Latest news with #MSIDC
Time of India
8 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Collectorate Twin Towers Project Reshaped To Save 147-Year-Old Trees
Nagpur: In an encouraging move toward environmental sustainability, the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) redesigned parts of the District Collectorate twin towers project to preserve century-old heritage trees, some over 147-years-old, on the construction site. MSIDC managing director Brijesh Dixit said that 42 trees originally stood within the project's footprint, including trees aged 147, 115, and 112 years. Rather than cutting them down, engineers changed the building design and applied advanced techniques to safeguard these natural assets. A 'tree peat' method was used, allowing the roots to be protected without disturbance. Additionally, geo-textile materials were laid up to 20 feet deep around the roots to ensure their safety during excavation and construction activities. These combined efforts successfully saved six mature trees, which were initially at risk. While authorities already granted permission to fell 36 trees, MSIDC took additional steps to protect as many as possible. "These trees are not merely part of the landscape but represent the living heritage of the city. Our team worked diligently to incorporate environmental care into this massive infrastructure project," Dixit said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Forget Furosemide, Use This Household Item To Help Drain Edema Fluid WellnessGuide Learn more Undo In parallel, MSIDC planted 1,735 new trees at various locations across Nagpur as part of compensatory afforestation. Dixit added that clear guidelines have been issued to project teams to prioritise tree conservation throughout the construction period. The twin towers project is envisioned as a green building initiative, featuring extensive use of solar energy, energy-efficient design, and sustainable construction materials. Set to rise on a 30,471-square-metre plot, the 12-floor building will house two auditoriums with capacities of 500 and 300 seats, respectively, along with parking for 450 four-wheelers and 1,200 two-wheelers. As reported by TOI earlier, the project received a funding boost of Rs50 crore and Rs27 crore in two phases and is set to receive more as and when required. The total budget is Rs271 crore. The demolition of older structures, including the tehsildar building, was completed recently to clear space for the new towers. The heritage collectorate building will remain untouched and repurposed. Completion is expected by December 2027. Officials confirmed that demolition work is now fully finished, digging and foundation activities are almost complete, and construction has commenced. They also assured that sufficient funds are available to maintain steady progress and avoid delays. By successfully blending heritage tree preservation with modern infrastructure development, the MSIDC is setting an example for environmentally conscious urban projects.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
City set to get tallest comm complex with Rs235cr Cotton Market redevpt
1 2 Nagpur: The city is set to get its tallest commercial complex yet — towering at 102.9 metres — after municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari on Monday gave nod to Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) for the ambitious Rs235 crore base value redevelopment of Cotton Market. The project is part of Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) vision for sustainable and holistic urban renewal. "The project will be implemented under the design, build, operate and finance model," said an official privy to the development. Spread over 8,070sqm, the upcoming integrated commercial complex will offer a built-up area of 60,947sqm, transforming the decades-old market which is currently in a bad shape into a modern multi-use vertical hub. The project received planning approval and alignment clearance through letters issued on June 6, 2025. The new structure will feature two towers: one for offices and another for a hotel with service apartments from the 5th to 24th floor. The lower levels are designed to accommodate a variety of public and commercial uses — retail shops, restaurants, cafes, cinema halls, a health club, library, kids' play area, and a function hall. The project also includes a lower ground floor with 28 rehabilitation shops and space for Ganesh Mandal exhibitions. For mobility, provision has been made for parking 319 cars and 658 two-wheelers, with a road width of 24 metres aiding access. While open space is included in the master plan, it will not be part of Phase 1. The redevelopment will also cater to existing stakeholders. A total of 28 shops have been considered for rehabilitation, including both authorised and encroached units. A 1,520sqm on the lower ground floor will be dedicated for this purpose, at a rehabilitation cost of Rs6.57 crore. The civil construction cost is estimated at Rs291.94 crore (excluding GST), with the overall cost per sqm pegged at Rs46,537. Based on ready reckoner land rates, land cost is valued at Rs 46.63 crore. The minimum revenue expected by NMC from the project is Rs235.62 crore, payable over five years in six instalments. Including development charges and interest, the receivable rises to Rs258.60 crore. The project's internal rate of return (IRR) is calculated at 17.56%, with a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 13%. The development is planned over a five-year period, with a total sales and revenue realisation cycle spanning seven years. An upfront premium of Rs15.54 crore will also be paid to NMC, with revenue sharing applicable during the initial five years. The Cotton Market redevelopment is poised to redefine Nagpur's commercial skyline, marking a key milestone in the city's transition toward planned vertical infrastructure and integrated urban spaces. Along with this, the MSIDC is also developing five more commercial complexes for the NMC, and they include DIK Hospital, Netaji Market, Dahi Bazaar, Itwari Market, and Santra Market. Box Nagpur's skyline widening: Tallest tower to feature retail, offices, hotel & modern amenities with rehab for local stakeholders Tallest commercial complex: The project will rise to 102.9 metres, making it Nagpur's tallest commercial complex, with two towers — one for offices and another for a hotel with service apartments from the 5th to 24th floor Parking capacity: The design includes parking for 319 cars and 658 two-wheelers, with a 24-metre-wide access road to facilitate vehicular movement Modern amenities: The complex will host a variety of amenities including retail shops, restaurants, cafes, cinema halls, a health club, library, kids' play area, and a function hall Rehabilitation provision: A 1,520 sq mtr lower ground floor area has been earmarked for 28 rehabilitation shops, including both authorized and encroached units, with a rehabilitation cost of Rs6.57 crore Financials & development model: The project will follow the design, build, operate, and finance (DBOF) model, with a minimum NMC revenue of Rs235.62 crore, and internal rate of return (IRR) of 17.56% over a five-year construction and seven-year revenue realization cycle
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Form Statewide Policy On Compensatory Afforestation: HC to MSIDC
Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Monday directed the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) to develop a comprehensive statewide policy for tree cutting and compensatory afforestation. This directive came after reports revealed violations of the Maharashtra Urban Areas Protection and Preservation of Trees Act during infrastructure projects. A division bench comprising justices Nitin Sambre and Sachin Deshmukh granted MSIDC four weeks to submit a detailed affidavit outlining its policy, compliance measures, and monitoring mechanisms. The order emerged from the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by Preeti Patel and three others, who alleged large-scale tree felling in breach of regulations during city development works. The petitioners were represented by advocate Mrinall Chakravarty, while Gemini Kasat appeared for Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). Earlier, the court criticised MSIDC for not fulfilling its responsibilities after a tree audit revealed that 749 of 1,861 trees planted as compensatory afforestation had died. These trees were intended to replace 36 that were cut down to construct new buildings for the district collector and divisional commissioner's offices. In Monday's hearing, MSIDC's general manager Brijesh Dixit appeared in person as previously directed and submitted an affidavit. He stated that a total of 1,779 saplings were planted to replace the felled trees and that watchmen would now be deployed to monitor the plantations at both the original and newly identified sites. However, the court deemed the response unsatisfactory and instructed Dixit to provide a more detailed and clear affidavit within two weeks, explaining all aspects of the plantation, survival rate, and long-term maintenance. The NMC Tree Authority had earlier ordered MSIDC to plant 1,735 trees to compensate for the 36 trees removed. The high number of tree deaths led to strict scrutiny and Dixit being summoned to court. In October 2024, MSIDC sought permission to fell or transplant 40 trees for constructing new buildings for the collectorate and divisional commissioner's offices. After site inspections in February 2025, the Tree Authority found 15 heritage trees and 21 non-heritage trees at risk. In a March 2025 meeting, permission was granted to cut 35 of these and transplant one tree, with the strict condition that 1,735 new trees be planted in compensation. Initially, MSIDC proposed to carry out the plantation at Gorewada. However, the court directed that all trees be planted within city limits. The agency later reported planting 1,861 trees at Vayusena Nagar, Dattawadi, Dabha, Wathoda, and near Futala Lake. Inspections conducted by the Tree Authority on June 21 and 23 revealed that 749 trees had died, over 400 were under six feet in height, and many sites lacked basic care such as water supply and fencing.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Nashik's Dwarka junction to be developed like Kalamboli junction
Nashik: Dwarka junction, a key intersection connecting the Mumbai-Agra and Nashik-Pune national highways, along with various city roads, will undergo development modelled after the Kalamboli junction on the Sion-Panvel highway. The Kalamboli junction in Navi Mumbai is currently being upgraded jointly by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC). The project entails constructing eight flyover arms and two underpasses to streamline traffic flow. The decision on Dwarka junction was made at a meeting in Nagpur chaired by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari. The meeting also resolved to widen and strengthen all roads leading to Nashik in anticipation of increased traffic during the Kumbh Mela. MLA Devynani Pharande, representatives from NHAI, and MSIDC attended the Nagpur meeting focused on infrastructure works in Nashik ahead of the Kumbh Mela. Pharande said, "The project will be completed in two phases by MSIDC. The corporation will conduct a survey and prepare a detailed project report. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Аν το βάλετε στην άρθρωση, о πόνоς θα ανακουφιστεί Κύριος ρευματολόγος της Ελλάδας Ενημερώσου Undo Some works will be undertaken before the Kumbh Mela and others after it. Nonetheless, the project will receive approval before the Kumbh Mela once the DPR is submitted." Traffic congestion has been a long-standing issue at the Dwarka junction despite existing flyovers, subways, and twin service roads along the main carriageway. The junction handles traffic from Mumbai, Dhule, and Pune directions. In addition to the junction's three arms, two roads lead towards Shalimar and the old city. Recently, a decades-old traffic island at the junction was removed. Senior officials of NHAI said considering the expected crowds and transportation demands in Nashik due to the upcoming Kumbh Mela, the development of several major roads has been approved in principle. A detailed project report will be prepared, and funding will be allocated shortly. Nashik experiences traffic from Mumbai, Dhule, Gujarat, Palghar, Pune, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar areas. The influx of devotees from these routes is significant during the Kumbh Mela. In addition to strengthening and widening these roads, connecting roads will also be enhanced. Union minister Gadkari has, in principle, approved works on nearly all roads, with funds to be allocated soon. The Nashik-Trimbak Road will be expanded from a four-lane to a six-lane road. Nashik: Dwarka junction, a key intersection connecting the Mumbai-Agra and Nashik-Pune national highways, along with various city roads, will undergo development modelled after the Kalamboli junction on the Sion-Panvel highway. The Kalamboli junction in Navi Mumbai is currently being upgraded jointly by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC). The project entails constructing eight flyover arms and two underpasses to streamline traffic flow. The decision on Dwarka junction was made at a meeting in Nagpur chaired by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari. The meeting also resolved to widen and strengthen all roads leading to Nashik in anticipation of increased traffic during the Kumbh Mela. MLA Devynani Pharande, representatives from NHAI, and MSIDC attended the Nagpur meeting focused on infrastructure works in Nashik ahead of the Kumbh Mela. Pharande said, "The project will be completed in two phases by MSIDC. The corporation will conduct a survey and prepare a detailed project report. Some works will be undertaken before the Kumbh Mela and others after it. Nonetheless, the project will receive approval before the Kumbh Mela once the DPR is submitted." Traffic congestion has been a long-standing issue at the Dwarka junction despite existing flyovers, subways, and twin service roads along the main carriageway. The junction handles traffic from Mumbai, Dhule, and Pune directions. In addition to the junction's three arms, two roads lead towards Shalimar and the old city. Recently, a decades-old traffic island at the junction was removed. Senior officials of NHAI said considering the expected crowds and transportation demands in Nashik due to the upcoming Kumbh Mela, the development of several major roads has been approved in principle. A detailed project report will be prepared, and funding will be allocated shortly. Nashik experiences traffic from Mumbai, Dhule, Gujarat, Palghar, Pune, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar areas. The influx of devotees from these routes is significant during the Kumbh Mela. In addition to strengthening and widening these roads, connecting roads will also be enhanced. Union minister Gadkari has, in principle, approved works on nearly all roads, with funds to be allocated soon. The Nashik-Trimbak Road will be expanded from a four-lane to a six-lane road.
The Hindu
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
A dream to create Andhra Pradesh's own Silicon Valley in Amaravati
More than 25 years ago, N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of the unified State of Andhra Pradesh, had a dream to transform Hyderabad into a global city, which he could, by establishing the landmark HITEC City, which made the city famous. Cyberabad, the bustling township which the HITEC city evolved into over the years, is today home to many IT and IT-Enabled Services (ITES) companies. That was the time when he spearheaded the IT revolution with some valuable contributions from a host of luminaries, notably Bill Gates, under whose stewardship Microsoft India Development Centre (MSIDC) was set up in Hyderabad. MSIDC was Microsoft's largest software development centre outside its headquarters in Redmond, Washington. As the Chief Minister of the successor State of Andhra Pradesh now, Mr. Naidu plans to develop a Quantum Valley (QV) in Amaravati, on the lines of Silicon Valley, aimed at leading the State in quantum technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The idea is to make Andhra a preferred destination for an assortment of IT, Electronics, Communications and related companies specialising in cutting-edge technologies. Going by its name, the QV will have physical and digital infrastructure of the highest order, for which the spadework has begun. The QV project is in alignment with the National Quantum Mission (NQM) that was approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2023. The objective of the NQM is to 'seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT) and accelerate QT-led economic growth, nurture the ecosystem in the country and make India one of the leading nations in the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA)'. According to the QV concept paper, it is modelled as India's first dedicated quantum computing and deep tech ecosystem in Amaravati and is set to be inaugurated by January 1, 2026; specific timelines have been fixed to facilitate this goal. The QV project has three key components, namely Quantum Valley Tech Park, academic integration, and public sector applications. It will focus on quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices. The government will soon appoint a Director for the Quantum Mission, which is going to be anchored by IBM. The Quantum Valley Tech Park is proposed to be developed in collaboration with IBM, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T). As on date, the plan is to rope in IBM to install a 156-qubit Quantum System Two, touted to be the largest quantum computer in India, L&T to handle infrastructure development, and TCS to provide quantum computing services and hybrid computing solutions, and integrating quantum capabilities into sectors such as healthcare, finance and manufacturing. As far as academic integration is concerned, the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education directed the State universities to introduce quantum computing courses as a first step, and the relevant domain expertise of reputed institutions like the IIT-Madras, Purdue University (USA) and the University of Tokyo (Japan) has already been enlisted. Coming to public sector applications, the State aimed to leverage quantum technologies to enhance public services and to develop India's first quantum governance framework. It is to be noted that the Andhra Pradesh Government has already taken the lead in rendering citizen services through WhatsApp, and, of pertinence is the fact that Visakhapatnam — given its metropolitan character and superior connectivity — is the only city in Andhra that marquee companies in the IT & ITES sector are currently looking at as the ideal place to do business. To start with, the Andhra government allocated 50 acres for the establishment of a state-of-the-art quantum computing centre envisioned to be the largest of its kind in India, and is expected to receive a substantial portion of the funding under the NQM. Since quantum computing hardware relies heavily on advances in cryogenics, nanofabrication, and semiconductor technologies, the QV is likely to include startups and research labs working on next-gen chipsets, quantum dot arrays and cryo-electronics. The QV's infrastructure is being designed to integrate quantum systems with classical supercomputers to enable hybrid computing architectures intended to be used for climate modelling, genomics and encryption, among other things. While boasting of QV as the one-of-its-kind model in India, the Andhra Pradesh Government acknowledged that similar projects exist in other parts of the world, namely the Quantum Valley in Waterloo (Canada), which is focused on academic research and startups, China's National Labs (Hefei) (a large-scale defence industry ecosystem) and the Silicon Valley in the U.S. that is a hub for major quantum companies but purportedly not a centralised hub. The DeepTech Park within the QV is meant for the establishment of space and defence institutions; discussions are under way with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to set up a testing lab, and the DRDO to form a Centre of Excellence. A sum of ₹4,000 crore has been allocated for the QV project to be rolled out in two phases, the first one of which will be focused on infrastructure development, education and research, and pilot programmes and the second on propelling Andhra Pradesh towards global leadership and boosting commercialisation and export capabilities. The QV is a daunting task that the government has taken; given that it is to be built from scratch in Amaravati, which itself is in a state of flux for multiple reasons, makes it even more daunting. From starting off in an iconic building proposed to be built by L&T to reaching completion, QV has a long way to go. While the resolve and vision of Mr. Naidu is a big positive for the project, developing such a modern, technology-intensive ecosystem is indeed a formidable task because the basic infrastructure can be created but giving it the final shape in the remaining four years of the NDA government is easier said than done. Therefore, time is of the essence here; just as the HITEC City did not become what it is today overnight, the Quantum Valley too is not a dream that can be realised at the mere drop of a hat.
