Infrastructure
India plans to put large infra projects in fast lane
India is accelerating its infrastructure development with a focus on mega-projects like bullet trains, shipbuilding yards, and access-controlled highways, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The government aims to boost economic growth through infrastructure creation, encouraging public-private partnerships to moderate spending. Ministries are directed to expedite project approvals, with a high-level committee reevaluating goals for faster clearances.
AURIC Smart City projects to generate 62,405 jobs, Rs 71,343 cr investment potential: Govt
AURIC Smart City's Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Area has garnered significant investments, exceeding Rs 82,315 crore, from companies like Ather Energy and Toyota Kirloskar. This development promises to generate over 49,455 direct and indirect jobs. To further support MSMEs, office space rents at AURIC will be reduced by 50% starting April 1, 2025.
From highways and rail corridors to sea bridges, influencers are reeling in viewers with aerial footage of India’s mega projects
Driven by passion and armed with drones, a new breed of Indian influencers are documenting the nation's infrastructure boom. They are capturing the construction of highways, expressways, and bullet trains, offering updates and insights to a curious public. These digital documentarians are filling an information gap, fostering transparency, and holding authorities accountable for India's mega projects.
India plans $125 billion push to boost high-speed road network
India is set to massively expand its high-speed road network. The country will invest Rs 11 lakh crore to modernise infrastructure. This initiative aims to slash logistics costs. 17,000 kilometers of access-controlled roads will be added. These roads will allow speeds up to 120 kilometers per hour. The project is expected to be completed by 2033.
Government identifies 10 highway stretches for plying green hydrogen trucks
The government is planning to introduce green hydrogen-powered trucks on ten highway stretches across India. This initiative aims to curb vehicular pollution. Indian Oil and Reliance Petroleum will establish hydrogen filling stations along these routes. Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and Volvo are developing hydrogen trucks. The project targets to reduce logistics costs and boost India's green hydrogen export potential.
DPIIT reviews issues affecting five infrastructure projects in three states
The DPIIT addressed hurdles impacting infrastructure projects in Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana, involving a total cost of Rs 10,594 crore. Discussions focused on resolving forest and wildlife clearance delays in Telangana, particularly for Reliance Jio's 5G/4G network expansion. The initiative aims to improve connectivity in remote areas while strengthening existing 4G infrastructure across the nation.
NHAI launches India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system in Gujarat
As per the statement issued by the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) on Saturday, the Indian Highways Management Company (IHMCL), under NHAI, has entered into an agreement with ICICI Bank, to implement MLFF tolling system at Choryasi Fee Plaza in Gujarat on NH-48. This will be followed by implementation of MLFF at Gharaunda Fee Plaza in Haryana on NH-44 as the government plans 25 such barrier-free toll collection across the country in the current financial year.
India’s urban infrastructure to see ₹10 lakh crore investment in next 4 years: Housing Secy
India's urban infrastructure has seen substantial investment, with Rs 30 lakh crore spent in the last decade and a projected Rs 10 lakh crore more over the next four years. Union Housing Secretary Srinivas Katikithala urges the real estate sector to align projects with infrastructure development and contribute to efficient urban services. He also emphasized the importance of RERA implementation.
Rate of national highway construction slows to 27 km/day in FY26 from 37 km/day in FY21: Report
India's national highway construction is facing a slowdown. CareEdge Ratings reports a drop from 37 km per day in fiscal year 2021 to a projected 27 km per day in fiscal year 2026. Lower project awards and execution hurdles are the main reasons. The sector also sees increased competition. The construction pace is expected to further decline.
ET WLF 2025: World-class infra key to $5 trillion goal, says Nitin Gadkari
Nitin Gadkari emphasizes infrastructure upgrades for India's economic goals. The focus is on green highways and improved connectivity. Logistics costs are decreasing. Public transport will be pollution-free and cost-effective. India aims to become an energy exporter. The automobile industry is set to become world number one. Efforts are on for road safety and eco-friendly construction.
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Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway: Work underway in UP, Bihar & Jharkhand; DPR awaited in West Bengal
Construction of the Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway is underway in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, while West Bengal awaits its Detailed Project Report. Alignment revisions, including state government requests, were approved in October 2024. The project aims to boost connectivity, trade, tourism, and job opportunities, linking Bengal directly with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Road ministry lays out roadmap for data sharing from the National Transport Repository
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) maintains critical data related to vehicle registration certificates (RCs) and driver licenses (DLs) along with the data recorded at the time of generation of e-Challan or eDAR (Electronic Detailed Accident Report) and National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) FASTag data. This data is collectively referred to as the National Transport Repository (NTR). NTR currently holds records of over 390 million vehicles, 220 million DLs, and data related to e-Challan, eDAR and NETC FASTag.
Stringent bidding criteria for HAM projects to impact 25% of road developers: Crisil Ratings
Crisil Ratings reports that tightened qualification criteria for national highway development under the hybrid annuity model (HAM) may exclude 25% of road developers from bidding in the short term. These revisions aim to prevent issues related to construction timelines and project quality by increasing financial and technical thresholds. The changes are expected to improve bidding discipline and construction standards.
India’s infrastructure leap: Nehru’s temples to today’s tech towers
Since 1947, India's infrastructure has evolved from Nehru's state-led projects to a focus on connectivity and technology. Initiatives like the Golden Quadrilateral, Sagarmala, and metro systems have boosted connectivity and urban mobility. The Gati Shakti plan now integrates infrastructure development for efficient and sustainable growth, connecting the nation.
Govt aims to accelerate pace of highway construction to 100 km/day: Gadkari
Nitin Gadkari announced the government's ambitious goal to accelerate highway construction to 100 km per day. The road ministry has already awarded projects worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore this year and aims for Rs 10 lakh crore by next March.
Cabinet approves four-laning of NH in Tamil Nadu
The upgradation of the Marakkanam-Puducherry national highway in Tamil Nadu will be done at a cost of Rs 2,157 crore and will help to decongest the existing corridor, improve safety, and cater to the mobility needs of rapidly growing towns such as Chennai, Puducherry Viluppuram and Nagapattinam.
