Karnataka Govt Orders Investigation for Quality of Work in Smart Cities

08 Jan 2025 CW Team

Urban Development Minister BS ‘Bairati’ Suresh has ordered a comprehensive investigation into six Smart City projects in Karnataka, excluding Bengaluru. The minister’s directive comes amid concerns over the quality and focus of the projects. During a review meeting, Suresh examined the progress of Smart City initiatives in Belagavi, Davangere, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, Shivamogga, and Tumkur. He expressed disappointment over the allocation of funds, citing that a significant portion was spent on temporary infrastructure such as roads, drainage, and repairs, rather than permanent assets like smart schools, hospitals, and libraries. The minister instructed the Urban Development Department Secretary to form a committee, including independent experts, to investigate the projects and submit a report within three months. The committee will comprise officials from various departments, technical experts, and representatives from universities and the Indian Institute of Science. Suresh emphasized the need to prioritize the construction of smart schools with advanced technology to benefit underprivileged children. He also warned against further lapses in the projects, citing dissatisfaction expressed by local representatives in Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Shivamogga. The Smart City campaign, which aims to develop sustainable and technological infrastructure in urban areas, is set to conclude by March 2025. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in determining the project’s success and identifying areas for improvement.

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..