AAI Allocates Rs 186 Million for Trichy Airport Expansion

29 Jan 2025 CW Team

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has sanctioned Rs 186 million to construct a compound wall for securing the 96% of land acquired by the Tamil Nadu government for the expansion of Trichy International Airport. The total land requirement for the project is 512.5 acres, with 222.5 acres still to be acquired. The expansion includes extending the runway from its current 8,136 feet to 13,057 feet, enabling the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and improve operational efficiency. A parallel taxiway is also planned to enhance aircraft movement and reduce turnaround times. Additionally, a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and technical block, being built at a cost of Rs 607 million, are expected to be completed by May 2025. The eight-floor ATC block, located near the integrated passenger terminal, will enhance air traffic management services to meet the growing passenger demand. Trichy Airport has reported a 15% year-on-year increase in flight movements and a 13% rise in passenger traffic. The AAI is also considering making the cargo complex a 24/7 facility to boost cargo handling capabilities. Further strengthening connectivity, Air India Express plans to introduce daily flights to Hyderabad and Chennai starting March 2025. Expansion highlights • Total land required: 512.5 acres • Land yet to be acquired: 222.5 acres • Runway extension: From 8,136 feet to 13,057 feet • Compound wall allocation: Rs 186 million (ET)

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..

UPI Crosses 500 Million Users, Fuels MSME and Digital Growth

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a new milestone, surpassing 500 million consumers and 65 million merchants across India. The platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has expanded its reach to nearly 99 percent of the country’s pin codes, underlining its deep penetration into both urban and rural markets. According to a report by NPCI and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, UPI has evolved from being a digital payments mechanism into a key enabler of financial inclusion and small business growth. I..