National

Cabinet Greenlights Construction of Six-Lane Access-Controlled Highway in Maharashtra

Published

1 year ago

March 19, 2025

On Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of a six-lane, access-controlled Greenfield High-Speed National Highway. This highway will stretch 29.219 km from JNPA Port (Pagote) to Chowk in Maharashtra. The project will be executed under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model with a total investment of ₹4,500.62 crore.

Enhancing the road infrastructure that connects major and minor ports in India is a key focus of the integrated infrastructure planning guided by the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan principles. The rising container traffic at JNPA Port and the impending development of the Navi Mumbai International Airport have highlighted the urgent need to improve national highway connectivity in the area.

Currently, it takes 2 to 3 hours for vehicles to travel from JNPA Port to the main Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) section of NH-48 and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway due to severe congestion in urban areas such as Palaspe Phata, D-Point, Kalamboli junction, and Panvel, where traffic levels reach approximately 180,000 PCU/day. Following the operational start of the Navi Mumbai Airport in 2025, the demand for direct connectivity is expected to rise even further.

This project aims to tackle these connectivity challenges and enhance logistical efficiency between JNPA Port and the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The project alignment begins at JNPA Port (NH 348) in Pagote village and concludes at the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48), also connecting the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66).

The design incorporates two tunnels through the Sahyadri range to facilitate smoother movement for commercial vehicles through challenging hilly terrain, thereby allowing high-speed transit for large container trucks.

This new six-lane Greenfield project corridor promises to improve port connectivity significantly and foster safe and efficient freight movement. It will create new opportunities for growth and prosperity in the developing regions surrounding Mumbai and Pune.

National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

2 days ago

May 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

National : The University of Jammu has announced several fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the university has decided to conduct all PhD viva voce examinations online to reduce travel and save fuel.

The university will also prefer virtual speakers for national and international conferences. In another step, the Academic Council meeting planned in Poonch has been shifted to the Jammu University campus to avoid unnecessary travel.

Prof Rai said the measures will help save fuel, time and resources. He also encouraged university staff to use bicycles and carpool while travelling to the campus.

National

One Year On: Pahalgam Attack Still Haunts the Nation

Published

4 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: One year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the nation remembers the 26 people who lost their lives. The attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot.

At first, reports said only five people were injured. Later, it became clear that it was one of the worst terror attacks in the region in decades. Terrorists came out of the forest and opened fire on tourists.

Survivors said the attackers separated men from women and children. They then shot the men at close range. Many victims were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.

A heartbreaking image of Himanshi Narwal sitting beside her husband’s body became a symbol of the tragedy. Her husband, a naval officer, was among those killed.

The group The Resistance front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

After months of tracking, security forces launched Operation Mahadev. On July 28, 2025, all three terrorists were killed after a long search operation.

The attack remains a painful memory and a reminder of the need for strong security.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.