Rs 1.40 Billion Initiative for Katraj-Kondhwa Road Land Acquisition

11 Jul 2024 CW Team

The state government has allocated Rs 1.40 billion to acquire land for widening the Katraj-Kondhwa Road, sparking renewed optimism for the project's advancement. Earlier, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had encountered difficulties in the project when most landowners insisted on cash compensation. A senior civic official noted that limited funds had hindered PMC from promptly acquiring the land, thereby delaying the project's progress.

Previously, PMC had aimed to complete the road by March 2025 but faced challenges due to financial constraints. The state government had earlier sanctioned Rs 2 billion, of which PMC has already utilized around Rs 480 million. The Katraj-Kondhwa Road encompasses areas such as Rajas Society, Khadi Machine Chowk, and the newly merged Pisoli area. Commuters, frustrated by the delays, urged the civic body to expedite work on the stretch.

Residents, like Rucha Joshi from Bibvewadi, highlighted the severity of commuting issues on Katraj-Kondhwa Road, worsened during monsoons due to potholes and heavy vehicle traffic. Citizens also pointed out problems such as the incomplete Katraj flyover and illegal autorickshaw stands and encroachments, exacerbating traffic congestion.

Rohit Narra, a commuter, emphasized the impact of delayed infrastructure projects like the flyover, which was intended to improve traffic management. Traffic police officer Chandrakant Pisal attributed irregular traffic conditions in Katraj to overpopulation and a high volume of PMPML buses. Despite these challenges, Pisal assured efforts to regulate traffic amidst increasing daily congestion.

Infrastructure Urban

03 Apr 2026

Centre Disburses Over Rs 24,610 mn in XV Finance Commission Grants

The Union Government has released XV Finance Commission tied grants during the financial year 2025–26 to rural local bodies in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim and has released withheld portions of tied and untied grants to Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura. The total disbursal exceeded Rs 24,610 mn, with figures expressed in million (mn) thereafter. The releases cover allocations pertaining to different financial years and aim to strengthen rural local governance. State-wise disbursements included Rs 3,324.6 mn for Punjab, Rs 9,432.7 mn for Madhya Pradesh, Rs 3,47..

Centre Releases Over Rs 15 bn as XV FC Grants to Rural Bodies

The Union Government has released over Rs 15 bn in grants recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in six states. The funds comprise tied and untied grants disbursed in FY 2025–26. Telangana received Rs 2.48 bn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2025–26, benefitting 12600 Gram Panchayats (GPs). Uttarakhand received Rs 913.1 mn as the second instalment and an additional Rs 18.4 mn of a withheld first instalment was released to a further 216 GPs. Mizoram is included among beneficiary st..

Government Assures Fuel Supplies And Seafarer Safety Amid West Asia Developments

The Government of India has stepped up coordinated measures to maintain stability in critical sectors as developments in West Asia continue to unfold. It has prioritised uninterrupted energy supplies, safeguarded maritime operations and extended consular assistance to nationals. Central authorities are working with State and Union territory administrations to ensure timely information dissemination and operational continuity. Refineries are reported to be operating at high capacity with adequate inventories of petrol and diesel, and domestic LPG production has been increased to support consump..