NEWS
DATA
LINK
SERVICES
LOGIN / REGISTER
NEWS
DATA
LINK
SERVICES
financial express
About the Publisher
-----
Contact Information
Email Address
-----
Company Phone
-----
Address
-----
Socials
Facebook
-----
Instagram
-----
LinkedIn
-----
Filters
Apply Filters
Reset Filters
100
articles found
View by
financial express
New Fastag Rules To Come Into Effect From Today – Here’S All You Need To Know
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is introducing new FASTag rules starting February 17, 2025, with the aim of improving efficiency, according to multiple media reports. Key changes include a policy where transactions from a blacklisted FASTag will be declined if the user has been blacklisted for more than 60 minutes before reaching the toll plaza and remains blacklisted for at least 10 minutes after. In such cases, users may be required to pay double the toll charges. Additionally, FASTag users will need to ensure a sufficient balance in advance, as last-minute recharges may no longer resolve payment issues. These updates are designed to streamline toll transactions and reduce fraud. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes: a) Blacklisted FASTags: Toll payments will be declined if the FASTag is blacklisted when reaching the toll. If the FASTag was blacklisted at least 10 minutes prior to scanning, payment will also be rejected. b) Grace Period: A 70-minute grace period has been introduced, allowing users to rectify the FASTag status before crossing a toll booth. c) Impact of Blacklisting: If the FASTag is blacklisted when reaching the toll, the user may be charged double the toll fee. However, if the FASTag is recharged within 10 minutes after the scan, users can request a penalty refund. d) Delayed Transactions: If toll transactions are processed more than 15 minutes after the vehicle passes the toll reader, additional charges may apply for FASTag users. e) Chargebacks: Banks will only be able to raise chargebacks for incorrect deductions due to blacklisted or low-balance FASTags after a 15-day cooling period. FASTag is an electronic toll collection system designed to enable cashless payments at toll plazas across India. Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, FASTag automatically deducts toll fees from a linked bank or prepaid account as vehicles pass through designated toll lanes.
road-bridge
Feb 17, 2025
financial express
Women-Driven ‘Pink Rapidos’ For Women Passengers To Begin Services In Karnataka
Ride-hailing service provider Rapido is set to introduce safer women’s mobility with the launch of ‘Pink Rapido’. These will be a fleet of bikes exclusively driven by women for female passengers in Karnataka. The recently announced initiative is expected to roll out by the end of this year. Rapido co-founder Pavan Guntupalli made the announcement at the Global Investors Summit in Bengaluru. He shed light on the company’s commitment to women’s empowerment and safety and said, “Our goal is to create 25,000 job opportunities for women through this initiative. If a woman can travel safely with an unknown driver and reach her destination without fear, that is our true success.” Beyond job creation, Pink Rapido aims to provide a secure and empowering work environment for female riders. Rapido has also implemented several safety measures to ensure both the drivers and passengers feel protected. “Even women without formal education or specialised skills are getting opportunities in nearby towns. Today, 35% of our workforce comes from smaller cities and we are proud of that,” Guntupalli added. This isn’t Rapido’s first attempt at gender-inclusive mobility. In September 2023, the company introduced ‘Bike Pink’ in Chennai, supplying 25 electric bikes to women drivers facing financial hardships.
road-bridge
Feb 17, 2025
financial express
Fastag Rules Set To Change From February 17 – Here’S What You Need To Know
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is introducing new FASTag rules starting February 17, 2025, with the aim of improving efficiency, according to multiple media reports. Key changes include a policy where transactions from a blacklisted FASTag will be declined if the user has been blacklisted for more than 60 minutes before reaching the toll plaza and remains blacklisted for at least 10 minutes after. In such cases, users may be required to pay double the toll charges. Additionally, FASTag users will need to ensure a sufficient balance in advance, as last-minute recharges may no longer resolve payment issues. These updates are designed to streamline toll transactions and reduce fraud. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes: a) Blacklisted FASTags: Toll payments will be declined if the FASTag is blacklisted when reaching the toll. If the FASTag was blacklisted at least 10 minutes prior to scanning, payment will also be rejected. b) Grace Period: A 70-minute grace period has been introduced, allowing users to rectify the FASTag status before crossing a toll booth. c) Impact of Blacklisting: If the FASTag is blacklisted when reaching the toll, the user may be charged double the toll fee. However, if the FASTag is recharged within 10 minutes after the scan, users can request a penalty refund. d) Delayed Transactions: If toll transactions are processed more than 15 minutes after the vehicle passes the toll reader, additional charges may apply for FASTag users. e) Chargebacks: Banks will only be able to raise chargebacks for incorrect deductions due to blacklisted or low-balance FASTags after a 15-day cooling period. FASTag is an electronic toll collection system designed to enable cashless payments at toll plazas across India. Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, FASTag automatically deducts toll fees from a linked bank or prepaid account as vehicles pass through designated toll lanes.
road-bridge
Feb 16, 2025
financial express
Uniform Toll Policy: Government Aims To Bring Toll Chaos To Screeching Halt, Provide Relief To Commuters On National Highways
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is developing a uniform toll policy aimed at easing the burden on commuters using national highways, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari revealed on Monday (February 3). Gadkari acknowledged growing discontent over high toll charges and the overall user experience on highways, stating, “We are working on a uniform toll policy that will address the issues faced by commuters.” However, he did not elaborate further on the specifics of the policy. The longest-serving road transport minister also assured that India’s highway infrastructure now compares with that of the United States. As of October 31, 2024, India’s National Highways network stretches over 1,46,195 km, making it the second-largest road network in the world. In response to public grievances, particularly on social media, the ministry has begun implementing a barrier-less, GNSS-based toll collection system. This system is aimed at reducing congestion and improving toll collection efficiency. Gadkari emphasized that the MoRTH is taking commuters’ complaints seriously and has been cracking down on contractors involved in inefficiencies. Gadkari pointed out that while private vehicles make up about 60% of the traffic on national highways, they only contribute around 20-26% of toll revenue. The widening of the toll network has led to increased charges, which, combined with the expansion of toll plazas, has raised concerns among road users. For the fiscal year 2023-24, total toll collection in India reached an impressive Rs 64,809.86 crore, marking a 35% increase from the previous year. This growth follows a similar surge from Rs 27,503 crore in 2019-20. Regarding infrastructure development, Gadkari expressed optimism that the MoRTH would surpass the record of 37 kilometers of highway construction per day achieved in FY 2020-21. So far, about 7,000 kilometers of highways have been constructed this fiscal year, with construction traditionally accelerating in the February-March period. In terms of project awards, the government plans to award approximately 13,000 km of highway projects this financial year, up from 8,580.5 km in FY 2023-24. However, the absence of a replacement for the Bharatmala Pariyojana scheme has slowed the pace of project approvals. The Bharatmala Pariyojana, launched in 2017, aims to improve connectivity by expanding India’s road network by 34,800 km. To date, over 26,400 km of projects under the scheme have been awarded, and 18,700 km have been completed. However, Gadkari highlighted a challenge in the approval process for large projects, with any project over Rs 1,000 crore now requiring Cabinet approval, which has delayed some initiatives. He mentioned that projects worth Rs 50,000-Rs 60,000 crore are currently awaiting Cabinet clearance.
road-bridge
Feb 03, 2025
financial express
Highway Construction Down 5.8% In April-December
Highway construction in the first nine months of this fiscal year stood close to 5283 km which is 5.8% lower than last year’s 6216 km in the same period of the previous year but the rate of building new roads is better than what the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had targeted for the whole year. The government has set a provisional target of constructing 10,421 km of national highways this financial year, which is 15% lower than last year’s achievement due to the election process delaying various state clearances and prolonged monsoon in 2024. The decline in construction is just 5.8% rather than 15% expected. Of the total target, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been given a target of 5,000 km while the remaining will be done by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) and road wing of the ministry. NHAI has constructed 3528 km of highways and awarded contracts for 1534 km. The award figure in April-December 2024 for the newer highways was around 3100 km as compared to 3111 km in the same period of the previous year. No target has been set for award this FY as no detailed long-term plan has been chalked out to replace Bharatmala. Award of new projects under Bharatmala was stopped last year and it has been replaced by Vision 2047. No specific target under Vision 2047 plan has been approved by the Government. From now on depending on the priority of the project – in consultation with economic ministries and other stakeholders – and availability of resources projects will be undertaken under the Vision 2047. The slowdown in awarding since last year, however, will impact the pace of highway construction in 2025-26 also and only in 2026-27 can an uptick be expected, according to analysts. The expenditure on highway building in April-December fell to Rs 2.25 lakh crore which is 82.7% of this financial year’s target of Rs 2.72 lakh crore. Last year during the same period the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had spent Rs 2.15 lakh crore or 83.5 % of its target.
road-bridge
Jan 31, 2025
financial express
Mumbai To Goa Travel Time To Cut In Half Soon, Highway To Be Completed In Next 5 Months – Details Inside
The much-anticipated four-laning of the 466km Mumbai-Goa Highway in Maharashtra is finally nearing completion, with authorities setting a deadline of May-June 2025, according to a Times of India report. This major infrastructure upgrade will offer commuters a faster and smoother journey, drastically cutting travel time between the two destinations from 12 hours to just 6 hours. Despite its promise of improved connectivity and economic growth, the project has faced considerable delays, causing costs to soar from the originally estimated Rs 3,500 crore to a staggering Rs 7,300 crore, the report further said. The work is currently pending on crucial bypasses, underpasses and flyovers in towns such as Mangaon, Indapur, Pali, Lanja, Kolad and Chiplun. However, authorities assure that major road stretches will be completed before the monsoon. The 84km Panvel-Indapur stretch is being developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), while the remaining sections are being widened by the Public Works Department (PWD) under the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Once finished, the highway will not only enhance connectivity between Mumbai and Goa but also serve as a critical artery for trade, tourism and local businesses along the western coast. With its completion on the horizon, the Mumbai-Goa Highway is set to become a game-changer for travelers and businesses alike.
road-bridge
Jan 30, 2025
financial express
Mumbai: Inauguration Of North Channel Bridge Marks New Era Of Connectivity Between Coastal Road And Sea Link
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde marked a significant milestone on Sunday with the inauguration of the North Channel Bridge, connecting the Mumbai Coastal Road Project to the Worli-Bandra Sea Link. This development is expected to enhance the city’s connectivity and ease traffic flow. During the inauguration, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde made a special announcement regarding a new green initiative for the city. “A 70-hectare park will be built here. The file for 120 acres of land at the Mahalaxmi Race Course has been opened, and the agreement has been finalized. A 300-acre world-class central park will also be developed here, which will serve as a major oxygen park to combat Mumbai’s pollution,” Shinde stated. This ambitious park project is expected to offer substantial recreational and environmental benefits to the city’s residents. The Deputy CM also reflected on the progress made by Maharashtra during his Republic Day message. “As the country celebrates its 76th Republic Day, our state and Thane district are progressing rapidly. Our district is leading in various sectors such as agriculture, industry, services, and employment. During the recent Davos visit, an MoU worth Rs 15 lakh crore was signed, furthering the progress of Maharashtra under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Shinde added. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Fadnavis unfurled the national flag at Varsha Bungalow in Mumbai, offering his wishes on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day. “May the world’s largest democracy, which upholds sovereignty and secularism, continue to grow. Happy Republic Day to everyone,” he posted on X. On the same day, other state leaders also celebrated the occasion. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini hoisted the national flag in Rewari, while Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami did the same in Dehradun. CM Dhami also administered the Preamble of the Constitution to attendees, emphasizing the realization of the dreams envisioned when the Constitution was framed.
road-bridge
Jan 26, 2025
financial express
Mumbai-Pune Expressway: Msrdc To Enforce 3-Hour Traffic Block On Expressway To Install Girders From Tomorrow Onwards – Check Timings Here
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) on Monday (January 20) announced that a three-hour traffic block will be implemented on January 22, 23, and 24 to facilitate the installation of girders for a new bridge. The work will take place at kilometre 58/500 between Dongargaon and Kusgaon on the Pune-bound carriageway of the expressway. The block will occur from 12 noon to 3 pm on these days, during which vehicular traffic from Mumbai to Pune will be diverted between Varsoli Toll Naka and Wadgaon via the Old Mumbai-Pune National Highway. After 3 pm on each day, traffic will be restored on the Pune-bound carriageway of the expressway. “The block between January 22 to 24 and it will start at 12 noon and end at 3 pm. Vehicular traffic from Mumbai to Pune will be diverted between Varsoli Toll naka and Wadgaon via Old Mumbai-Pune National Highway. After 3.00 pm, on all three days, traffic from Mumbai to Pune will be restored on the Pune side (Pune bound carriageway) of the expressway,” the release said. Traffic from Pune to Mumbai will continue unaffected on the expressway during the specified block. Motorists are advised to plan their travel accordingly and follow the diversion routes. For any issues, drivers can contact the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Control Room.
road-bridge
Jan 21, 2025
financial express
Mumbai’S Uttan-Virar Sea Link: Project To Relieve Pressure On Western Express Highway, Link Road
Mumbai’s traffic congestion continues to challenge daily commuters, prompting government agencies to unveil transformative infrastructure projects aimed at easing the strain. Among the most significant initiatives is the Uttan-Virar Sea Link (UVSL), a monumental 55-km-long sea bridge being developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). This project is part of the Ring Road project, set to reshape travel across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) by 2029. The UVSL project follows the extension of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Mumbai Coastal Road from Worli to Bhayander, and is designed to integrate with several ongoing infrastructure projects. The goal is to ease the burden on the already congested Western Express Highway and Link Road, offering seamless connectivity across Mumbai’s extensive road network. The alignment of the UVSL includes a 24.35 km main sea link running from Uttan to Virar, complemented by connectors totaling 30.77 km. This will link critical areas such as Uttan, Vasai, and Virar. The sea link will feature 8 lanes (4+4), with 6 lanes for the connectors (3+3), ensuring smooth traffic flow even during peak hours, reported Indian Express. Incorporating state-of-the-art technology, the UVSL will feature navigational spans for maritime traffic, ensuring the movement of vessels remains unhindered. It will also have interchanges, ramps, and provisions for emergencies. The bridge will be equipped with an Intelligent Traffic Management System (TMS), leveraging Artificial Intelligence-powered cameras to monitor traffic and manage usage efficiently. Additionally, a 1.2 km tunnel near Arnala Fort in Virar will act as a detour. With an estimated cost of Rs 87,400 crore, the UVSL project is one of the largest infrastructure investments in Mumbai’s history. The MMRDA plans to seek funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to help cover the expenses. While the project cost has risen significantly from an earlier estimate of Rs 32,865 crore in 2021, the upgraded cost is reflective of the project’s expanded scope and technological enhancements. The UVSL will connect seamlessly to other major infrastructure projects, such as the Dahisar-Bhayander Link Road and the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway, significantly enhancing the overall road network. By linking with the Delhi-Mumbai Highway, it will also provide improved access to the surrounding regions, contributing to smoother traffic flow. The project has already reached an important milestone, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) peer-reviewed and submitted to the Maharashtra Government for approval. Once greenlit, the UVSL is expected to transform Mumbai’s transportation landscape, drastically improving connectivity and reducing the pressure on the city’s existing infrastructure. Initially proposed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the project was later handed over to the MMRDA. The change in governance, along with the revised alignment and integration with the BMC’s coastal road project, has contributed to the rise in cost estimates. However, once completed, the UVSL is set to redefine travel efficiency and alleviate Mumbai’s growing traffic challenges. The project remains subject to permissions from various agencies, and its successful implementation will pave the way for smoother, faster travel across Mumbai and its metropolitan region.
road-bridge
Jan 20, 2025
financial express
Thane’S Highway Upgrade: A Solution For Bhiwandi’S Congested Roads?
Thane’s traffic woes may soon be alleviated with the ongoing expansion of the Vadpe-Majiwada stretch of the Old Mumbai-Nashik Highway. The project aims to revamp this 23.8 km stretch into a modern eight-lane highway, complete with two-lane service roads on either side, and features ten strategically placed underpasses to ease congestion, reported Indian Express. According to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), these underpasses are a critical part of the plan to tackle the persistent traffic snarls caused by heavy commercial vehicles from Bhiwandi’s sprawling warehouses. With goods trucks clogging the highway daily, commuters face severe delays and frustration. The ten underpasses, set for completion by May, will be located at key points including Walshin, Sonale, Kharegaon, Yewali Flyover, Saravali, Pimplas, Ovali, Mankoli Motagaon, Dive Gaon near the Petrol Pump, and Dive. These new underpasses, spanning 8 km, are expected to greatly improve traffic flow and reduce the gridlock that often chokes this vital stretch of road. In addition to the underpasses, the project also includes the construction of major bridges and flyovers, including the Kasheli Creek Bridge (817.5 meters), Kalwa Creek Bridge (199 meters), Vadpe Flyover (320 meters), and a Railway Bridge (84.15 meters). This upgrade is complemented by the nearing completion of the Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway, which will connect Igatpuri to Thane. The final 76-km stretch of this 701-km project will include a 4.2-km spur linking to the under-construction Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway. Set to finish by the end of January, this spur will drastically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur. The Samruddhi Mahamarg’s engineering marvel includes a challenging six-story-high slope, where controlled blasting has been used to level the terrain. With 98% of the work complete, this connection will further enhance connectivity and reduce traffic on the Old Mumbai-Nashik Highway. Both the Samruddhi Mahamarg and the Vadpe-Majiwada highway expansion are expected to not only ease congestion but also boost economic activity. The high-speed design and planned amenities are set to improve commuter convenience while driving economic growth along the corridor. MSRDC officials believe these projects will play a pivotal role in the region’s transportation and economic future.
road-bridge
Jan 15, 2025
financial express
Atal Setu Misses Projections! India’S Longest Sea Bridge Sees Lower Traffic Than Expected In First Year Of Operation
Atal Setu, India’s longest sea bridge, inaugurated a year ago, has recorded an average daily traffic of 22,689 vehicles, falling short of initial projections that expected more than 56,000 vehicles daily. The bridge, which spans nearly 22 kilometers and connects Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, was officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2024, marking the completion of a significant infrastructure project in Maharashtra. Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 17,840 crore, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu is not only the longest bridge in India but also the longest sea bridge in the country. In a release on Monday, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) described Atal Setu (formerly known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link or MTHL) as “emerging as a symbol of modern infrastructure, safety, and efficiency.” The bridge, which crosses over the Thane creek, has facilitated the movement of 83,06,009 vehicles in the past year, significantly improving the transit between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, according to the state-run agency. According to an MMRDA report, the bridge was initially projected to handle an average of 57,525 vehicles daily by 2021, with the estimate rising to 88,550 by 2031. However, since its inauguration, the bridge has averaged 22,689 vehicles daily. Its highest single-day traffic count reached 61,807 on January 14, 2024, shortly after its opening. Over the past year, the Atal Setu has seen a variety of vehicles using the bridge, including 77,28,149 cars, 99,660 mini buses and LCVs, 1,17,604 buses, 1,99,636 three-axle vehicles, 1,60,061 four to six-axle vehicles, and 899 over-dimensional vehicles, the MMRDA reported. “In just one year, it has transformed the commuting experience for over eight million vehicles, contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the region,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the release. The bridge’s traffic management and emergency response systems, including the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), Fire-Rescue Vehicles (FRVs), maintenance teams, and patrolling units, have ensured smooth operations and quick incident handling, the release added. “Three specialised teams work 24/7 to monitor traffic, provide medical aid (in case of injuries), and clear disruptions, minimising hazards and maintaining high safety standards,” it noted. This six-lane bridge, with about 16.5 km over the sea and 5.5 km on land, is also designed to provide faster connectivity between the Mumbai International Airport and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is expected to be operational later this year. It has significantly reduced travel time to destinations like Pune, Goa, and South India, while also improving connectivity between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
road-bridge
Jan 14, 2025
financial express
Adani Bags Nhai’S New Tot Asset With Rs 1,692-Cr Bid
Adani Road Transport has emerged as the highest bidder for the latest set of highway assets of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) that have been offered for monetisation through Toll Operate Transfer (ToT) mode. The company has placed a bid of Rs 1,692 crore for the road stretches that have been bundled together and offered under ToT. This is the 15 bundle that is being monetised through the ToT model where in lieu of an upfront payment the successful bidder or concessionaire gets the right to collect toll for 20 years. If the bid is accepted then it will be NHAI’s second monetisation this financial year. In September last year it completed the process of monetisation of road assets under ToT 16 which brought in Rs 6661 crore. The highways in this bundle included two stretches on Hyderabad-Nagpur corridor in Telangana.have a total length of 251 km. The other three companies in the fray for the highways in ToT Bundle 15 were IRB Infrastructure, Epic Concesiones backed by Edelweiss Alternatives and Prakash Asphalting and Toll Highways (PATH). The 124 km of highways are on offer in ToT Bundle 15. The four lane highway starts from Trichy to Madurai and Tovrankurichi in Tamil Nadu. In FY 2023-24, NHAI awarded Four TOT bundles worth Rs. 15,968 crores against the monetization target of Rs.10,000 crores for that fiscal through the mode. NHAI’s monetisation plan is an alternate financing strategy as the agency has been barred from the debt market since 2022-23. Through better management the agency has been able to bring down its outstanding debt from Rs 3.48 trillion by the end of 2022 to Rs 3.35 trillion by the end of FY24. This year apart from regular debt servicing the NHAI has repaid debt of around Rs 56,000 crore this year. In line with the National Monetisation Plan, NHAI’s Total Asset Monetization Program has crossed Rs 1 trillion which includes Rs 48,995 Crore through TOT, Rs. 25,900 Crore through InvIT and Rs. 42,000 Crore through Securitization. Bids for highways in ToT bundles 17, 18 and 19 are still open. This year the highway builder expects to raise Rs 54.000 crore from monetisation of operational roads, which is much higher than Rs 40,227 achieved last year. Of the FY 25 target, Rs 8,000 will come from project based financing and Rs 46,000 crore from ToT and National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT). The highway builder has identified 33 highway stretches of 2741 km that will be offered in the monetisation drive. Of the 33 highways, 12 have been offered to NHIT which is promoted by NHAI. Monetisation through NHAI is expected to bring in Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 crore. The remaining 21 will be monetised through ToT.
road-bridge
Jan 14, 2025