Centre Releases Rs 3 Bn for Palakkad Industrial Smart City

30 Oct 2025 CW Team

The Central Government has released the third instalment of Rs 3.2 billion for the Palakkad Industrial Smart City Project, a flagship node of the Kochi–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor.

The latest allocation has been made to the Kerala Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (KICDC), while the State Government has transferred an additional 316 acres of land for the project. With this, the total central assistance has reached Rs 6.13 billion, and the State has cumulatively handed over 646 acres, together accounting for nearly 45 per cent of the total project cost and land requirement.

The KICDC, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) jointly formed by the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) and the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT), is implementing the project with equal equity participation from both partners.

A high-level review meeting held recently in Kochi resolved to expedite groundwork and fast-track implementation. The meeting was attended by APM Mohammed Hanish, Principal Secretary (Industries); Rajit Saini, MD & CEO of NICDIT; Santosh Koshi Thomas, MD of KICDC; and representatives from the Dilip Buildcon–PSP Projects Joint Venture, which has been awarded the infrastructure development contract. The Project Management Consultant team also participated in the discussions.

Officials confirmed that the project agreement will be signed within the month, with preliminary construction work set to begin immediately thereafter.

Kerala has emerged as the first state in India among the 12 proposed Industrial Smart Cities to complete the tendering process for infrastructure development. Earlier, the State Government, through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), had invested Rs 14.89 billion to acquire 1,450 acre of land for the project.

The latest fund release follows Industries Minister P Rajeev’s detailed presentation to Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in June 2024, highlighting the State’s progress in corridor-related activities.

The Palakkad Industrial Smart City Project is expected to serve as a major industrial and logistics hub, driving economic growth and employment opportunities in the region while strengthening Kerala’s position in India’s industrial corridor network.

News source: Swarajya

The Central Government has released the third instalment of Rs 3.2 billion for the Palakkad Industrial Smart City Project, a flagship node of the Kochi–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor.The latest allocation has been made to the Kerala Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (KICDC), while the State Government has transferred an additional 316 acres of land for the project. With this, the total central assistance has reached Rs 6.13 billion, and the State has cumulatively handed over 646 acres, together accounting for nearly 45 per cent of the total project cost and land requirement.The KICDC, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) jointly formed by the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) and the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT), is implementing the project with equal equity participation from both partners.A high-level review meeting held recently in Kochi resolved to expedite groundwork and fast-track implementation. The meeting was attended by APM Mohammed Hanish, Principal Secretary (Industries); Rajit Saini, MD & CEO of NICDIT; Santosh Koshi Thomas, MD of KICDC; and representatives from the Dilip Buildcon–PSP Projects Joint Venture, which has been awarded the infrastructure development contract. The Project Management Consultant team also participated in the discussions.Officials confirmed that the project agreement will be signed within the month, with preliminary construction work set to begin immediately thereafter.Kerala has emerged as the first state in India among the 12 proposed Industrial Smart Cities to complete the tendering process for infrastructure development. Earlier, the State Government, through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), had invested Rs 14.89 billion to acquire 1,450 acre of land for the project.The latest fund release follows Industries Minister P Rajeev’s detailed presentation to Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in June 2024, highlighting the State’s progress in corridor-related activities.The Palakkad Industrial Smart City Project is expected to serve as a major industrial and logistics hub, driving economic growth and employment opportunities in the region while strengthening Kerala’s position in India’s industrial corridor network.News source: Swarajya

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..