PAN revamp Rs 79 bn rail push and hydro boost approved

27 Nov 2024 CW Team

According to a government statement, the PAN 2.0 Project, aimed at modernising taxpayer registration services through technology, has been allocated Rs 14.35 billion. The initiative seeks to upgrade the existing Permanent Account Number (PAN) ecosystem, ensuring greater efficiency and enhanced security to prevent misuse of taxpayer data.

The project will also mandate the use of a PAN data vault system for all entities utilizing PAN information and will introduce a robust technology-driven grievance redressal mechanism. Additionally, the upgrades, which include adding QR codes to PAN cards, will be offered free to taxpayers. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated during a Cabinet briefing that the initiative will feature a unified portal that is entirely paperless and online, with a focus on resolving grievances effectively.

The CCEA approved two hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh, with planned capacities of 240 MW for the Heo project and 186 MW for the Tato-I project. These projects will be developed by a joint venture between the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation and the Arunachal Pradesh government, with the state’s equity share funded through a central government grant. The Heo project is estimated to cost Rs 19.39 billion, while the Tato-I project is expected to require Rs 17.50 billion.

The committee also sanctioned three multitracking railway projects aimed at improving connectivity, enhancing travel convenience, reducing logistics costs, curbing oil imports, and lowering carbon emissions. Covering seven districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, these projects will expand the Indian Railways network by 639 kilometres.

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a series of major projects, including an overhaul of the PAN system, an investment of Rs 36.89 billion in two hydropower projects, and three railway projects valued at Rs 79.27 billion, among other decisions. According to a government statement, the PAN 2.0 Project, aimed at modernising taxpayer registration services through technology, has been allocated Rs 14.35 billion. The initiative seeks to upgrade the existing Permanent Account Number (PAN) ecosystem, ensuring greater efficiency and enhanced security to prevent misuse of taxpayer data. The project will also mandate the use of a PAN data vault system for all entities utilizing PAN information and will introduce a robust technology-driven grievance redressal mechanism. Additionally, the upgrades, which include adding QR codes to PAN cards, will be offered free to taxpayers. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated during a Cabinet briefing that the initiative will feature a unified portal that is entirely paperless and online, with a focus on resolving grievances effectively. The CCEA approved two hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh, with planned capacities of 240 MW for the Heo project and 186 MW for the Tato-I project. These projects will be developed by a joint venture between the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation and the Arunachal Pradesh government, with the state’s equity share funded through a central government grant. The Heo project is estimated to cost Rs 19.39 billion, while the Tato-I project is expected to require Rs 17.50 billion. The committee also sanctioned three multitracking railway projects aimed at improving connectivity, enhancing travel convenience, reducing logistics costs, curbing oil imports, and lowering carbon emissions. Covering seven districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, these projects will expand the Indian Railways network by 639 kilometres.

Infrastructure Transport

04 Sep 2025

68 Jammu-Katra Trains Cancelled Amid Rain Damage

Jammu and Katra railway services remain severely affected as Northern Railway announced the cancellation of 68 trains—both incoming and outgoing—until 30 September, due to extensive track damage caused by heavy rains and flash floods. Meanwhile, 24 trains are scheduled to resume operations gradually.The Jammu railway division has experienced a complete halt in services for the past eight days, following track misalignment and breaches at several points along the Pathankot–Jammu section. Torrential rainfall since 26 August led to widespread flooding and damage, stranding hundreds of passe..

Infrastructure Transport

04 Sep 2025

Bangalore Metro MD Reviews Reach 6 and Phase 2A Progress

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Managing Director, Dr J Ravishankar, IAS, conducted inspections of key metro corridors on 29 and 30 August, reviewing the progress of Reach 6 (Pink Line) and Phase 2A (Blue Line).On 30 August, the inspection covered Reach 6, a 21.39-km corridor stretching from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, with 18 stations. This stretch is part of Phase 2 of the Bangalore Metro project. Dr Ravishankar assessed the status of civil works, finishing, track laying, and system integration between Kalena Agrahara and MG Road.Earlier, on 29 August, the MD inspected Phas..

Infrastructure Urban

04 Sep 2025

Kerala Spends Rs 200 Billion During Onam Celebrations

The Kerala state government incurred expenditure totalling Rs 200 billion during the recent Onam season, covering regular financial obligations such as salaries and pensions, as well as festival-related allowances and subsidies, according to Finance Minister K N Balagopal.Of the total spend, Rs 121 billion was allocated towards salaries, pensions, bonuses, and festival allowances for government employees and pensioners. A further Rs 18 billion was disbursed as welfare pensions benefiting 6.2 million recipients, helping households manage festive costs.Food Kits and Festival AllowancesTo support..