Infrastructure
HP secures Rs 3,345 cr sanction for 3,123 km roads, 43 bridges under PMGSY-III: PWD Minister
Himachal Pradesh has received approval for constructing 3,123 km of rural roads and 43 bridges, costing Rs 3,345.81 crore, under PMGSY-III. Due to strong performance, the state seeks a doubled allocation of Rs 1,300 crore for 2025-26. Mapping for PMGSY-IV is underway, with reconsideration for previously rejected habitations after NRIDA's visit, potentially leading to 250 DPRs covering 1,400 km.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train: Nearly 76% excavation work completed on Bandra Kurla Complex
Mumbai's bullet train station at Bandra Kurla Complex is progressing. Excavation work is 76 percent complete. The underground station will have six platforms. It will connect to the metro and road. The station will have three floors. It will be 26 metres below ground level. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
Robust regional connectivity to boost India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor
Experts at a Chintan Research Foundation panel underscored that enhancing rail infrastructure is crucial for Asia's economic integration, reducing logistics costs, and boosting trade, including the ambitious IMEC project. Discussions highlighted overcoming political barriers, integrating railways with business ecosystems, and the necessity of public-private partnerships to modernize railway lines for IMEC's success and Southeast Asia connectivity.
Noida airport won't be third time lucky, set to miss May 15 deadline
Noida International Airport faces further delays, missing its May 15 deadline due to unfinished terminal construction and pending regulatory clearances. The Uttar Pradesh government is penalizing the concessionaire for the setbacks, prompting a high-level review to establish a revised timeline. Authorities are exploring phased operational models, potentially starting with cargo and domestic flights before expanding to international services.
India needs strong veterinary infrastructure to boost rural economy: Govt
Union Minister Baghel emphasized the critical role of veterinarians in India's rural economy, advocating for stronger veterinary infrastructure and skills. He highlighted the need for collaboration and advanced reproductive technologies to enhance livestock productivity. Secretary Upadhyaya called for a comprehensive overhaul of the veterinary ecosystem, addressing professional shortages and promoting the One Health approach to combat zoonotic diseases.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to launch multiple development projects in Telangana on May 5
Nitin Gadkari and G Kishan Reddy will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for road development projects worth Rs 5,413 crores in Telangana on May 5. MoRTH has agreed to declare Hyderabad Regional Ring Road as a National Highway.
Steel safeguard duty to hike infra costs, hurt MSMEs
The steel safeguard duty is set to increase infrastructure costs. Construction projects may become more expensive. Micro, small, and medium enterprises will face challenges. Automobile industries will be impacted. Secondary steel producers anticipate margin improvements. Engineering exporters are already struggling with US tariffs.
Delhi government plans to hand over Mandi Road to NHAI for widening project
Delhi government is set to revive the Mandi Road widening project. This project aims to decongest traffic on Mehrauli-Gurugram road. The 8.8-km road will be handed over to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). NHAI will expand and manage the road. A feasibility study will be conducted for a flyover.
Government working to reduce regulatory issues in logistics sector
The government is actively working to reduce regulatory hurdles in the logistics sector to improve ease of doing business and attract investments. Discussions are ongoing to enhance private sector access to PM Gati Shakti data. Streamlining warehouse licensing is also underway to expedite approvals and improve ease of doing business in the warehousing sector.
HUDCO gets government nod to issue deep-discount, long-tenor debt
HUDCO has secured government approval to raise up to 50 billion rupees through deep-discount zero-coupon bonds, a rarely used corporate bond structure. With a maturity of 10 years and one month, HUDCO has until March 2027 to raise funds. This makes HUDCO the second government entity after PFC to receive such approval in recent months.
Must Watch
Govt aims completion of infrastructure in nine plastic parks by end of 2025
The government aims to complete physical infrastructure at nine plastic parks by the end of 2025, according to Chemicals and Petrochemicals Secretary Nivedita Shukla Verma. While 3-4 parks, including those in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Assam, are partially operational, land acquisition and state coordination have caused delays.
About 91% of Central govt's investment in FY25 focused on five key sectors: Bank of Baroda Report
A Bank of Baroda report reveals that the Indian central government is channeling approximately 91% of its Rs 6.8 lakh crore investments into five key sectors for 2024-25. Renewable electricity leads with Rs 2.7 lakh crore, aiming to generate 12,555 MW. Chhattisgarh receives the largest share of investments at Rs 1.4 lakh crore, followed by Odisha.
Centre and states announced road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 3.9 lakh crore in FY25: Report
The central and state governments announced a significant investment of Rs 3.9 lakh crore in road infrastructure for FY25, according to a Bank of Baroda report, with a focus on improving connectivity and boosting logistics as part of a larger public sector capital expenditure.
Gadkari unveils highway projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore in Odisha
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launched 19 national highway projects in Odisha, totaling Rs 4,137 crore. The projects include laying foundation stones for 17 new initiatives and inaugurating sections of two highways. These developments encompass road construction, widening in multiple districts, and the building of four bridges to enhance connectivity and infrastructure.
Highway projects slows down in FY 2024-25
India's highway construction experienced a slowdown in 2024-25, reaching its lowest point since 2014-15. Data up to February 2025 reveals a slight increase in awards but a notable decrease in construction compared to the previous year. Unless March sees a significant surge, both awards and construction are projected to fall below previous years' marks, impacting the daily construction rate.
Need quick decisions to speed up implementation of highway projects: Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged officials to expedite decision-making to accelerate highway project implementation, expressing concern over delays within the ministry. He highlighted issues such as slow processing of bank guarantees and pending land acquisition cases. Other officials emphasized stakeholder collaboration and modern practices for developing a world-class National Highway network.
