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)

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..