Roadways
Govt mulls Bharat NCAP like initiative for E-rickshaws to improve road safety: Gadkari
The government plans to introduce Bharat NCAP-like safety standards for e-rickshaws. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted road safety concerns, citing numerous accidents and fatalities. He emphasized the importance of helmet and seat belt usage. Gadkari also mentioned that road accidents cause a 3% GDP loss. Safety audits are underway to identify accident causes.
Roads ministry seeks view of state governments, UTs on urban development along NHs
In a consultative meeting with all states and UTs on Wednesday, under the chairmanship of road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, the ministry of road transport and highways briefed the states on the upcoming Urban Decongestion Policy and the State Road Development Policy while also elaborating on its initiatives like using of municipal waste in the construction of highway embankments and proposed amendments to the National Highways Act, 1956, to simplify land acquisition procedures and enhance transparency, among others.
MoS Shobha Karandlaje asks NHAI to take steps to integrate BDA's major arterial road with Mysuru highway
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has urged NHAI and BDA to conduct a joint inspection for integrating the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway with the Major Arterial Road. This action follows concerns that the current design, lacking a direct connection, could cause significant congestion at the intersection.
Gadkari calls for need-based research on green hydrogen to make it economically viable
Nitin Gadkari emphasized green hydrogen's potential to revolutionize transport, pharmaceuticals, and steel industries, aiming to reduce fuel costs and transform India into an energy exporter. He highlighted upcoming trials for green hydrogen trucks and the possibility of using municipal waste for cheap hydrogen production.
NCLT admits Canara Bank's insolvency plea against Supreme Infra's Highway SPV
The NCLT has accepted Canara Bank's insolvency petition against Supreme Best Value Kolhapur (Shiroli) Sangli Tollways Pvt Ltd due to a ₹347 crore default. The company, responsible for a road project in Maharashtra, faced delays and disputes with the PWD. The tribunal appointed an interim resolution professional, dismissing the company's arguments about pending arbitration and potential repayments.
Delhi CM re-launches 'U-Special' service, boards bus to alma mater Daulat Ram College
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta relaunched the U-Special bus service for Delhi University students, commemorating her own college days at Daulat Ram College. The initiative includes 25 electric buses across multiple routes, serving 67 educational institutions. Gupta, accompanied by the Vice-Chancellor and Transport Minister, rode the bus, singing patriotic songs with students, and reminisced about her time as DUSU president.
Markolines bags Rs 100 crore road maintenance order in Andhra Pradesh
Markolines Pavement Technologies has secured a significant Rs 100 crore order from Trans Metalite India for road maintenance in Andhra Pradesh, to be executed over five years. The company has also received additional orders worth nearly Rs 97.47 crore this fiscal, including repeat business from Varanasi Aurangabad NH-2 Tollway Private Ltd.
Road ministry raises registration fee for vehicles older than 20 years
The government is doubling registration charges for vehicles older than 20 years to discourage their use and combat vehicular pollution, which contributes significantly to the country's overall pollution levels. The increased fees, effective from August 20, 2025, target motorcycles, three-wheelers, light motor vehicles, and imported vehicles, aiming to reduce the number of pre-BS-II emission standard vehicles on the roads.
Express logistics and courier sector to touch USD 18-22 billion by FY30: Report
India's express logistics sector is poised for substantial growth, projected to reach USD 18-22 billion by FY2030, supporting millions of jobs. The industry's pivotal role during the pandemic highlighted its transformation into an essential service. Key areas for future expansion include agility, efficiency, customer focus, sustainability, and a supportive regulatory framework, driven by e-commerce and infrastructure development.
Cabinet approves Bhubaneswar Bypass in Odisha at an investment of Rs 8,300 core
The 110.87 km long capital region ring road will be built under the hybrid annuity mode (HAM) and connect North Bihar to South Bihar, thereby enhancing the efficiency of freight movement, reduce logistics cost and drive socio-economic growth in the region.
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Nitin Gadkari promises single-digit logistics cost in India by 2026
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that India's logistics costs are projected to decrease to single digits by the end of 2026, enhancing export competitiveness. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated two National Highway projects, including the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II, totaling nearly Rs 11,000 crore.
PM Modi inaugurates Delhi part of Dwarka Expressway, NH projects worth Rs 11,000 cr: All you need to know
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), worth approximately Rs 11,000 crore. These projects aim to reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion on Delhi's roads, and provide multi-modal connectivity. The construction of UER-II incorporated the scientific use of waste, contributing to a cleaner Delhi.
Annual FASTag pass of Rs 3,000 for private vehicles goes live from Friday
A new annual highway toll pass is launching soon. It costs Rs 3,000 for private cars, jeeps, and vans. Users can pre-book FASTag-based passes. This allows 200 highway toll crossings per year. The Rajmarg Yatra app and NHAI website have activation links. Existing FASTag users do not need a new tag.
Why perpetual toll? Parliamentary panel questions collection of highway tolls even after project costs are recovered
A parliamentary panel has voiced concerns over the ongoing toll collection on national highways even after project costs are recovered, advocating for a rationalisation and substantial reduction in toll charges. The panel suggests establishing a tariff authority for toll fixation and recommends a review of existing contracts to protect user interests.
Google Maps to have 'black spots' to alert commuters in accident-prone areas
Delhi Traffic Police will mark accident-prone 'black spots' on Google Maps to alert commuters in real-time, starting with the 2024 list of 111 locations. These spots, identified by frequent accidents within a 500-meter radius, caused 1,132 accidents with 483 fatalities. The initiative aims to improve road safety by providing timely information and addressing engineering issues at these high-risk areas.
Road ministry aims to award Rs 10 lakh crore of projects every year: Nitin Gadkari
Speaking at the annual session of the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (ICEMA) on Thursday, road transport and highway minister Nitin Gadkari said despite a slowdown in the sector in the last one year due to the cancellation of the Bharatmala project, his ministry has already awarded projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore and the target is to award projects worth Rs 5 lakh crore more by the end of the current financial year.
