The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has got the green signal for its proposed connector for the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) at Chirle which will be linked with Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The new Chirle connector, estimated to cost around Rs.10 billion, is expected to slash travel time between south Mumbai and Pune by an hour. It is slated for completion in around 30 months. 

Contact: MMRDA

Website: www.mmrda.maharashtra.gov.in

A significant modification to the proposed Nashik-Pune semi-high-speed rail project was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He said that the new route could include Shirdi, which could result in a surge in ridership. Originally, the Nashik-Pune semi-high-speed rail project was intended to traverse Nashik-Sangamner-Pune, spanning a distance of 235 km with an estimated cost of `160 billion. The alteration in the route to include Shirdi adds an additional 30 km to the Nashik-Pune route. Despite the increased distance, he said that travel time would remain unaffected. The Nashik-Pune semi-high-speed rail project gains significance against the backdrop of rapid economic growth experienced by Pune and Nashik in recent years.  

Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has begun examining the feasibility of a metro rail spanning 136 km from Virar to Alibaug, marking a significant departure from its usual focus on roads and bridges. This metro project is set to become the longest in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Part of the Rs.550 billion Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor, designed as a 14-lane expressway with a speed limit of 120 kmph, the metro aims to enhance transportation efficiency. The metro line aims to link the proposed Navi Mumbai airport and JNPA.

Contact: MSRDC

Website: www.msrdc.in

India is set to witness its first helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) which will operate from All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh. Through HEMS, the government intends to expand medical outreach and access to trauma care services to a wider population across the country using helicopters. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister, Aviation, said once operational, helicopters stationed at AIIMS Rishikesh, will cover a 150 km radius, ensuring timely transportation of accident victims and patients from hilly terrain to AIIMS. He also announced commencement of another project, responding to the state's request for air connectivity from Hindon Air Base to Pithoragarh.

ABB Robotics and Simpliforge Creations, an additive manufacturing solutions company, are collaborating to strengthen and advance 3D Printing technologies for the Indian construction sector. The collaboration will enable construction companies to build structures faster, more sustainably and safely. The technology has the potential to transform the construction landscape across industrial, defense, commercial and residential sectors- especially disaster affected areas set for rapid rehabilitation and infrastructure reinstatement.

Contact: ABB Robotics

Website: www.new.abb.com