Gadkari to scrap NH projects in Punjab over law and order concerns

12 Aug 2024 CW Team

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has warned that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) may have to ?cancel or terminate? eight major highway projects in Punjab, worth Rs 142.88 billion, if the law and order situation does not improve. Gadkari conveyed this ultimatum in a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The warning follows reports of violence and threats related to the ongoing Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway construction. Incidents have included assaults on engineers and contractors in Jalandhar, and threats of arson against project camps and staff in Ludhiana. Gadkari noted that, given these projects are greenfield corridors, canceling even a single package could render the entire stretch "useless." In his letter, Gadkari detailed safety concerns for NHAI officers and contractors, and issues with land acquisition. He included photographs of recent assaults as evidence. Gadkari referred to a review meeting he chaired on July 15, where he was assured that land acquisition and law and order issues would be addressed promptly. However, he noted that there has been no progress and conditions have deteriorated further. The minister reported that several concessionaires have requested to terminate their contracts and have filed claims against NHAI due to ongoing problems. NHAI has already cancelled three projects valued at Rs 32.63 billion due to land acquisition issues. (ET)

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..