Centre allocates Rs 8 billion for solar villages under PM-Surya Ghar

13 Aug 2024 CW Team

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has announced the guidelines for the 'Model Solar Village' initiative under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, allocating Rs 8 billion to develop solar-powered villages across India. Each chosen village will receive Rs 10 million to enhance its solar energy infrastructure. The initiative aims to establish one Model Solar Village per district, fostering solar energy adoption and enabling these communities to meet their energy needs independently. Eligible villages must be recognized revenue villages with populations over 5,000, or 2,000 in special category states. The selection process will be competitive, with villages assessed on their renewable energy (RE) capacity installed within six months of the announcement by the District Level Committee (DLC). The village with the highest installed RE capacity in each district will receive Rs 10 million in central financial assistance. The scheme will be administered by State/UT Renewable Energy Development Agencies under DLC supervision, with the goal of transforming selected villages into model solar-powered communities. This initiative is part of the broader PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which was approved by the Government of India on February 29, 2024. With a total budget of Rs 750.21 billion, the yojana aims to expand solar rooftop capacity and empower residential households to generate their own electricity by FY 2026-27, supporting India's renewable energy objectives. (ET)

Infrastructure Transport

14 Oct 2025

Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road Project to Impact 1,200 Trees

The Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road Project in Mumbai will affect over 1,200 trees, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Of these, 990 trees will be replanted, while the remaining will be cut down due to construction requirements. The project, which forms a key extension of the on-going Mumbai Coastal Road corridor, aims to ease traffic congestion in the western suburbs and enhance north-south connectivity along the city’s coastline. The BMC has assured that replantation efforts will be carried out in designated areas to maintain ecological balance and offset the environm..

New Entry-Exit Planned on Vadodara–Mumbai Expressway near Ankleshwar

The Vadodara–Mumbai Expressway is set to get a new entry and exit point near Ankleshwar, aimed at improving regional connectivity and reducing travel time for commuters in south Gujarat. The new interchange, proposed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will offer smoother access to nearby industrial and residential areas. The project forms part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana initiative, designed to strengthen India’s expressway network and boost economic corridors. Once operational, the new interchange is expected to enhance logistics efficiency by offering improved freight..

PMRDA Launches Rs 5,580 Mn Road Upgrade Plan to Ease Chakan Traffic

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has launched Rs 5,580 million road infrastructure upgrade plan to address severe traffic congestion in the Chakan industrial region. The initiative aims to improve connectivity between Pune and major industrial hubs, including Talegaon, Moshi, and Alandi. Under the plan, PMRDA will widen existing roads, construct new link roads, and improve junctions across the Chakan–Talegaon and Moshi-Alandi corridors. These measures are expected to streamline the movement of goods and workers, benefiting the area are automotive and manufacturing ..