The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) Board has approved the second phase of its rehabilitation package for families displaced by airport land acquisition. The package includes permanent jobs in the Cochin Air Cargo Cooperative Society, additional prepaid taxi permits, and financial aid for affected individuals, addressing previous concerns over job stability. This move follows similar large-scale resettlement efforts seen in Navi Mumbai and Hyderabad infrastructure projects. Led by Industries Minister Shri P. Rajeeve, with Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan's backing, the initiative aims to provide long-term economic security and social stability to impacted families.Read more

Vriti Gothi

The Tamil Nadu government has unveiled plans for a sprawling 2,000-acre Global City near Chennai, targeting the region's mounting urbanization pressures. Slated to begin development in the coming financial year under TIDCO's leadership, this project will integrate high-tech business hubs, fintech zones, and essential social infrastructure like healthcare and education. Designed to cater to multiple income groups with modern residential options, the city aims to strengthen connectivity through metro extensions, express bus services, and enhanced road networks. While experts see the initiative as a competitive urban model, concerns around location and resource strain remain part of the broader discourse.Read more

The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) has reserved 30% of small industrial plots for women entrepreneurs, aiming to enhance their participation in business and drive economic growth. This initiative, aligning with the Union Budget 2025's focus on Nari Shakti, addresses challenges in land access for women-led enterprises. Currently, women own just 7% of Goa's medium-category industries. The reserved plots, available in key locations, have application deadlines set for March 31. Inspired by similar programs in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, this move is expected to create a more inclusive and thriving industrial ecosystem in Goa.Read more

Arun Nair

Devipada Metro station on Line 7 in Borivli East can directly access the new Oberoi SkyCity Mall, thanks to a newly inaugurated foot overbridge (FOB). This structure directly connects the station's concourse level to the second floor of SkyCity Mall. Fully funded by Oberoi Realty under the public-private partnership (PPP) policy introduced in 2020, the FOB is designed to enhance pedestrian convenience while driving footfall to the commercial complex. This development sets a benchmark for integrated urban mobility in Mumbai, with similar initiatives planned for other metro stations.Read more

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has announced plans to enter the metro operations and maintenance (O&M) sector and expand its international presence. German company Deutsche Bahn (DB) is in talks with RVNL for a possible partnership to handle O&M contracts for Bengaluru's Namma Metro, with DB also eyeing Chennai Metro opportunities. RVNL is already involved in metro projects in Nagpur, Pune, Surat, and Indore, and aims to expand into Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the UAE. Currently, international projects form only 5% of RVNL's order book, but the company hopes to increase this to 50%, signaling bold global ambitions.Read more

Regional air connectivity in India is set to receive a significant boost with the revised Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme, as revealed by Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu earlier this week. Announced as part of the Budget 2025-26 proposals, the modified scheme aims to connect 120 new destinations and ferry over four crore passengers over the next decade. The plan includes expanding infrastructure by developing new airports, water aerodromes, and heliports while supporting airlines with Viability Gap Funding (VGF). The proposal, which is awaiting approval from the Union Cabinet, is expected to be rolled out in the latter half of FY26.Read more

The Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) has advanced its longstanding plans to revitalize the eastern waterfront by proposing the development of an international convention center alongside a commercial hub. Spanning 22 hectares out of the 966.30 hectares under its ownership, the project will utilize non-core port land. The initiative marks a significant move towards creating world-class trade and business facilities in Mumbai. Three potential sites have been shortlisted for this project, with further feasibility studies underway to shape a strategy for its execution. The project is part of a broader plan to unlock the eastern waterfront's potential.Read more

The Union Government is set to review the model contract for the Toll Operate Transfer (ToT) mode of highway monetisation to enhance its viability and attract investors. The revised concession agreement is anticipated in April 2025, alongside a revamped Build Operate Transfer (BoT) model. Officials clarified that both ToT and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InVITs) will be pursued to achieve the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) targets, with INR 3.5 lakh crore expected from highways. Revisions aim to address revenue variances promptly and balance risk-sharing between the government and private developers for future infrastructure projects.Read more

The Maharashtra government plans to mandate precast construction for real estate firms in Mumbai to curb air pollution. By encouraging developers to source prefabricated components from external factories, this policy aims to reduce on-site construction activities that contribute to environmental degradation. The initiative curtails carbon emissions, conserves resources like steel and cement, and ensures superior construction quality. While transportation costs may rise, the long-term benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Additionally, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has instructed eateries to transition to eco-friendly fuels. With worsening air quality due to large-scale infrastructure projects, authorities are enforcing strict pollution control measures.Read more

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved Prayagraj Development Authority's (PDA) Master Plan-2031, expanding the city's area from 309 sq. km to 398 sq. km by incorporating 639 villages. Key features include a new 'Highway Facility' land use category along major roads for commercial hubs and legalizing existing unauthorized commercial properties. This structured urbanization aims to boost infrastructure, attract investments, and streamline property regulations. Similar to urban expansion projects in Delhi and Mumbai, the plan seeks to modernize Prayagraj into a more structured and business-friendly city, ensuring sustainable growth over the next decade.Read more