MoRTH to hire non-technical consultant to expedite highway construction

08 Jul 2024 CW Team

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) plans to appoint a non-technical consultant for the first time to tackle land acquisition issues and speed up highway construction. The Ministry aims to recruit a retired government official, preferably a sub-divisional magistrate or higher, with extensive expertise in land revenue and acquisition, as detailed in a circular.

The goal is to enhance the efficiency of highway project awards and construction by refining land acquisition procedures, which are often blamed for project delays, the report suggested.

Delays in critical infrastructure projects have been attributed to complexities in land acquisition and inadequate communication between acquirers and landowners. The Ministry highlighted that sluggish processes and delays in issuing notifications frequently impede the availability of land, according to the business daily.

As part of the initiative to expedite highway construction, the appointed consultant will advise on policy matters, land acquisition strategies, handling public grievances, and legal matters. Their duties will encompass overseeing projects, coordinating land acquisition efforts, managing the Bhoomi Rashi and related online portals, and fulfilling additional assignments directed by the Ministry. The Bhoomi Rashi platform facilitates the online processing of land acquisition notifications, aiming to accelerate highway projects across India.

Infrastructure Urban

08 Apr 2026

UniAcoustic, Vicoustic Form UniVicoustic Alliance

UniAcoustic, part of United Group, has acquired a strategic stake in Portugal-based Vicoustic, forming a new alliance branded as UniVicoustic. The agreement, signed in Mumbai, marks a significant cross-border partnership aligned with evolving India–EU trade dynamics.The collaboration brings together Vicoustic’s global expertise in architectural acoustic products with UniAcoustic’s manufacturing scale and distribution capabilities. The combined platform aims to expand market reach, integrate technology and optimise supply chains across key regions.The development comes amid progress in th..

Dalmia Bharat, Delhi PWD Revamp Under-Flyover Spaces

Dalmia Bharat has partnered with the Public Works Department (PWD), Government of Delhi, to redevelop select under-flyover spaces and a road stretch into sustainable urban hubs. The agreement covers key locations including Lodhi Flyover, Oberoi Flyover, Mangi Bridge and Hanuman Setu.Under the initiative, the company will undertake design, landscaping, plantation and long-term maintenance of the sites, with a defined upkeep period of three years after completion. The project aims to improve urban aesthetics while promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity restoration in high-densit..

Versigent Debuts as Independent NYSE-Listed Company

Versigent has launched as an independent publicly traded company following its separation from Aptiv, with shares commencing trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “VGNT”. The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s transition into a standalone global player in power distribution systems.The company specialises in the design, manufacturing and delivery of low- and high-voltage electrical architectures, supported by engineering centres across four continents and manufacturing operations in over 25 countries.Versigent reported revenues of $8.8 billion, net inco..