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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stationed a team of 10 personnel, including labourers and staff from the Licence Department, at Shahu Nagar Police Station to remove hawkers and improve traffic flow in Dharavi and Sion West. The decision follows a police request amid congestion caused by the closure of Sion bridge. Residents complain that the bridge closure has significantly increased travel time, with hawkers and haphazardly parked vehicles worsening congestion.
Residents of Andheri are preparing for increased traffic disruptions as the final phase of Gokhale Bridge construction progresses. The BMC is concreting the previously tarred approach road before the bridge fully opens in May 2025. From April 1 to May 15, traffic diversions have been implemented, restricting entry at key junctions, including Gold Spot Junction and Telly Gully Bridge. Motorists will need to use alternative routes, which locals fear may not efficiently handle peak-hour congestion.
The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has approved the implementation of metro rail projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada using an EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) model. This decision aims to save INR 20 crore per project by avoiding interim consultants and leveraging experienced retired officials. The board has also authorized the process for selecting general consultants, in line with multilateral funding agency requirements. The Metro Corporation's regional office will also be relocated to new premises in Visakhapatnam by May 2025.
The construction of the new High Court building at Bandra East progressed significantly with the relocation of slum dwellers from Gautam Nagar, facilitated by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). The 2.25-acre slum site is part of a larger 30-acre plot earmarked for the project. Under CEO Dr. Mahendra Kalyankar's leadership, SRA held multiple consultations, offering nearby Bandra East housing to 138 families. On March 26, 2025, 96 tenements were allotted via a transparent lottery, with provisions for shopkeepers and vulnerable residents. The relocation, set to conclude by April 10, was widely praised for its fairness, sensitivity, and efficiency, demonstrating strong coordination between PWD, SRA, and the community.Read more
The Maharashtra government is set to introduce a new policy aimed at encouraging the construction of iconic buildings in Mumbai. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde announced the initiative in the legislative council, highlighting that historic structures from the British era have shaped Mumbai's identity. The proposed policy is expected to not only facilitate such constructions but also boost tourism. To address restrictions under existing development control rules, Shinde has directed the civic body to make necessary amendments under the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act, Section 37 (1).
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The Adani Group has proposed developing a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) within its 600-acre Shantigram Township near Ahmedabad to spur business activity and investment. The company has requested over 29,800 sq. m. of land in Ahmedabad and 63,334 sq. m. in Gandhinagar, offering equivalent land in return. The township, home to 7,000 families, already houses luxury residences, offices, and recreational spaces. The SEZ is expected to attract firms, generate employment, and elevate regional infrastructure. While pending state approval, the project mirrors Adani's earlier success with Mundra SEZ, and may significantly strengthen Gujarat's industrial and economic profile.
The long-awaited reopening of Mumbai's Gokhale Bridge is scheduled for May 15, marking a significant milestone in the city's infrastructure overhaul. Originally built in 1975, the bridge partially collapsed in July 2018, leading to its eventual demolition in November 2022. The reconstruction, costing INR 232 crore, faced multiple delays but is now nearing completion. The eastbound arm is already operational, while the westbound section will soon follow. The reopening is expected to ease congestion between Andheri East and West, restoring a crucial commuter link that was severed for years. However, concerns remain over alignment mismatches with the existing road network, which could lead to additional challenges.
The newly redeveloped airport in Hisar, Haryana, constructed at a cost of approximately INR 1,500 crore, is set to boost regional connectivity and specialised air services. Expected to be inaugurated by 14 April, the airport has received all regulatory approvals for operations. The expanded facility spans over 7,000 acres and includes an Integrated Manufacturing Cluster, an aviation academy, and a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility. Alliance Air is expected to launch the first flight to Ayodhya, with other airlines also showing interest. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will manage operations, offering incentives like low VAT on jet fuel and State-backed viability gap funding (VGF).
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is launching a digital dashboard to provide real-time updates on its 400-km road concreting project. Designed for internal use, the system will enable senior officials to monitor progress efficiently. An appointed agency will update project data, track roadworks, and address challenges. The INR 12,000-crore initiative aims to complete 75% of phase one and 50% of phase two by June 2025. While initially for internal use, the dashboard may be made accessible to citizens in the future, enhancing transparency in Mumbai's road development efforts.
A major incident occurred at the bullet train construction site in Ahmedabad, where a girder-launching crane collapsed between two pillars on the project near Vastral Road. The accident, which took place late at night, led to at least 51 trains being rerouted but resulted in no casualties. According to the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES), the crane slipped from its position while launching a concrete girder. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) confirmed that the structure remained undamaged, and restoration efforts involving heavy-duty road cranes have commenced.
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