Development Watch – Week #2 June’26

Development News

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Zojila tunnel for Ladakh link

The 13.15-km tunnel, located at an altitude of 3,528 metres above sea level, is the highest single-tube bi-directional tunnel in the country. It is designed to provide all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh, significantly reducing travel disruptions caused by heavy snowfall and extreme weather. Stretching from Baltal in Sonamarg to Minamarg in Drass along National Highway-1, the tunnel is being developed at a cost of ₹6,800 crore. Gadkari said the project was initially estimated to cost around ₹12,000 crore, resulting in substantial savings for the government.

Naxal infested village in Chhattisgarh gets water infra

Water now flows directly into homes in Neelangur, a remote village in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district near the Maharashtra border, after household tap connections became operational under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Officials say improved access following de-mining efforts helped bring water supply, electricity infrastructure, and ongoing construction of schools and anganwadi centres to the remote Abujhmad region

101 acres slum redevelopment project in Mumbai

A Reliance-led consortium has secured the bid for the massive Juhu Galli slum redevelopment in Mumbai. This project will build over 28,000 homes for residents. The Maharashtra government’s cluster redevelopment policy guides this initiative. The developer must provide significant financial support for resident transit accommodation. This marks a major step in large-scale slum redevelopment in the city.

Rs. 18,600 Crore MoU for Data Centre in TN

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister V Joseph Vijay witnessed a significant MoU signing. Larsen & Toubro Limited will invest Rs 18,600 crore in three major projects. These projects will boost data centres, electronics manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Around 8,200 jobs will be created. L&T will also establish an Electronics and Electronic Systems Manufacturing Project in Coimbatore with an investment of Rs 2,500 crore, creating employment opportunities for around 2,000 people, the release stated. The third project involves the expansion of L&T’s shipbuilding facility at Kattupalli in Tiruvallur district. The project will see an investment of Rs 1,100 crore and is expected to create employment for approximately 5,700 people.

Rs. 127 Crore hydro power project for Bhutan

Hindustan Construction Company Ltd (HCC) has won a Rs 127 crore contract in Bhutan. The deal is for construction works at the Wangchhu Hydroelectric Project. This includes diversion tunnels, gates, and cofferdams. HCC has a long history of contributing to Bhutan’s power capacity. Bhutan’s hydropower sector is poised for significant expansion under the country’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-29), with the government targeting 6,000 MW of installed capacity and continued investments in large hydroelectric projects.

75 Lakh homes under PM Rooftop Solar Scheme

India’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is set to reach over 7.5 million homes by year-end, with 4 million already benefiting. The scheme, launched in February 2024, aims to boost rooftop solar adoption, especially for families using 1-3 kW of electricity. Over 6.5 million applications are in the pipeline, indicating strong public interest and momentum.

LNG export project from Argentina

Adani Ports has secured a significant 10-year contract for Argentina’s first liquefied natural gas export project. This deal, worth an estimated $70 million, marks Adani’s entry into South America. Commercial operations are set to begin in September 2027. The project is poised to boost Argentina’s role as a future LNG supplier, with exports planned for countries like India.