DPC proposals urgently enacted ahead of elections, Rs 21 bn approved

08 Jan 2024 CW Team

In anticipation of the upcoming elections this year, Deputy Chief Minister and District Guardian Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed that all proposals put forth by the District Planning Committee (DPC) must be executed prior to the enforcement of the model code of conduct.

During a meeting, the DPC approved a budget of Rs 6687.2 million for the fiscal year 2024-25. An additional fund of Rs 14.31 billion was also requested, bringing the total district demand to Rs 21 billion.

The draft plan for 2024-25, encompassing general, scheduled caste sub-plan, and tribal component programs, received approval. Following the endorsement of the additional demand, the draft plan will be presented at the state-level meeting before receiving final approval.

Fadnavis highlighted plans to increase the financial limit by revising criteria for rural gymnasiums. Meanwhile, MLA Nitin Raut raised concerns about the use of substandard materials in sports infrastructure projects.

The earlier allocation of Rs 250 million for the construction of a mall for self-help groups at Badkas Chowk was reduced to Rs 120 million. MLC Pravin Datke expressed dismay over the prolonged stall of the project, which has persisted for over a decade.

In a separate initiative, Fadnavis handed over five fire tenders and eleven SUVs to municipal councils in Mauda, Parseoni, Hingna, Wanadongri, Kanhan-Pimpri, and rural police. These acquisitions were made possible through DPC funds.

Infrastructure Transport

10 Feb 2026

Tamil Nadu Gets Rs 76,110 mn for Railways, Three Projects Revived

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Tamil Nadu has been allocated Rs 76,110 mn in the Union Budget 2026–27, marking a 14.9 per cent increase over the Rs 66,260 mn allotted in 2025–26. The allocation is intended for ongoing new line projects, track doubling, station redevelopment and safety-related works, with project-wise details to be disclosed when the Pink Book is released. Officials indicated that the funds will be deployed across construction and modernisation priorities identified for the state. The minister urged the Tamil Nadu government to extend support f..

Nagpur Station Redevelopment Deadline Extended To March 2027

Nagpur Railway Station redevelopment has been rescheduled to March 2027 as officials opted for a cautious approach to minimise disruption at the busy terminus. The project had earlier been due for completion in December 2026 but work at a live station while preserving the heritage character of the building has slowed progress. The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) said construction sequencing is being adjusted to maintain passenger services. The DRM provided an update on Ajni Railway Station, stating its redevelopment timeline has been revised to October 2026 instead of the earlier target of c..

Railway Push Boosts Connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir

An accelerated push to expand railway infrastructure is reshaping connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, with Indian Railways leading an extensive programme of new lines, stations and engineering works. Officials described the effort as aimed at linking remote areas to major trade and transport corridors and at reducing travel time for passengers and freight. The programme incorporates complex tunnelling and bridge construction to negotiate challenging terrain and to provide year round access. Administrative sources indicated that coordination with central and local agencies has been intensified t..