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The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has announced plans to construct an iconic high-rise corporate office at Mallet Bunder in Mumbai. The 20-floor building, adjacent to the Ferry Wharf and Mumbai Cruise Terminal, will be developed at an estimated cost of INR 1,000 crore. The Mumbai Port Authority has allotted a 12,804 sq. m. plot for this project. The building will also house offices of key port-related organisations, including DG Shipping, IPGL, and IPA. JNPA has received in-principle approval from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. The office will feature a digital observatory, a state-of-the-art auditorium, and a ground-floor canteen. Engineers India Ltd. has been appointed as the project consultant for structural design, engineering, and construction management. The project is expected to be completed within two years after obtaining the necessary approvals and permissions.
Telangana IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu announced three new master plans-comprehensive mobility, economic development, and blue-green infrastructure-as a part of the Mega Master Plan 2050 for Hyderabad's metropolitan region. The existing five master plans are nearing their expiration, prompting the government to engage the global consultancies for the new plans. The government aims to make Hyderabad a model for sustainable development through the projects like metro expansion, Musi rejuvenation, and improved utilities. With rapid urbanization, 18 new municipalities and 75 gram panchayats are being added.Read more
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has raised INR 18,320 crore through the monetization of 11 operational highways via the National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT), marking India's largest road sector monetization to date. The 844-km portfolio spans five states, including Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The deal saw INR 8,340 crore in equity and INR 10,040 crore in debt, with EPFO investing INR 2,035 crore in its first-ever InvIT stake. NHIT now manages 26 toll roads totaling 2,345 km. The move highlights rising investor confidence in India's infrastructure and sets a precedent for future public-private funding models.Read more
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has initiated the next step in Coimbatore airport's expansion by issuing a tender worth INR 29 crore to construct a 16.7 km precast boundary wall, with completion expected in 456 days. The tentative master plan outlines a two-phase project featuring a new passenger terminal with 20 aerobridges, a cargo terminal, an air traffic control-cum-technical building, and an extended runway from 2,990 to 3,810 meters. Additional facilities will include a bus stand, multilevel parking, a new approach road, and three hotels. Passenger capacity is projected to surge from 3.63 million to 15 million annually by 2030, with daily flights increasing from 33 to 60. Minor modifications to the plan are underway to address structural considerations.
Noida International Airport is expected to begin domestic operations in June, with stakeholders aiming to complete internal construction of the terminal's domestic section by mid-to-late May. Regulatory clearances are anticipated between May 15 and 25, after which trial operations will commence, requiring an additional two to three weeks for full functionality. While over 90% of construction work is complete, the international wing of the terminal is set to be operational only by June 25, 2025. Authorities will conduct security inspections before granting approvals. Meanwhile, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower is scheduled to be functional by mid-April, facilitating smoother coordination.
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Kinet Rail Solutions, an Indo-Russian joint venture, has sought a working capital loan of INR 450-500 crore from Punjab National Bank (PNB) to begin next year's Vande Bharat sleeper train production at its Latur facility. Backed by Russia's Sberbank Rossi as a guarantor, the company plans to manufacture 120 semi-high-speed trains under a contract awarded in September 2023. Delays in train configuration discussions had earlier stalled funding, but with the Railways reverting to the original 16-coach plan, production is set to proceed. The prototype is expected by June 2026, followed by testing and full-scale manufacturing.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde has announced that all street concretization work in Mumbai will be completed by May 31. The initiative, which began in January 2023, covers over 20 major roads and has faced criticism over delays and disruptions. In a recent review meeting, Shinde assured MLAs that the project would be expedited and addressed concerns regarding road quality and slow execution. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis also emphasized the government's commitment to achieving full concretization of Mumbai's roads by 2027.
Mumbai's historic Elphinstone Road Overbridge (ROB), built 125 years ago during the British era, will be closed by April 10, 2025, to make way for a double-decker bridge under the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project. The MMRDA has nearly completed all clearances, including one from Mumbai Traffic Police, to begin demolition before the monsoon season. The ROB connects Prabhadevi and Parel, both key commercial and hospital zones. Traffic diversions via Curry Road and Tilak Bridge and new pedestrian FOBs will aid movement. One level of the new bridge is expected by April 2026, promising improved long-term connectivity and safety.Read more
Bengaluru is moving ahead with plans for a second international airport to meet its rising air traffic. The Airports Authority of India will conduct a feasibility study from April 7-9, 2025, on three shortlisted locations: two near Kanakapura Road and one near Magadi-Nelamangala. With KIA projected to reach 92 million passengers by 2033, the study-funded by INR 1.21 crore from KSIIDC-will assess technical and environmental viability. The move anticipates the end of a 150-km exclusivity clause by 2033. Like Mumbai's Navi Mumbai airport and Delhi's Jewar airport, Bengaluru aims to expand capacity in time for its future growth.Read more
A state-of-the-art bus plant near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, was inaugurated by Ashok Leyland, a member of the Hinduja Group, to increase its manufacturing footprint. The facility aims to enhance production capacity for both conventional and electric buses, including models under Switch Mobility. The plant was inaugurated earlier this week by Andhra Pradesh's IT and HRD Minister, Nara Lokesh, and symbolised a collaborative push towards eco-friendly transport solutions in the region. The plant will manufacture 4,800 units annually and includes sustainability-driven features such as solar power, water conservation systems, and zero liquid discharge, alongside training centres to upskill the local workforce.
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