Centre Considers Goa’s Rs 6.5 Bn Tap Water Plan

19 May 2025 CW Team

The central government has agreed to consider Goa’s proposal for a Rs 6.5 billion ‘Drink from Tap’ (DfT) scheme aimed at providing round-the-clock potable water supply across the state.

The assurance was given during a high-level review meeting in Panaji between the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Goa’s Chief Minister, which assessed the progress of key urban development initiatives.

Goa is seeking Rs 3.26 billion in central assistance under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0. The DfT project includes water source augmentation, infrastructure upgrades, network rehabilitation, smart metering, and IoT-based monitoring systems. The Union Minister instructed officials to evaluate the proposal under the scheme.

Highlighting Goa’s unique urban pressures, especially from peak tourist inflows, the Chief Minister also requested enhanced support under AMRUT 2.0 and Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U) 2.0. In response, the Union Minister agreed to explore policy changes to aid tourism-centric states.

The meeting also reviewed progress under major programmes such as the Smart Cities Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), and PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi).

Goa was urged to speed up pending water and sanitation works, revise action plans, and enhance proposal submissions. Officials were also asked to promote PMAY-U 2.0 to improve housing uptake and to submit proposals under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme to expand clean urban mobility.

The Union Minister stressed the importance of strategic urban planning and greater public-private partnerships to support sustainable growth in the state.

Infrastructure Transport

16 Sep 2025

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..