MoRTH to appoint non-technical consultant for the first time

05 Jul 2024 CW Team

Land availability has been a significant hindrance to infrastructure projects, often slowed by prolonged processes and delayed notifications. The new consultant will advise on policy matters, land acquisition, public grievances, and legal cases, as well as monitor projects, coordinate land acquisition activities, manage the Bhoomi Rashi platform, and perform additional tasks as directed by the ministry.

The Bhoomi Rashi platform facilitates online processing of land acquisition notifications, speeding up highway projects across India. The appointment comes at a critical time, as highway construction has fallen short of annual targets for the past three years. In the current fiscal year, construction rates have significantly declined.

Data from MoRTH shows that highway construction decreased by 12% to 1,288 km in the first two months of this fiscal year, compared to 1,465 km in the same period in 2023. Additionally, the number of projects awarded dropped sharply from 382 km to just 4 km. An anonymous official from a leading global audit and consultancy firm attributed these delays and cost overruns to land acquisition hurdles. The central government is targeting 12,000-13,000 km of highway construction for FY25, down from the previous year's target of 13,814 km and the actual construction of 12,349 km. The consultant's initial engagement will be for two years, with potential extensions based on ministry needs, performance, and health. The consultant will be based in the ministry's New Delhi office, with an age limit of 63 years. Current regulations stipulate that MoRTH aims to acquire 90% of the land before awarding highway projects, ensuring encumbrance-free projects for concessionaires. Minor acquisitions can be managed during various construction stages without disrupting project progress.

(Source: BS & Mint)

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is set to appoint a non-technical consultant to address land acquisition issues and speed up highway construction, according to a report by the source. The consultant, preferably a retired government official with a rank of sub-divisional magistrate or higher, will bring extensive knowledge and experience in land revenue and acquisition. This initiative aims to streamline the awarding and construction processes for highways, which are often delayed due to land acquisition complexities and poor communication between acquirers and landowners. Land availability has been a significant hindrance to infrastructure projects, often slowed by prolonged processes and delayed notifications. The new consultant will advise on policy matters, land acquisition, public grievances, and legal cases, as well as monitor projects, coordinate land acquisition activities, manage the Bhoomi Rashi platform, and perform additional tasks as directed by the ministry. The Bhoomi Rashi platform facilitates online processing of land acquisition notifications, speeding up highway projects across India. The appointment comes at a critical time, as highway construction has fallen short of annual targets for the past three years. In the current fiscal year, construction rates have significantly declined. Data from MoRTH shows that highway construction decreased by 12% to 1,288 km in the first two months of this fiscal year, compared to 1,465 km in the same period in 2023. Additionally, the number of projects awarded dropped sharply from 382 km to just 4 km. An anonymous official from a leading global audit and consultancy firm attributed these delays and cost overruns to land acquisition hurdles. The central government is targeting 12,000-13,000 km of highway construction for FY25, down from the previous year's target of 13,814 km and the actual construction of 12,349 km. The consultant's initial engagement will be for two years, with potential extensions based on ministry needs, performance, and health. The consultant will be based in the ministry's New Delhi office, with an age limit of 63 years. Current regulations stipulate that MoRTH aims to acquire 90% of the land before awarding highway projects, ensuring encumbrance-free projects for concessionaires. Minor acquisitions can be managed during various construction stages without disrupting project progress. (Source: BS & Mint)

Infrastructure Transport

11 May 2026

Shivraj Chouhan Launches PMGSY IV and Announces Package for Madhya Pradesh

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) IV at Bhairunda in Sehore district during the 25 year celebrations and announced a development package for Madhya Pradesh. The programme was organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and attended by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, ministers of state, state ministers, legislators and senior officials from the centre and the state. The minister said the central government under the Prime Minister is committed to strengthening rural livelihoods through improved connectivity, housing and women's in..

Infrastructure Urban

11 May 2026

DMR Engineering Reports FY 25-26 Financial Results

DMR Engineering reported its half year results for the financial year ended 31 March 2026 and published full year figures on a standalone basis. Standalone revenue from operations decreased by 2.01 per cent year-over-year to Rs 102.58 million (mn), while profit after tax declined by 43.94 per cent to nine point five six mn, leaving a profit after tax margin of nine point zero five per cent. Earnings per share stood at Rs zero point nine two, a fall of 44.71 per cent year-over-year. The company attributed part of the decline to one-off provisioning for bad debts and additional financing charges..

Infrastructure Urban

11 May 2026

Atlanta Electricals Posts Strong FY26 Growth And Debt Free Finish

Atlanta Electricals reported audited consolidated results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026. The company recorded significant year-on-year revenue growth driven by capacity ramp-up at new facilities and higher utilisation at legacy plants. The announcement summarised operating improvements and strategic milestones achieved during the year. For Q4 the company reported revenue of Rs 7.48 bn and for FY26 revenue of Rs 18.52 bn, representing robust growth versus the prior year. EBITDA in Q4 was Rs. 1.49 bn and Rs. 3.44 bn for the full year, with margins expanding to 20 per cent in the q..