Union Government approves Extension for Kochi Smart City Project

07 Jun 2023 CW Team

The Kochi Smart City project has received approval from the Union government for an extension until June 2024. This decision has been hailed as positive news because without the extension, several initiatives initiated by the Cochin Smart Mission (CSML) would have been at risk.

Officials have stated that the additional time provided will allow the CSML to focus on implementing numerous on-going ideas. MP Hibi Eden played a significant role in advocating for the project's expansion by raising the issue with Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the chairman of the Parliament's urban affairs committee.

To date, the CSML has successfully completed 20 projects in the city. Furthermore, two projects are currently in the tendering process, and 30 projects are already in the execution phase. The extension from the central government is crucial for projects such as the Rs 720 million Ernakulam Market restoration and the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) housing project, both of which have faced delays due to various reasons. Without the extension, these projects would have been severely hindered.

By extending the Smart City project until June 2024, the CSML now has the necessary breathing room to effectively continue its efforts. This extension ensures that important initiatives can precede uninterrupted, ultimately benefiting Kochi and its citizens.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..