Bengaluru-Chennai express highway set for year-end debut

11 Sep 2023 CW Team

Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has revealed that the long-awaited Bengaluru-Chennai express highway will become operational by the end of this year or by January 2024. Speaking at the 75th anniversary celebrations of Ashok Leyland, he emphasised the potential for luxury buses and sleeper coaches on this route. Additionally, Gadkari highlighted the extensive infrastructure development, including the access-controlled highway project, which will soon link Chennai to Delhi via several major cities.

Gadkari, who recently launched India's first electric commercial vehicles in its category, stressed the increasing demand for electric buses and urged the automobile industry to focus on biofuels and alternative energy vehicles to help achieve India's economic goals. He mentioned his efforts to diversify agriculture into the energy and power sector and promote vehicles running on bio-ethanol and methanol-blended fuels.

The Indian Oil Corporation's bio-ethanol-based fuels and the possibility of ethanol production from food grains in Tamil Nadu were also discussed. Gadkari expressed satisfaction with the progress of National Highways projects and revealed that work on the Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway project would commence soon.

Ashok Leyland unveiled its IeV series, India's first electric commercial vehicles, during the event, including a hydrogen fuel cell bus and the country's first hydrogen internal combustion engine truck. Gadkari emphasised the significance of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for the future, aiming to reduce fossil fuel imports, lower logistics costs, and boost India's global competitiveness in exports.

The event concluded with a commitment to shape the future of sustainable transportation and support India's economic development.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..