Railways to revise Hubli-Ankola rail proposal

29 Aug 2023 CW Team

The Karnataka High Court has resolved a series of petitions contesting the Hubli (Hubballi)-Ankola railway line project. The Railways has assured that it will develop a revised proposal and commence work only after securing all essential clearances, addressing concerns raised regarding wildlife habitat fragmentation.

Giridhar Kulkarni and others, who filed public interest litigations (PILs) opposing the project due to its potential impact on the tiger habitat, found recourse in the Railways' commitment to mitigate ecological repercussions. The Railways' Deputy Chief Engineer, Construction-1, South Western Railways, Hubballi, pledged to collaborate with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, to formulate a mitigation plan aligned with the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

The Court, presided over by Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice M G S Kamal, acknowledged the Railways' affidavit and subsequently closed the PILs, acknowledging the Railways' intent to address the concerns.

The petitioners presented site inspection reports from the Standing Committee for NBWL and minutes from the 73rd NBWL meeting, highlighting discrepancies and advocating for a fresh Railways proposal. Furthermore, the court was apprised of an excerpt from the Tiger Census Report of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), emphasising the necessity for mitigating measures to prevent tiger habitat fragmentation caused by the rail project.

This development reflects the Railways' commitment to conservation and responsible project execution, assuring a balanced approach to infrastructure development while safeguarding the environment.

Real Estate

08 Oct 2025

Bennet & Bernard Unveil Dutch-Inspired ‘Casa El Toledo’ in Goa

Bennet & Bernard Group, Goa’s leading luxury real estate developer, has launched its newest project, Casa El Toledo, in Assagao. The enclave features 18 ultra-luxury 4 BHK Dutch-style villas blending European charm with tropical elegance. Each villa includes a private pool, double-height ceilings, open courtyards, alfresco dining areas, and English-inspired landscaping. The interiors are curated by noted Dutch designer Kelly Marie. Reflecting the grandeur of the Dutch Golden Age, Casa El Toledo harmonises heritage aesthetics with modern sensibilities. Expansive interiors flow..

Godrej Delivers Heaviest Ecolaire Surface Condenser to US Project

Godrej Enterprises Group’s Process Equipment business has manufactured and delivered its heaviest Ecolaire® Surface Condenser to date, weighing nearly 450 metric tonnes, for a power-generation project in the United States. The project, powered by natural gas and partly designed for hydrogen compatibility, marks another step in advancing clean energy systems. Produced at the company’s GreenCo-certified Dahej facility in Gujarat, the equipment demonstrates India’s growing engineering capabilities and reinforces Godrej’s ‘Make in India for the World’ vision. Hussain S..

India, Brazil Discuss Energy Ties And Oil Investments

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri held discussions with Celso Luis Nunes Amorim, Special Advisor to the President of Brazil, and senior Brazilian officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy transition sectors. The talks took place during a dinner hosted by Kenneth H da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, at his residence in New Delhi.Mr Puri said the meeting focused on Indian investments in Brazil’s oil and gas sector, as well as expanding collaboration in energy transition and biofuels. “The enriching conversation revolved ar..