This Radical Plan to Make roads Greener Actually Works
Using embankments, channels, and dikes, so-called “green roads” help control floods, harvest excess water for irrigation, and slash maintenance costs. A movement to retrofit existing roads is gathering steam. Key Points
WIREDThis Radical Plan to Make roads Greener Actually Works
Using embankments, channels, and dikes, so-called “green roads” help control floods, harvest excess water for irrigation, and slash maintenance costs. A movement to retrofit existing roads is gathering steam. Key Points
WIREDThis Radical Plan to Make roads Greener Actually Works
Using embankments, channels, and dikes, so-called “green roads” help control floods, harvest excess water for irrigation, and slash maintenance costs. A movement to retrofit existing roads is gathering steam. Key Points
WIREDGovt eyeing shift to BOT as private cos show interest in roads sector: Nitin Gadkari
The Indian government plans to bid out road projects worth over ₹2 lakh crore through the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model by March 2024. This shift from the engineering, procurement, and contract (EPC) model will encourage private players to build high-quality roads that they will be responsible for maintaining for 15 years. Key Points
Economic TimesGovt eyes shift to BOT as private cos show interest in roads sector
The Indian government plans to bid out road projects worth over ₹2 lakh crore through the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model by March 2024. This shift from the engineering, procurement, and contract (EPC) model will encourage private players to build high-quality roads that they will be responsible for maintaining for 15 years. Key Points
Economic Times
Heavy rains paralyse life in Gurugram: Work from home for corporates; schools to remain closed on Monday
Severe waterlogging was reported from Himgiri Chowk, Aggarwal Dharmshala Chowk, Sheetla Mata Mandir Road, Kanhai Chowk, Rajiv Chowk, MG Road, and Sohna Road among others. Areas like Udyog Vihar, Rosewood City, Malibu Town, Sector 14, 17, and 31 among others remained inundated for several hours. Key Points
Economic TimesFlash drive: Meet Emil George, of the fastest solo car expedition across India
He grew up dreaming of a life of rugged jeeps and rutted roads. Now 35 and a businessman dealing in car parts, he just set a new record on the road. Key Points
Hindustan TimesFlash drive: Meet Emil George, of the fastest solo car expedition aross India
He grew up dreaming of a life of rugged jeeps and rutted roads. Now 35 and a businessman dealing in car parts, he just set a new record on the road. Key Points
Hindustan TimesArunachal Pradesh sees 65% growth in construction of highways in eight years
. After the 2020 stand-off with the Chinese PLA, the Centre along with the state authorities and Border roads Organisation (BRO) stepped up the pace of road construction and now are planning to initiate work on the third phase of the Indo-China Border roads (ICBR-III) for which new projects have been identified. The first two phases were planned in early 2000s but work on many projects were still ongoing. Key Points
Economic TimesStates' capex focus pivots away from roads to social services
States are expected to reduce their capital expenditure on roads in FY25, focusing more on social services like public health and education. This shift is partly due to the post-pandemic realization of the need to develop human capital. States are also aiming to meet their fiscal targets, with some compromising on road spending to achieve this. While overall spending on roads by states is set to increase, the growth rate is slowing down compared to previous years. The central government is also expected to reduce its spending on roads in FY25. Key Points
Economic Times
Consider barring Ganesh mandals violating permissions to erect pandals: HC to BMC
The Bombay high court has stated that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) needs a more serious deterrent against those who cause damage to roads and footpaths while setting up pandals during festivals. The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Prameya Foundation, which argued that the rule of forfeiting security deposits for violation of pandal permission was ineffective. The court has directed the BMC to take a decision on the matter within six weeks. | Mumbai news Key Points
Hindustan TimesG20 summit in Delhi: From 35 hotels booked to cleanliness drive from today; preparation begins for 9-10 Sept meet
35 hotels have been booked for guests and dignitaries, and preparations are underway to strengthen kitchens and improve amenities in the city. MCD has planned a special cleaning drive for 26 prominent roads. A G20 Leaders' Declaration will be adopted at the conclusion of the summit. Key Points
mint168 roads closed as snow, rains lash parts of Himachal Pradesh
A total of 168 roads, including three National Highways, were closed for vehicular traffic in the state on Friday night as per the data of the state emergency operation centre. Most of these roads are in a difficult terrain in Lahaul and Spiti, where 159 roads are still to be opened. Key Points
India TodayMassive sandstorm in China's Xinjiang turns sky orange, reduces visibility
A severe sandstorm engulfed parts of China's Xinjiang, turning the sky orange and reducing visibility to less than 100 metres. Authorities enforced emergency traffic measures for the safety of people on the roads. Key Points
India TodayUttarkashi tunnel collapse: India's infrastructure play to counter China threat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of the project in 2016. The project, called Char Dham Mahamarg, will comprise nearly 900 km of highways, including several bridges and tunnels, and will cost Rs 12,000 crore. The project had courted controversy due to concerns raised over building of roads in ecoologically fragile areas. Key Points
Economic Times
Civic body to procure more plastic waste for constructing city roads
The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) plans to use plastic waste in road construction. Tenders will be floated for outsourcing the work, and the roads will contain at least 8% plastic waste mixture. The use of plastic waste in road construction makes the roads more durable and prevents the formation of potholes. The MCG aims to reduce maintenance costs and increase the lifespan of the roads. | Latest News Delhi Key Points
Hindustan TimesCongress is party of 'lies and loot', says Jyotiraditya Scindia, talks about 'velvety roads' of Madhya Pra
Congress always cries about empty coffers.... It used to say 'Behen tijori khali hai' (sister, coffers are empty) while the BJP says 'Behen tijori tumahri hai' (sister, coffers are yours), Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, speaking at a public meeting in support of BJP candidate Brajendra Yadav. Key Points
Economic TimesMandi-Kullu highway opens after 20 hours; Other Himachal's roads still blocked
Himachal Pradesh roads remain blocked due to landslides, causing hundreds of tourists to be stuck in traffic. Flash flood alerts have been issued for several areas. Key Points
mintRains trigger landslides in parts of Himachal; 'yellow' warning issued
A total of 19 roads were closed due to inclement weather in the last few days. A maximum of 11 roads were closed for vehicular traffic in Sirmaur, three in Kullu, two each in Chamba and Shimla and one road was closed in Kangra. A total of 171 transformers were also disrupted. Key Points
Economic TimesArunachal Pradesh is the Davos of vroom vroom vroom. It's the motorsport hub of the rich
The once-sleepy streets of Dambuk are now lined with McLaren, Audi R8, Ferrari, Ashton Martin, Porsche, Nissan GTR, and Lamborghini. The exotic wheels have put state tourism in the fast lane. Key Points
ThePrint
Why you should now be extra careful while driving in Gurgaon
Gurgaon has set speed limits on 156 main roads covering a total distance of approximately 292km. The limits range from 20-60kmph, depending on the road width. The speed limits have been determined by the district administration and the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) based on road characteristics, traffic patterns, and accident data. Key Points
Economic TimesStates set to trim FY24 spend on roads, bridges
The combined capital expenditure of the 16 large states, which account for 80% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), on roads and bridges will fall to 0.58% of the gross state domestic product, compared to 0.61% in the previous fiscal, according to their budgets. Key Points
Economic TimesBengaluru rains: 'Absolutely! It's a daily nightmare': Netizens agree after Mohandas Pai says poor infra forcing many MNCs to take jobs to other cities
His remarks followed heavy rainfall that caused flooding in several parts of the city. Last week, Bengaluru experienced similar issues, with rain leading to waterlogged streets and traffic jams that caused significant delays and gridlock. Key Points
Business TodayIndia can't prevent road accidents but it can reduce fatalities—advanced tools, trauma care
One in every three accidents on Indian roads leads to a fatality. Developing road infrastructure cannot compensate accident fatalities that can be prevented with better facilities. Key Points
ThePrintFocus of rain-battered North India shifts to relief, rescue
The Indian Meteorological Department has warned that Shimla, Sirmaur and Kinnaur districts of Himachal may experience moderate-to-high flash floods in the next few days. According to state authorities, 31 people have been killed in three days in landslides and floods, which blocked nearly 1,300 roads and damaged 40 major bridges. Key Points
Economic Times
Watch: Heavy rains lash parts of Gurugram; waterlogging, traffic congestion reported in many areas
Residents took to social media to share photos and videos of waterlogged roads as well as express their frustration. Furthermore, they sought immediate action from the authorities to solve the waterlogging issues in different parts of the city. Key Points
Business TodayTwenty Point Programme: Government shines on 11 parameters
The Indian government succeeded in achieving more than 90% target completion in six out of 14 parameters under the Twenty Point Programme, as per data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Performance in three parameters was labeled poor or below 80% target, which included area covered under plantation and construction of roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Key Points
Economic TimesModi roadshow in Bengaluru: Traffic police ask people to avoid 35 key roads on May 6
The roadshow by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (May 6) is likely to throw traffic out of gear in the city. Bengaluru Traffic Police have issued an advisory to avoid 35 key roads and junctions between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. While they usually issue traffic diversions, this time, the advisory asks commuters to avoid these roads entirely. Key Points
The HinduGovernment embarks on improving road network for new tribal panchayats
Telangana government has embarked on yet another comprehensive programme to provide road connectivity to several tribal hamlets or ‘thandas’. It has sanctioned 88 works under the Scheduled Tribes Special Development Fund for laying BT roads over a stretch of 211 km in 16 constituencies at an estimated cost of ₹156.6 crore. Key Points
The HinduPM Modi lauds Nitin Gadkari's infra push: A look at India's National Highways network in last 9 years
India had a total of 91,287 km of National Highways till April 1, 2014, according to the official data. This was expanded to 145,155 km by March 2023. From building 12.1 km per day of roads in 2014-15, India saw 28.6 km of roads being constructed every day in 2021-22 Key Points
Firstpost
'Aladdin' lands in Gurugram, shocks people with his 'magic carpet.' Watch
A man from Gurugram was seen dressed as Aladdin and riding a ‘magic carpet.’ Watch his video here. | Trending Key Points
Hindustan TimesMacquarie, KKR seek Rs 8,500 crore in loans for their respective roads businesses in India
Macquarie is raising around Rs 6,100 crore of loans to refinance the existing debt of its toll-operate-transfer (TOT) bundle, the first and the most valued such bundle to be sold by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in 2018 for a winning bid of Rs 9,681.5 crore. This was also the biggest TOT bundle in terms of the roads to be monetised by the NHAI, involving 9 toll roads. Key Points
Economic TimesLand acquisition, flyovers and tunnels raised Bharatmala cost: Official
The cost of highway projects under India's Bharatmala programme has risen above initial estimates due to the construction of wider highways and tunnels, as well as more expensive land acquisition, top roads Ministry official said. TThis programme was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in July 2017. Key Points
Economic TimesHimachal Pradesh Rains: Orange alert issued, 1 injured in Shimla, flood-like situation in Balh Valley
Due to heavy rain, a flood-like situation continued to prevail in The Balh Valley of Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. Many tourists are stranded due to the situation, said officials. Key Points
mintMan, wife and their 7-year-old son take it upon themselves to fill potholes on Pune roads
There is a saying, “If you want something done, do it yourself.” Exemplifying this, a family of three in Pune, Maharashtra, took it upon themselves to fill the potholes on their city’s roads on Independence Day this year. Key Points
The Tribune India
Himachal rains: 3 more bodies recovered, death toll reaches 56
Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh led to the deaths of at least 56 people as homes collapsed, landslides occurred and cloudbursts were reported locally. Two people died in Shimla in a fresh incident while two were extracted alive from the rubble on Tuesday morning. A total of 19 bodies have now been recovered since Monday. The region has had a challenging monsoon season this year, with losses to the tune of INR7,171 crore ($1.1bn). Most roads remain blocked, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach the affected areas. Key Points
Economic TimesNIIF to raise half-a-billion dollars for road assets via Maiden InvIT
Initial discussions with merchant bankers have taken place and a couple of bankers will be hired soon, they said. The aggregate portfolio size of the seven roads assets would stand at approximately $2 billion, said sources. An NIIF spokesperson declined to comment. Key Points
Economic TimesAfter raids in Colombia, protesters take 80 police, oil workers hostage
Colombians protesting the poor state of roads took more than 80 police officers and oil workers hostage after raiding a field owned by a unit of China’s Sinochem Group, according to local media reports. A policeman and a civilian are dead. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesWinter storm threatens 100 million people in US, with extensive impact on travel. Read forecast here
More than 115 million residents from Iowa to New Jersey are expecting a winter storm as the forecasters have warned of it bringing in bitterly cold temperatures, snow disrupting travel conditions. Here's everything to know more. Key Points
Economic TimesDelhi Traffic Police issues advisory ahead of India-Afghanistan match. Check which roads will remain closed
Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory for residents ahead of India-Afghanistan match at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Diversions and restrictions will be imposed on certain roads around the stadium. Limited parking available for labelled vehicles, park and ride facility for spectators Key Points
mint
Activists infuriated as NMMC draft development plan ‘lacks’ green focus
The draft development plan by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has been criticised for the absence of concrete plans for environmental aspects such as rainwater harvesting, green energy, tree cover and wetland protection. The NatConnect Foundation said the plan failed to address the impact of the ongoing redevelopment of housing colonies, which will lead to 20-plus storey buildings and put pressure on water, sewerage, power and traffic. Despite having 232 gardens and 91 playgrounds, the city only has three square metres of open space per person, compared to WHO and AMRUT norms of nine to 10 sq m. | Mumbai news Key Points
Hindustan Times