Project “Solar City” kicks off Amritsar

12 May 2023 CW Team

The Punjab government has begun the first phase of the project to transform Amritsar into a solar city in an effort to reduce the dependency on expensive conventional power sources and advance solar energy in the region.

According to M P Singh, director of the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), 190 government buildings will have solar roofing installed with a total capacity of 2.33 MW after a thorough inspection was carried out with the aid of drones.

Rooftop solar systems will be installed in 74 buildings during phase-I of the project, for which the bidding procedure has already begun.

Along with the Amritsar Smart City Portal and the Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO) portal, the Punjab Department of New and Renewable Energy Sources unveiled the decision support tool (DST). To assure the promotion of energy efficiency in industries like building, industry, municipalities, agriculture, and transport, a state energy action plan was also launched. The goal of the energy action plan is to help the state departments implement the most long-term, inter- sectoral, and sustainable renewable energy strategy possible.

According to A Venu Prasad, additional chief secretary for the department of renewable energy sources, the state energy action plan will aid in achieving the objectives of net zero emissions in many sectors.

He urged all departments to step up and install solar panels on their office buildings in order to decarbonise the power sector and lower their power consumption costs by 25% to 30%. He stressed the importance of accelerating the implementation of the action plan and conducting quarterly progress reviews. In order to implement the IGEN Access to Energy initiative, which is supported by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, PEDA has also inked an agreement with GIZ, a global company controlled by the German government.

Infrastructure Urban

29 Oct 2025

Designing Tomorrow: Amaravati’s Net Zero Landmark

Amaravati has achieved a defining landmark in India’s sustainable infrastructure journey with the inauguration of the APCRDA Project Office, the nation’s first government building to earn the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage. Conceptualised by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the project exemplifies how governance, design and innovation can converge to deliver measurable environmental impact.A vision rooted in sustainabilitySet within a 4.3-acre site along the Seed Access Road in the Amar..

Pidilite Elevates Construction with PPS

Pidilite Industries introduced Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS) — a dedicated vertical for the construction and interiors ecosystem — at ACETECH Bengaluru 2025. Designed to empower architects, developers, contractors, and interior specialists, PPS delivers comprehensive support that extends far beyond products to ensure project excellence from concept to completion. Kavinder Singh, Joint Managing Director, Pidilite Industries, noted, “At Pidilite, we believe in enabling the construction fraternity to build boldly and sustainably. With Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS),..

Punjab, Centre Fast-Track Rajpura-Mohali Rail Line Development

The central government has fast-tracked the construction of the Rajpura-Mohali rail line to enhance connectivity in Punjab. This ambitious infrastructure project, aimed at improving transportation links between Rajpura and Mohali, has been identified as a key step in fostering regional economic growth. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the project’s acceleration during a recent assessment of the area. The rail line is expected to play a significant role in reducing travel time, promoting industrial growth, and boosting logistics efficiency in the region. The project,..