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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Uttan-Virar sea link restructured, cost slashed by 35k cr to 53k cr
Mumbai: MMRDA has restructured the Uttan-Virar sea link project, reducing its estimated cost from Rs 87,427 crore to Rs 52,652 crore—a saving of nearly Rs 35,000 crore. Key cost-saving measures include redesigning the lane configuration from 4+4+emergency lane to a more efficient 3+3 layout. Connector arms were also reduced from 3+3+emergency lanes to 2+2 lanes, bringing down structural and civil costs. A switch from twin-pillar to single-pillar support structures, reduction in the right of way, and trimmed acquisition of land also helped bring down the overall cost. The new proposal was presented to CM Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Wednesday. The cost revision follows a comprehensive engineering reassessment of the 55.1km project, which aims at boosting connectivity between Mumbai's western suburbs and the upcoming Vadhavan port as well as Vadodara-Mumbai expressway. Fadnavis stressed on the importance of integrating the sea link with these key transport corridors, calling it a "critical infrastructure connector" that will open up new trade and logistics avenues for the region. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The funding model proposes that Rs 37,998 crore (72.2% of the total cost) will be sourced through loans from Japan International Cooperation Agency or multilateral institutions, with toll revenue as the repayment model. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like We Can't Believe She Wore That To The Red Carpet Golfhooked Read More Undo The remaining Rs 14,654 crore (27.8%) will be infused as equity by the state govt and MMRDA. Fadnavis directed MMRDA to expedite the preparation of a revised detailed project report and a preliminary project report for state approval. He also called for creation of a special purpose vehicle for timely execution and fast-tracking of statutory clearances. Officials from urban development, forest and finance departments as well as commissioners from Mira-Bhayander and Vasai-Virar municipal corporations attended the review meeting. MMRDA presented six different cost options for the project, ranging from Rs 87,427 crore to Rs 52,652 crore.
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Davao bypass project to help stimulate Mindanao's economy
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya lauded the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, saying that it will help enhance the economic activity in the southern portion of the Philippines. Kazuya branded it as a testament to Japan's commitment in enhancing connectivity in Mindanao. 'Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance mobility, and stimulate economic activity across Mindanao,' Kazuya said in a press release issued Tuesday. The envoy highlighted that the 2.3-kilometer tunnel stands as the longest mountain tunnel in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in the country's road infrastructure. The tunnel connection marks a pivotal point in the overall construction phase, according to Kazuya. 'This cooperation between Manila and Tokyo's is a prime example of our nation's shared commitment to building infrastructure that meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability,' Kazuya said. Kazuya had visited the Davao City Bypass Construction Project and inspected the tunnel excavation site. The Davao City Bypass is the latest in the long line of high-impact infrastructure collaborations between Japan and the Philippines, dating back to the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway. The Philippines and Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, had signed five loan agreements totaling over ¥171 billion to support key infrastructure and development projects. This included the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (Phase III), worth ¥46.338 billion. To recall, Japan remains the country's top Official Development Assistance (ODA) partner, with ongoing support in transport, disaster risk reduction, environmental protection, and peace-building efforts, particularly in the Mindanao region. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Yomiuri Shimbun
6 days ago
- General
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Foreigners Prominent in Memorial Activities for Battle of Okinawa Victims; Event Reading Names of Victims to Continue Through Monday
NAHA — Foreign nationals are starting to have a clear presence at events to remember the victims of the Battle of Okinawa, which marked the devastating end of the Pacific War. People from more than 20 countries are participating in a movement to read out the names of the over 240,000 war dead engraved on the Cornerstone of Peace monument in Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture. The monument was established 30 years ago based on the concept of transforming the 'Typhoon of Steel' — the U.S. forces' heavy artillery shelling and bombing campaign — into waves of peace. It marks its 30th anniversary on Monday, amid continuing prayers for peace both in Japan and internationally. On June 6, Vincent Rina, a 26-year-old trainee from South Sudan, carefully read out the names and ages of the war victims at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Okinawa Center in Urasoe, Okinawa Prefecture. The names included those of a 1-year-old baby and two children believed to be three siblings. 'Thinking about the short lives these children had is truly heartbreaking,' said Rina, who lost her father in a conflict in her country. 'By highlighting innocent victims, this event contributes to building peace. It's something I want to bring back to my country.' Launched in 2022 by an executive committee of local volunteers, the name-reading initiative has had more and more participants every year. This year, applications from foreign organizations have surged, and the total number of participants is expected to exceed last year's record of about 5,800. For this reason, romaji romanized spellings were added to the names for the first time. The readings have been held daily in a relay format since June 1 and will continue until Monday, the day of the Okinawa Memorial Service for All War Dead, which commemorates the victims of the Battle of Okinawa. On June 6, about 20 individuals from 14 different countries participated in the reading at JICA, including JICA trainees and international students. Among them was Fernando Nakasone, a fourth-generation Japanese-Peruvian student from the University of the Ryukyus. Nakasone's uncle lost two younger sisters, ages 11 and 8, in Okinawa during the Battle of Okinawa. The two girls were killed by a bomb shortly after leaving a cave in search of water. Nakasone heard the story from his uncle when he was a child. 'I want to share this unforgettable history in Peru, too,' he said.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
CM inaugurates 125 community centres for sustainable livelihood in Meghalaya
Shillong: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated 125 community centres across Garo Hills on Tuesday, funded under the Meghalaya Livelihood and Forest Ecosystem Management Project (MegLIFE). The centres were virtually inaugurated from Dobakol Awemong in Baghmara C&RD block of South Garo Hills district, where the CM was present for the event. Built at a cost of Rs 24 lakh each — Rs 13 lakh from the project and Rs 11 lakh from the state — the community centres aim to provide spaces for various community-led activities, including income-generating initiatives. "The MegLIFE project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), focuses on community-based forest management and livelihood enhancement in 500 villages across 12 districts of Meghalaya. Alongside constructing these centres, the project has supported several income-generating activities such as nurseries, plantations, minor irrigation check dams, dug-out ponds, plastic tanks, and RCC water storage tanks," an official statement said. IVCS and SHGs have been integral to the initiative, receiving direct benefits and playing key roles in its execution. Speaking at the event, the CM emphasised the project's core objectives — restoring degraded forests, strengthening natural resource management, and improving rural livelihoods. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Jung, geflüchtet, voller Hoffnung Schweizerische Flüchlingshilfe Weiterlesen Undo "This project empowers communities to take ownership of forest, land, and water resources," he said. "We aim to foster a community-driven approach to sustainable livelihoods. Through MegLIFE, we are instilling environmental consciousness while ensuring sustained income through various activities," the CM added. The project targets the completion of 452 community centres across Meghalaya. Thanking JICA for its support, Sangma said an additional 150-plus centres would soon be completed in the Garo Hills region. Highlighting the role of these community hubs in fostering development and livelihood initiatives, the chief minister reiterated the project's focus on community empowerment and sustainability.
Muscat Daily
17-06-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman marks global desertification day with push for greener future
Muscat – Oman, represented by the Environment Authority (EA), joined the global community in observing the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, marked annually on June 17. This year's theme, 'Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities', underscores the vital link between healthy ecosystems and sustainable development. Oman's participation reflects its continued commitment to international efforts aimed at raising awareness about the pressing challenges of desertification and drought. It also reinforces national priorities focused on encouraging sustainable environmental practices, supporting conservation policies, and enhancing global cooperation to protect natural resources. The observance highlights the role of ecosystem restoration in strengthening food and water security, generating employment, enabling climate adaptation, and building resilient, green economies. As part of its broader environmental strategy, the Environment Authority is leading several key initiatives and projects designed to promote sustainability, expand green spaces, and conserve biodiversity across the country. Among the most notable is the national initiative for planting 10mn trees, launched in January 2020, which aims to restore degraded lands and combat desertification through large-scale afforestation. Another major effort is the National Tree Cover Survey Project, which utilises remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and artificial intelligence to establish a comprehensive, accurate database of tree coverage across the sultanate. Oman is also advancing mangrove reforestation projects, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency. This ambitious initiative targets the planting of one million mangrove seedlings to enhance marine biodiversity, increase carbon absorption, and promote ecotourism. Mangrove forests currently span over 1,030 hectares along Oman's coastlines. Additionally, the authority regularly updates the National Plan to Combat Desertification every ten years, in cooperation with the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development. Oman also actively engages in international forums, including the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, where it shares its national experiences and awareness campaigns.
