Cabinet Clears 6-lane Access-controlled Highway Project in Maharashtra

21 Mar 2025 CW Team

This initiative aligns with the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan, which prioritizes integrated infrastructure development, particularly in improving road connectivity to major and minor ports across India. With the rising container traffic at JNPA Port and the development of Navi Mumbai International Airport, enhancing highway infrastructure in this region has become essential.

Currently, vehicular movement from JNPA Port to the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) section of NH-48 and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway faces significant congestion in urban areas such as Palaspe Phata, D-Point, Kalamboli Junction, and Panvel, with traffic volumes reaching approximately 1.8 lakh Passenger Car Units (PCU) per day. Travel times range from two to three hours. With the Navi Mumbai airport expected to commence operations in 2025, demand for direct highway connectivity is anticipated to grow further.

The project aims to enhance logistics efficiency by directly linking JNPA Port with the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48) while also connecting the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66). The inclusion of two tunnels through the Sahyadri range will facilitate smoother movement for commercial vehicles by eliminating the need to navigate steep ghat sections.

Upon completion, the corridor will improve port connectivity, ensure safe and efficient freight movement, and contribute to the economic growth of the Mumbai-Pune region by unlocking new development opportunities.

News source: THE STATESMAN

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a six-lane, access-controlled Greenfield High-Speed National Highway from JNPA Port (Pagote) to Chowk in Maharashtra. Spanning 29.219 km, the project will be developed under the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model at an estimated cost of Rs 45 billion. This initiative aligns with the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan, which prioritizes integrated infrastructure development, particularly in improving road connectivity to major and minor ports across India. With the rising container traffic at JNPA Port and the development of Navi Mumbai International Airport, enhancing highway infrastructure in this region has become essential. Currently, vehicular movement from JNPA Port to the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) section of NH-48 and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway faces significant congestion in urban areas such as Palaspe Phata, D-Point, Kalamboli Junction, and Panvel, with traffic volumes reaching approximately 1.8 lakh Passenger Car Units (PCU) per day. Travel times range from two to three hours. With the Navi Mumbai airport expected to commence operations in 2025, demand for direct highway connectivity is anticipated to grow further. The project aims to enhance logistics efficiency by directly linking JNPA Port with the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48) while also connecting the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66). The inclusion of two tunnels through the Sahyadri range will facilitate smoother movement for commercial vehicles by eliminating the need to navigate steep ghat sections. Upon completion, the corridor will improve port connectivity, ensure safe and efficient freight movement, and contribute to the economic growth of the Mumbai-Pune region by unlocking new development opportunities. News source: THE STATESMAN

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..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

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..

Real Estate

06 Apr 2026

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..