Infrastructure-Economy-News-The Economic Times 
Centre flags land, green tape hurdles in infra projects
Delays in land acquisition and obtaining various environmental clearances have significantly impacted the progress of infrastructure projects. Although central agencies are improving approval times, states are still facing lengthy procedures for necessary permits. Utility shifting is also causing major disruptions, often taking longer than projected. The recent analysis reveals a considerable increase in costs due to pre-construction delays.
Under the Department of Urban Development, the committee will examine rainwater harvesting initiatives, legacy waste remediation, functioning of Smart City Integrated Command and Control Centres, and affordable rental housing projects.
China-Europe rail and India’s long road to Eurasia
India is focusing on connectivity initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the IMEC. Geopolitical tensions have challenged India's ambitions to establish reliable connectivity with Europe. In contrast, the China-Europe freight network significantly expands trade routes across Eurasia. The expansion provides multiple routes and helps mitigate disruptions in maritime transport. A shift in India-China relations may further enhance India's connectivity options with Eurasian markets.
NaBFID gets Finance Ministry, RBI nod for national infrastructure project repository
NaBFID has obtained approvals from the finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of India to establish a national repository. This repository will offer consolidated information on infrastructure projects for lenders and investors. The platform aims to facilitate access to data sourced from various government agencies like NHAI and others. NaBFID is considering partnerships with financial institutions to enhance the repository's effectiveness.
National highway projects awarded rise 62.9% during April-Sept: MoSPI
National highway projects awarded experienced a 62.9% increase in distance during the April-September period. Electronic toll collection transactions also rose significantly, indicating increased digital use. Air cargo movement increased by 12%, and foreign tourist arrivals grew as well. The telecommunications sector expanded, adding over 29,000 kilometers of optical fiber cable. Overall, performance indicators across multiple infrastructure sectors have shown positive trends in FY27.
Ladakh’s infrastructure plan: 5 projects worth ?3,350 cr to boost air connectivity, roads, tourism
Rs 3,350 crore gift to Ladakh: India's 1st petroglyph park, airport terminal for 35 lakh passengers & 298-km Himalayan road among 5 projects launched by PM Modi
Ladakh mega projects: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated five development projects worth Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh, focusing on connectivity, power infrastructure, cultural heritage and water security. The projects include a new Leh airport terminal designed to handle 35 lakh passengers annually, the 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, a 9 MW hydropower project, a transmission line, India’s first petroglyph conservation park and 40 water bodies developed under Project Him Sarovar.
Ircon to monetise 4 highway assets; PSU plans to unlock 3,000cr value as part of GoI's infra monetisation
Ircon International has placed four highway assets for sale in a government-led monetisation programme. These assets include toll-road and hybrid annuity model projects located in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Gujarat. The enterprise value of the assets is estimated to be around ₹3,000 crore, as advised by Axis Capital. Currently, Ircon is a Navratna company primarily earning from its railway segment.
PM GatiShakti: over 400 infra projects worth Rs 20.23 lakh cr recommended for approval
Over 400 infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 20.23 lakh crore have been approved under the PM GatiShakti initiative. The initiative aims to reduce logistics costs by developing integrated infrastructure across India. It integrates more than 1,800 data layers covering various sectors, including transportation and telecommunication. The Network Planning Group reviewed these projects for investments exceeding Rs 500 crore. This digital platform enhances data-driven infrastructure planning and management throughout the country.
Noida’s new Sports City plan approved: Authority tells SC 70% of land will be reserved for sports facilities as stalled Sector 150 project moves towards revival
Noida Authority has approved the revised layout plan for the 300-acre Sports City project in Sector 150, reserving 70% of the land for sports facilities. The approval follows years of stalled development and comes as the Supreme Court examines separate cases involving Sports City projects. While four housing projects have received conditional occupancy certificates, further approvals and legal proceedings will determine the next steps for construction and homebuyers awaiting possession.
Highway projects get three more months of bitumen, diesel cost escalation cover amid West Asia crisis
The ministry of road transport and highways is extending the cost compensation for bitumen and diesel. This extension will apply to projects executed until December 31, 2026. Work carried out will only qualify if the bid due date was set before April 1, 2026. The compensation aims to address the impact of rising diesel prices on highway construction.
Nitin Gadkari announces approval of Rs 993 crore for NH-10 development in Sikkim
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the approval of Rs 993.64 crore for the NH-10 development project. This project aims to upgrade the Rangpo to Ranipool section into a two-lane highway. It will include construction of tunnels, viaducts, and safety measures for vulnerable zones. The upgrade is expected to enhance connectivity for tourists and goods in Sikkim. It also holds strategic importance for defense personnel and supplies in the region.
Bullet train milestone: 480m Sabarmati river bridge completed in Ahmedabad
Toll transactions dip 5.2%; Revenue growth slows down
In the first half of the current financial year, India's toll volume experienced a significant decline of 5.2%. Toll revenue saw a modest increase of 6.27% compared to the previous period. The annual toll pass introduced in 2025 is attributed to reduced reported toll transactions. Industry experts expect a subsequent increase in toll collection due to rising commercial traffic.
India's infrastructure challenge shifts from raising capital to making projects investable: Deloitte
India's infrastructure challenge has evolved from capital raising to the need for investable projects. A significant proportion of respondents view private-sector participation and complex approval processes as major obstacles. The report emphasizes the necessity of modernizing infrastructure through digital technologies and enhanced cyber defenses. Public sector initiatives have successfully attracted private investment in greenfield sectors like renewables and highways.