Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez, inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat. This facility marks the establishment of India’s first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft. Under the C-295 program, a total of 56 aircraft will be produced, with 16 aircraft delivered directly from Airbus in Spain, while the remaining 40 will be manufactured at the new facility. The project will encompass the complete lifecycle of the aircraft, including manufacturing, assembly, testing, qualification, delivery, and maintenance. In 2021, the Union Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth Rs.219.35 billion with Airbus Defense and Space SA for the supply of these aircraft.Noida Airport: Govt approves land survey for Phase 3The Uttar Pradesh Government has approved a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) survey to acquire 2,084 hectare for Phase 3 of Noida International Airport’s expansion. This approval allows for Section 11 of the Land Acquisition Act to be enacted, halting any sales, purchases, or construction within the designated area. The Noida International Airport, located in Jewar, will eventually span 5,000 hectare, with the initial 1,334-hectare phase set to begin commercial operations next year, positioning it as India’s largest airport. Phase 2 plans are underway to secure 1,365 hectare for maintenance, repair, and overhaul.Singapore Airlines commits Rs.31.95 bn to Air IndiaThe Uttar Pradesh Government has approved a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) survey to acquire 2,084 hectare for Phase 3 of Noida International Airport’s expansion. This approval allows for Section 11 of the Land Acquisition Act to be enacted, halting any sales, purchases, or construction within the designated area. The Noida International Airport, located in Jewar, will eventually span 5,000 hectare, with the initial 1,334-hectare phase set to begin commercial operations next year, positioning it as India’s largest airport. Phase 2 plans are underway to secure 1,365 hectare for maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced a fresh investment of `31.95 billion in Air India, following the carrier’s recent merger with Vistara. This additional capital injection highlights SIA’s commitment to the Indian market and to strengthening Air India as it embarks on a major expansion and modernisation plan. The strategic move aims to enhance Air India’s operational capabilities, increase its fleet size, and improve service offerings, as part of Tata Group’s vision to revitalise the oncenational airline.Contact: Singapore AirlinesWebsite: www.singaporeair.comIndia liberalises air treaties with Vietnam,UzbekistanIndia has agreed to liberalise its air transport agreements with Vietnam and Uzbekistan, marking a significant step towards enhancing air connectivity and fostering stronger bilateral relations with both countries. Under the new arrangements, the scope for operating additional flights between India, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan will increase. The liberalisation of these air treaties will allow airlines to access more routes, leading to a surge in air traffic between the countries, along with potential benefits for tourism, cargo transport, and economic cooperation.Telangana allocates Rs.2.05 bn for Mamnoor airport land acquisitionThe Telangana Government has sanctioned `2.05 billion for acquiring over 280 acre to develop Mamnoor Airport in Warangal. The move follows a “No Objection” certificate issued by GMR Group, which manages Hyderabad Airport, allowing operations at Mamnoor. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had earlier expressed readiness to develop the airport for A-320 aircraft with instrument flight rules (IFR) operations, provided the state government allocated 253 acres of encumbrance-free land at no cost.Contact: The Airports Authority of IndiaTel: 11-24632950Website: www.aai.aeroTelangana govt approves Rs.242.69 bn for Hyderabad Metro Phase-IITo advance the Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase II project, the Telangana Government has approved administrative sanctions for the project, which is estimated to cost Rs.242.69 billion (bn) and will be undertaken as a joint venture with the Central government. This project will encompass five Metro corridors totalling 76.4 km, jointly funded by the state government (Hyderabad Airport Metro) and the Centre on a 50:50 basis. According to a Government Order (GO) issued by the municipal administration department, the Telangana Government will cover 30 per cent of the project cost, amounting to Rs.73.13 bn. The Union Government will contribute Rs.42.30 crore, while a public-private partnership component of Rs.10.33 bn will cover.Bengaluru Metro completes tunnelling for longest underground lineThe Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has completed the tunnelling for the city’s longest underground Metro line, marking a significant milestone for the 13.76 km Pink Line (Reach-6) under Phase 2. Stretching from Kalena Agrahara in the south to Nagawara in the north, the line will feature 12 underground stations, with construction of the stations now 90 per cent complete. This 20.99 km twin-tunnel route along the North-South corridor is expected to ease Bengaluru’s notorious traffic.Vande Metro train completes first trial runThe Vande Metro Train, part of the high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, completed its first trial run earlier in November, reaching speeds of 130 km/h. The trial, which was closely monitored by the Railway Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), covered the distance between the two cities. Inspired by the Vande Bharat train, the Vande Metro is designed for faster intercity travel with features like fully air-conditioned coaches, CCTV surveillance, a talk-back system, and passenger information boards. It boasts 12 coaches with a total of 1,150 ergonomically designed seats. One of the key highlights of the is its ability to accelerate and decelerate quickly.Delhi Metro's first Phase IV train arrivesDelhi Metro has taken a significant step towards expanding its transport network with the arrival of the first train for Phase IV operations. The train, which is a key part of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s (DMRC) ambitious expansion project, will be utilised to enhance connectivity across the capital. Phase IV of the Delhi Metro is set to introduce new lines and extend the existing network, ensuring better accessibility for commuters. This phase aims to address the increasing demand by linking important areas. The Phase IV project will cover 65.1 km across various regions.Contact: Delhi Metro Rail CorporationWebsite: www.delhimetrorail.comCentre gives finishing touches to key rail line projectsThe Centre’s Network Planning Group (NPG) which met evaluated major railway infrastructure projects including the 185 km Ballari - Chikjajur Doubling project which aims to connect Ballari, Chitradurga, and Anantapur districts, facilitating the movement of iron ore, coal, cement, and food grains. An official statement said that the 4th line is expected to support industrial hubs like Jindal Steel, which is planning to expand production to 24 MTPA while addressing freight demands linked to southern ports. The project is anticipated to alleviate line saturation, improve efficiency in freight movement and enhance rail capacity.In a ground-breaking moment for infrastructure, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated Asia’s longest double-decker flyover, which also features the continent’s first four-tier structure.Asia’s longest flyover in Nagpur unveiled by Union Minister Nitin GadkariThe engineering marvel near Gaddigodam Gurudwara on the National Highway, integrates four different levels of transit, with a Metro line at the top, followed by a flyover, a railway track beneath it, and finally, a road at the base at a single location. The 5.6 km doubledecker Kamptee Road flyover from LIC Square to Automotive Square, constructed by Maha Metro and National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) at `5.73 billion now surpasses the earlier record held by Nagpur’s 3.14 km Wardha Road flyover.Contact: National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)Website: www.nhai.gov.inBengaluru to begin 18 km tunnel roadBengaluru’s civic body has completed the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the city’s ambitious 18-kilometre underground tunnel road network. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve urban mobility by creating a modern and efficient road infrastructure beneath the city’s surface. Construction is expected to begin shortly, marking a significant step toward transforming Bengaluru’s transport landscape. This tunnel road project, part of Bengaluru’s efforts to develop state-of-theart infrastructure, is designed to ease the growing traffic woes.Andhra Pradesh plans coastal highway and logistics hubThe Andhra Pradesh Government is moving forward with plans for a coastal highway connecting Vizag port’s container terminal to NH-16 near Bhogapuram, covering key areas like Rushikonda and Bheemili. Estimated to cost Rs.63 billion (bn), the project’s primary expense lies in land acquisition. Though not yet included in Union Government schemes, the state has submitted a proposal to the National Highways Authority of India to construct a six-lane highway for better connectivity between the port and the proposed greenfield international airport. A detailed project report is underway. The state has pledged significant support, committing Rs.12 bn for land acquisition.NHIDCL data shows Rs.77.11 bn for 468.71 km in NagalandAccording to data available on the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) website, there are currently 25 National Highway projects underway in Nagaland, at various stages of progress, with an estimated total project cost (TPC) of Rs.77.11 billion. The ‘Current Status’ document reported that the total length of ongoing works spans 468.71 km. Although the document did not specify the exact date the status referred to, its properties suggested that it was created in November 2024. The projects include the much-delayed Rs4-Laning of Dimapur-Kohima Road’ on NH-29, which is part of the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North East (SARDP-NE).The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed a 72 km stretch of the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway in Karnataka, overcoming delays related to the relocation of the Guddamma Temple. After years of negotiations, the temple was successfully shifted, and the final 500 m of road were constructed. NHAI has not announced the opening date. The expressway is integrated with the 82 km Satellite Town Ring Road, improving connectivity with entry points at Malur, Bangarpet, and Bethamangala. NHAI plans an 18 km extension at Hoskote.Contact: NHAIWebsite: wwnhai.gov.in