Patna Metro phase 1 to be completed by 2025

11 Jul 2024 CW Team

Bihar Urban Development Minister Nitin Naveen announced that the first phase of the Patna Metro Project is slated for completion by 2025. This phase will see the metro operating between Malahi Pakadi and the Bus Stand in Patna.

"The project funding is a joint effort: 20% from the Bihar government, 20% from the central government, and the remaining 60% from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)," the minister said.

Naveen also noted that the second and third phases of the project are advancing rapidly and will be completed soon. He highlighted that JICA's approval has significantly accelerated the project.

The minister affirmed the state government's commitment to providing metro facilities to the public as quickly as possible. He added that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for the metro's expansion to other cities in Bihar.

While acknowledging some technical challenges in meeting the 2025 deadline, Naveen assured that efforts are underway to address these issues. He also addressed concerns about departmental tenders, stating that no major tender scams have occurred under his department but that a review is in progress to ensure transparency. "Any irregularities found during the review will be dealt with strictly," he said. (Source: ET)

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..

UPI Crosses 500 Million Users, Fuels MSME and Digital Growth

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a new milestone, surpassing 500 million consumers and 65 million merchants across India. The platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has expanded its reach to nearly 99 percent of the country’s pin codes, underlining its deep penetration into both urban and rural markets. According to a report by NPCI and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, UPI has evolved from being a digital payments mechanism into a key enabler of financial inclusion and small business growth. I..