India has earmarked a substantial Rs.11.21 trillion in the Union Budget 2025-26 for the infrastructure sector, underscoring the central government鈥檚 commitment to driving economic growth through robust infrastructure development. This allocation is poised to enhance connectivity, boost employme...
India has earmarked a substantial Rs.11.21 trillion in the Union Budget 2025-26 for the infrastructure sector, underscoring the central government鈥檚 commitment to driving economic growth through robust infrastructure development. This allocation is poised to enhance connectivity, boost employment, and foster private sector participation as the country aspires to utilise the sector鈥檚 potential to become a developed nation by 2047.鈥淭he 2025 Union Budget offers a clear path forward, focusing on sustainable growth, affordable housing, and infrastructure development. The completion of 50,000 dwelling units in stressed housing projects and the Rs.1.5 trillion allocation for infrastructure will bring much-needed relief to middle-class families, helping them move closer to homeownership while fostering rapid urbanisation. We are optimistic about the `10 trillion asset monetisation plan, which will infuse capital into new projects, sparking innovation across key sectors.鈥�- Arun Shukla, President & Director,JK Lakshmi Cement鈥淓nhanced support of Rs.1.5 trillion to state capex in the form of interest-free loans, the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 which proposes to plough back `10 trillion in new projects over 2025-30, creation of a three-year pipeline of PPP projects in all infrastructure ministries will help keep up the momentum in infrastructure building that India has achieved over the last few years.鈥�- Sanjiv Puri, President, CII & Chairman &; Managing Director, ITC鈥淭he Rs.1.5 trillion in long-term PPP infrastructure investment, coupled with the Rs.1 trillion Urban Challenge Fund, signals a new era of urban modernisation and economic resilience. Strategic initiatives like global manufacturing clusters and clean tech advancements under the National Manufacturing Mission will position India as a global industrial powerhouse. By promoting domestic production of critical components like wind turbines, solar components, electrolysers and batteries, we are fostering innovation and sustainable growth.鈥�- Vineet Mittal, Chairman, Avaada Group鈥淭he coordinated three-year project pipeline of the government, which is supported by ministries and the India Infrastructure Project Development Fund (IIPDF), will not only speed up the completion of projects but also sustain private sector participation. Further strengthening this momentum, the launch of the second Asset Monetisation Plan, with `10 trillion earmarked for reinvestment, underscores the commitment to leveraging existing assets to fund new projects. Besides, sharing PM Gati Shakti data with private players will help improve project planning and execution, and minimise inefficiencies in resource utilisation.鈥�- Kavita Shirvaikar, Managing Director, Patel EngineeringThe Rs.1.5 lakh crore investment in renewables and the removal of duty barriers on critical minerals is a direct call to action for businesses鈥攊f you're not pivoting towards sustainability, you鈥檙e already behind. The next decade will belong to companies that can integrate clean energy, smart grids, and energy-efficient solutions into their business models.鈥�- Vijay Karia, Chairman &; Managing Director, Ravin Group鈥淭he National Manufacturing Mission鈥檚 targeted support for all renewable energy sources is a welcome move, as it reinforces India鈥檚 commitment to a level playing field and ambitious energy goals. The expected outcomes are promising: surpassing the 500 GW target and creating nearly 3 million green jobs. Additionally, incentives for electricity distribution reforms and intra-state transmission upgrades will likely improve the financial health of power companies and enable better grid integration of renewables.鈥�- Girish Tanti, Vice Chairman, Suzlon鈥淏y developing top destinations in partnership with states, enhancing medical tourism through the 鈥楬eal in India鈥� initiative, and introducing visa reforms, India is strengthening its appeal as a world-class travel and healthcare hub. The inclusion of hotels in the harmonised scheme and visa waivers for select foreign tourists further reinforce a comprehensive, future-ready travel ecosystem.鈥�- Lucas Ramos, Senior Director, Travel & Membership for Asia, Pacific & India, RCI
Indian Railways Clears Survey for New Line in Sikkim
The Ministry of Railways has approved a Final Location Survey for a proposed railway line in Sikkim, connecting Melli to Dentam via Jorethang and Legship. The Rs 22.5 Mn survey will be conducted by Northeast Frontier Railway to assess technical and financial feasibility.The planned 75-kilometre corridor aims to improve rail access in the under-served southern and western regions of Sikkim. The project is backed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and follows efforts by Member of Parliament Indra Hang Subba.This new line is intended to extend the under-construction Sivok鈥揜angpo railway proje..
Southern Railway to Add AC EMU Train on Chennai鈥揅hengalpattu Route
Southern Railway has announced plans to introduce an additional air-conditioned electric multiple unit (AC EMU) train on the Chennai Beach鈥揅hengalpattu suburban route. The move comes in response to increased passenger demand and the need for more comfortable summer travel options.Currently, the Chennai suburban rail network serves over 700 thousand commuters daily. An AC train service on this route was launched on 19 March, with fares ranging from Rs 35 to Rs 105. Owing to positive response, its frequency was raised from three to eight daily trips.At present, around two thousand five hundred..
Adani Power Secures 1,500 MW Thermal Project in Uttar Pradesh
Adani Power has received a Letter of Award from Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited to supply 1,500 megawatts of electricity for twenty-five years. The power will be generated from a planned ultra-supercritical thermal power plant with a two-by-eight hundred megawatt configuration, totalling 1,600 megawatts gross and 1,500 megawatts net.The company emerged as the lowest bidder in a competitive process, quoting a tariff of Rs 5.383 per unit. The project will be executed under the state鈥檚 Design, Build, Finance, Own and Operate model. Adani Power plans to invest approximately Rs 166 Bn ($ ..
