The reconstruction of the historic Carnac Bunder Bridge has made significant progress with the successful positioning of the first girder for the new structure. This development follows the demolition of the 154-year-old bridge, which served as a crucial east-west link in South Mumbai, and was closed to vehicles in August 2022. The recent girder installation involved sliding a 550-metric tonne girder over 70 meters above railway tracks, executed under the supervision of MS RITES and in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Central Railway. The bridge is projected to be operational by May 2025, restoring vital connectivity and alleviating congestion in Masjid Bunder and surrounding areas.Read more

The Tata Group and Somerville College, University of Oxford, are set to construct the Ratan Tata Building, a tribute to the late philanthropist and humanitarian, with construction beginning in March 2025 at the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter. This landmark project aims to enhance teaching and learning facilities and foster innovative research, aligning with the college's vision of sustainability and progress. N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, emphasized the building's role in supporting research critical to India's development. This initiative, stemming from a decade-long friendship between Tata and Somerville, seeks to honor his legacy while positioning the college as a leader in progressive education.Read more

BMRCL plans to launch metro rail services between Nagasandra and Madavara on the Green Line by the end of this month, with all construction complete and successful testing conducted. The extended line features stations at Manjunath Nagar, Chikkabidarakallu, and Madavara, and is expected to increase daily passenger numbers by approximately 6,500. Meanwhile, preparations for the Yellow Line's launch in January next year are underway, though parking challenges at interchange stations remain a concern. MP Tejasvi Surya has urged swift approval for the Green Line extension to ease congestion on Tumakuru Road, enhancing connectivity in Bengaluru.Read more

Mumbai's first elevated forest walkway through Malabar Hill Forest is expected to open by December 2024, provided the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) remains on track. Nearly 90% complete, the INR 22 crore project, inspired by Singapore's forest walkways, faced delays due to staff shortages and election activities. Spanning 705 metres with views of the Arabian Sea, the eco-sensitive trail will feature a birdwatching zone and a glass-bottom deck. Efforts have been made to protect the environment, and no trees were harmed during construction. The walkway aims to enhance Mumbai's green spaces while maintaining ecological balance.Read more

The upcoming Noida International Airport is attracting a wave of foreign investment in the surrounding region. The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has revealed plans for three new townships and three foreign university campuses, with land allocation requests from real estate firms and educational institutions in the US, UK, Japan, South Korea, and Belgium. YEIDA also aims to create two industrial cities for Japanese and South Korean companies, alongside 11 specialised industrial clusters. To improve connectivity, a 72-km rapid rail corridor is proposed, and an "aero village" with hotels and commercial projects is also being planned near the airport.Read more

Bhaane Retail, a subsidiary of Shahi Exports, has acquired South Mumbai's iconic Rhythm House for INR 30 crore through an insolvency auction. Once a cultural landmark since the 1940s, the music store attracted Bollywood legends before closing in 2016. Previously owned by fugitive Nirav Modi, the property was seized by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Punjab National Bank scam. Spanning 16,000 square feet, the heritage building will now be revitalized by Bhaane, marking a key moment in preserving Mumbai's cultural legacy. The company aims to expand its retail presence, bringing new life to the iconic site.Read more

The Vattiyoorkavu junction development project marks a key infrastructure upgrade to improve traffic flow and urban planning. A contractor for demolition works will be selected soon, with activities starting after the Onam delay. Valuation of buildings in the first phase is set at INR 21 lakh, pending further assessment. Land acquisition for the first two phases is complete, and compensation has been issued. The Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) will execute the 10.75 km four-lane road, while over 570 businesses will be affected, with rehabilitation efforts planned. The project aims to balance development and community needs for sustainable urban growth.Read more

The Haryana Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) is providing architects the opportunity to explain their issuance of occupation certificates (OCs) for four-storey buildings with stilt parking, which violated regulations. The director has suggested imposing fines of INR 2 lakh for each violation. Hearings will be conducted for 18 blacklisted architects, including Pankaj Kumar and Amit Bhardwaj, who allegedly assisted in these illegal constructions. Some architects have appealed for their registrations to be reinstated, arguing that the guidelines were unclear at the time. In light of these violations, the state government has introduced new compounding rules to prevent future issues.Read more

The Maharashtra state government has allowed residential properties in the dissolved PCNTDA area within PMRDA to become freehold, benefiting over 11,000 property holders. Previously leased for 99 years, these properties, mostly for workers and weaker sections, faced difficulties in securing loans and redevelopment. By paying a fee, residents can now gain legal ownership. The decision fulfils a promise by Industries Minister Uday Samant and aims to resolve long-standing issues.Read more

Varanasi is set to welcome its second rail-road bridge connecting Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction with the city, marking a significant infrastructure upgrade. The INR 2,642 crore project, announced by the government, will feature four railway tracks and six road lanes, making it India's largest bridge by capacity. The bridge, expected to be completed in four years, will alleviate congestion on the heavily saturated Varanasi-DDU route and replace the aging Malviya Bridge. This new structure aims to boost connectivity for pilgrims and tourists, while also creating employment and business opportunities, driving socio-economic growth in the region.Read more