Arora Group Unveils Low-Cost Heathrow Expansion Plan

04 Aug 2025 CW Team

Surinder Arora, one of Britain’s most prominent Indian-origin hoteliers, has unveiled a cost-effective proposal to expand Heathrow Airport with a fully operational third runway by 2035.

The Arora Group, known for operating several of the UK’s luxury hotels and resorts, has submitted its “Heathrow West” proposal to the Department for Transport (DfT). Developed in partnership with American engineering firm Bechtel, the plan aims to deliver a more affordable and efficient alternative to existing expansion models.

According to the company, the proposal meets the UK government’s goals of unlocking economic growth, improving service levels, and enhancing resilience for both airlines and passengers. It also promises to increase consumer choice and boost the country’s global connectivity through a streamlined and economically viable approach to expanding the UK’s only hub airport.

Bechtel brings significant international expertise, having executed major airport infrastructure projects around the world. The Arora Group emphasises that its submission offers a commercially sensible model that minimises financial risk while delivering strategic value to the UK aviation sector.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Sep 2025

Rs 2.82 Billion Approved for NH-48 Flyovers, Footbridges

Gurugram’s section of National Highway 48 is set for a significant infrastructure upgrade, with the Central Government approving Rs 2.82 billion for the construction of four flyovers and nine foot overbridges along the Gurgaon–Kotputli–Jaipur corridor. This initiative aims to ease congestion, improve commuter safety, and boost regional connectivity, according to officials.The planned flyovers will be built at Panchgaon Chowk, Rathiwas, near the Hero Company, and Sahlawas. The nine foot overbridges will be constructed at Shikhopur, Manesar, Binola, Rathiwas, Malpura, Jaisinghpurkhera, Sid..

VSL Wins Rs 810-Cr O&M Deal for 810 MWp NGEL Solar Assets

VSL Renewable Services has secured a Rs 810 crore operation and maintenance (O&M) contract for 810 MWp of NTPC Green Energy’s (NGEL) solar power projects spread across Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The contract duration is 36 months.The tender, issued in January 2025, was divided into two lots: Lot 1 for 1,054 MWp and Lot 2 for 810 MWp. VSL emerged as the lowest bidder in both categories, but was awarded only Lot 2 in accordance with NTPC’s tender guidelines.Advanced Monitoring and Tailored StrategiesThe O&M scope will employ artificial intelligence and Internet of..

AP Issues Bid for Rs 34.9 Billion Battery Storage Project

The Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (APTRANSCO) has invited bids for the development of 1,000 MW/2,000 MWh battery energy storage systems (BESS) across seven substations in the state. The project, with an estimated viability gap funding of up to Rs 34.9 billion, will be executed under a build, own, and operate (BOO) model through tariff-based competitive bidding.Bid Timeline and StructureBids must be submitted by 29 September 2025 and will be opened on 6 October. The VGF support per project is capped at Rs 1.8 million per MWh and will be released in three instalments—20 per cent u..