 200 marine species. Expected to be completed by early 2027, the project is part of BMC's broader strategy to revitalise the 160-year-old zoo, attracting more visitors, particularly children and tourists.Read more

The Adani Group has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) to jointly develop hydropower projects totalling 5,000 MW in the neighbouring country. The agreement was signed in Thimphu by senior officials from both entities in the presence of Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and other dignitaries. This partnership builds on the existing Wangchhu Hydropower Project, where DGPC holds a majority 51 per cent stake and Adani owns 49 per cent. The initiative will encompass additional hydropower and pumped storage projects to be implemented in phases.Read more

A 57 km road project connecting Campbell Bay to Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar, part of a larger INR 72,000 crore Holistic Development Plan, has gained momentum under ANIIDCO. While aimed at transforming the region into a strategic economic hub with a port, airport, and township, it has sparked concern among tribal rights activists and environmentalists. The Ministry of Environment has mandated a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) focusing on the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes, despite assurances that no settlements will be directly affected. Drawing parallels with the Andaman Trunk Road, experts warn of potential socio-cultural disruption and ecological risks.Read more

After enduring seven years of partial closures, delays, and detours, commuters in Mumbai can now access the fully reopened Gokhale Bridge in Andheri, marking a crucial step in restoring the east-west corridor. The INR 90 crore reconstruction project, which faced repeated setbacks due to coordination challenges between the BMC and Western Railways, has now been completed with two operational lanes in each direction. Civic engineers and local groups have expressed relief at the long-awaited reopening.Read more

The Uttar Pradesh government has acquired around 13,500 acres over the past 11 months for a new industrial city under the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA), bringing total acquired land to 17,840 acres of the planned 35,300-acre project. Located between Jhansi and Kanpur, the initiative marks UP's second major industrial city after NOIDA and aims to boost regional development and employment. Overseen directly by the Chief Minister, the project is expected to support the state's defence corridor and catalyze economic growth. Infrastructure upgrades are underway to support industrial activity, positioning Bundelkhand as a key destination for domestic and global investments.Read more

Jindal Stainless Ltd (JSL), India's largest stainless-steel manufacturer, is in discussions with the Maharashtra government to acquire land for a proposed INR 40,000 crore stainless steel manufacturing facility. The company, which currently operates plants in Hisar and Jajpur, aims to increase its capacity to 4.2 million tonnes per annum by FY27. The proposed project, scheduled to be completed over the next decade, is expected to generate over 15,000 jobs. Maharashtra's government has pledged to facilitate the required approvals and fiscal incentives to support the project.Read more

The Indian government has granted a Letter of Intent to SpaceX's satellite internet service, Starlink, to provide satellite communication services in the country, according to sources. The move follows the issuance of similar licences to Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications. Starlink, which employs low earth orbit (LEO) satellites positioned 550 km above the earth, aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, and video calls. With over 7,000 LEO satellites currently operational and plans to expand the constellation to over 40,000, Starlink is poised to revolutionise satellite-based internet services worldwide.Read more

The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated 50 acres of land in Amaravati for the establishment of a quantum computing centre, marking a significant step in the state's technological advancement. The project, named the Quantum Valley, is set to be the largest of its kind in India. Key industry leaders, including IBM, TCS, and L&T, have partnered in this initiative. The centre is slated for completion by January 2026, with the aim of positioning Amaravati as a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation.Read more

The Maharashtra government has approved an extensive development package worth INR 4,820 crore to upgrade major religious sites across the state. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Tourism, will include infrastructural enhancements at well-known temples such as the Tuljabhavani Temple in Osmanabad and the Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi. The plan aims to improve facilities and boost tourism, with the announcement made soon after a state delegation visited Ayodhya to study the Uttar Pradesh temple tourism model. The decision also appears aligned with the upcoming Kumbh Mela preparations in Nashik.Read more

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently has emphasised the vital role of infrastructure in bolstering India's economic strength. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has decided to convert 25,000-30,000 km of two-lane highways into four-lane roads, with an estimated investment of INR 10 lakh crore. To fund these projects, Gadkari mentioned that the government would encourage the Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) model to attract investments from domestic sources. He also outlined plans to revise the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model and implement toll systems for long-term highway maintenance. Gadkari highlighted his ambition to complete INR 5-6 lakh crore worth of road projects annually.Read more