HP Cabinet Curbs Valley-Side Construction on NH in Shimla

23 May 2025 CW Team

The Himachal Pradesh cabinet has approved key amendments to the Town and Country Planning Rules, 2014, placing restrictions on construction along the valley side of national highways within Shimla Municipal Corporation limits. The decision, taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is intended to protect the visual and ecological integrity of the region.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan explained that as per the new guidelines, buildings must be constructed at least one metre below the road level to maintain the natural valley views.

In a related move, the cabinet also decided to designate the forested area near Mata Tara Devi Temple as a green zone under the Shimla Development Plan. Once notified, all construction activities in this area will be prohibited to ensure sustainable development.

The cabinet also approved the Mukhya Mantri Green Adoption Yojana, which encourages private sector involvement in plantation efforts on degraded forest land through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This move aims to enhance the state’s forest cover.

Additionally, guidelines were approved for the Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Start-Up Yojana 2023, under which the state will provide a 50 per cent subsidy for electric taxis. Between 200 and 300 new vehicles will be made available to unemployed youth.

To further improve administrative efficiency, the cabinet approved the merger of the design wing with the civil wing in the Public Works Department.

Infrastructure Transport

16 Sep 2025

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..