Latest news with #NationalHighwaysLogisticsManagementLimited
Hindustan Times
07-08-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Work on ₹1,685 crore multi-modal logistics hub gains momentum in Pune
The much-anticipated multi-modal logistics park (MMLP) near Pune is steadily progressing, with pre-feasibility studies completed and the bidding process now underway. The ₹1,684.77-crore logistics hub is set to transform Pune's freight and cargo landscape by integrating road, rail, and air transport options. The project, a joint venture under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, involves key stakeholders: National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL). (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) The project, a joint venture under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, involves key stakeholders: National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL). The special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the MMLP will have equity contributions from RVNL (26%), MIDC (16.73%), and NHLML (57.27%). Located near Talegaon, the logistics park will cover 334.96 acres and will be strategically connected to the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, NH-548D (leading towards Hyderabad), and the railway lines linking Mumbai and Bengaluru. The park will also be within proximity to Pune's upcoming international airport, as well as major industrial hubs in Chakan and the Talegaon MIDC area. Once operational, the MMLP will offer a wide range of services, including freight aggregation, warehousing, cargo processing, and value-added services such as customs clearance. Officials say that the facility will significantly reduce logistics costs, enhance regional connectivity, and contribute to environmental sustainability by shifting cargo from road-only routes to multi-modal transport options, thus lowering carbon emissions. Nitin Wankhede, chief engineer at MIDC, emphasised the importance of the project: 'MIDC will provide the land and necessary infrastructure for the park. This logistics park will be a vital node in India's national freight corridor.'
Time of India
11-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kullu rises against Bijli Mahadev ropeway
Construction of a ropeway to Bijli Mahadev, a revered pilgrimage site in Kullu, has commenced despite strong local opposition. The project, undertaken by NHLML, involves cutting down trees, sparking protests from residents concerned about environmental damage and the sanctity of the site. KULLU: Despite opposition, work has begun on a ropeway to the iconic Bijli Mahadev, a scenic pilgrimage site atop a mountain in Kullu district, sparking a fresh wave of protests. Last week, a total of 77 deodar trees were cut for the project by the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), which is building the ropeway and is a subsidiary of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This infuriated locals, who obstructed NHLML employees on July 7 from transporting timber loaded in trucks. On July 8, hundreds of locals, including women, met forest department officials to complain about the felling of trees and later protested in Kullu. They believe the 2.4-km-long ropeway would destroy the sacred meadow of Bijli Mahadev, located at an altitude of 2,460 metres on a mountain top above the Kharal valley that faces Kullu town. They then confronted the staff of NHLML again on July 10. On July 8, led by local politician Ram Singh, members of the Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Sangharsh Samiti reached the forest where the trees were cut and forced the staff to leave the spot. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on this meadow, which is one of the largest on any mountaintop in Kullu valley. 'Bijli Mahadev is aplace of pilgrimage for the people of the entire Kullu district. But our politicians have sold it for commercial gains. They have chosen money over faith. But the common people of Kullu valley will continue to oppose this project tooth and nail,' said Fateh Rana, a resident of the Kharal valley and a member of the Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Sangharsh Samiti, which has been formed by locals to oppose the project. Rana said Bijli Mahadev was an eco-sensitive place. 'Many locals are dependent on the forest. Moreover, the Bijli Mahadev meadow land has been sinking, and this felling of trees would make it worse,' Rana added. He warned of a natural catastrophe, unlike any before, if the project was built against the will of Lord Bijli Mahadev. Fissures a concern The meadow of Bijli Mahadev has developed fissures at several places in recent years as environmentalists and locals have been pushing for tree plantation to stop land from sinking in the area. According to Guman Singh, a Kullu-based environmentalist and the coordinator of NGO Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, it's not development but destruction in the name of religious tourism. 'Govt should have conducted a technical feasibility study before going ahead with its project. What the govt is doing is destroying the places of faith in the name of religious tourism. The only people who will benefit from such projects are the ones who will do business and construct hotels at such sites,' said Singh. To be built for Rs 284 crore, the ropeway, stretching from Pirdi village, located next to the Beas, to Bijli Mahadev mountaintop, will have a capacity of 36,000 passenger trips per day, and it will take just seven minutes to reach the top. At present, it takes an hour-long trek from the Kullu side to reach the temple. 'The plan to take nearly 36,000 people to the fragile mountaintop of Bijli Mahadev in a single day is madness. The ropeway will kill this place, but our politicians have been bragging about how a huge number of people could reach the Bijli Mahadev in a matter of a few minutes without realising its environmental implications,' said Shanta Devi, a resident of Kharal valley and a women's group head. Locals said even the Bijli Mahadev deity was against the project. 'Bijli Mahadev does not want the ropeway on the nangi dhar (meadow). The deity's 'gur' (oracle) has already said it. But the developer has not moved the project away from the meadow,' said Vinender Singh Jamwal, the kardar (administrative head) of Bijli Mahadev temple deity. The state govt has also been trying to promote Bijli Mahadev as a tourist destination and believes a ropeway would boost tourism. Last year on March 5, Union Minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari performed the bhoomi pujan of the project. According to Ram Singh, a local politician, Bijli Mahadev is not a tourist destination but a place of pilgrimage. 'Residents have been opposing this project, and even Lord Bijli Mahadev has given his dissent through his medium. Still, govt has gone ahead with this project. There are so many other scenic places in Kullu the govt could be developed and where ropeways could be built,' said Singh. 'The irony is that the people's representatives, who swear by gods, are missing and not standing with us. But we will continue to oppose this project. It's a matter of faith for us,' added Singh.
Hindustan Times
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Mizoram Guv stresses on urgent need for strategies for urban decongestion
Aizawl, Mizoram Governor Gen Vijay Kumar Singh on Tuesday stressed the urgent need for innovative strategies to combat urban congestion. Singh held a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways , National Highways Logistics Management Limited and the State's Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation department to discuss tapping potential ropeway projects in the state to improve connectivity in the state under the Centre's ambitious National Ropeways Development Programme - Parvatmala Pariyojana, a statement issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations said. During the meeting, Singh emphasised the importance of advancing initiatives for urban decongestion. Noting the scarcity of vacant spaces in Aizawl, he advocated for exploring sites beyond the heart of the city to ensure smooth project execution. Singh underscored the necessity of proactively addressing connectivity and public concerns through meticulous planning, positioning the Parvatmala initiative, connecting one end to another, easing problems for the people, as a catalyst for sustainable development in Mizoram's hilly landscape, the statement said. He further emphasised the need to consider ways to effectively implement this scheme in collaboration with other line departments. MoRTH Additional Secretary Vinay Kumar reaffirmed the ministry's unwavering commitment to driving ropeway projects in Mizoram, the statement said. He said that the Parvatmala programme is designed to enhance connectivity in mountainous regions, with 90 per cent of the generated revenue earmarked for reinvestment into local development, fostering economic growth and infrastructure progress. State Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Secretary Lalsawma Pachuau had an insightful PowerPoint presentation, showing the proposed ropeway corridors for Aizawl and its surrounding areas under the Aizawl Sustainable Urban Transport Project . He outlined the comprehensive mobility plan, spanning 280 square kilometres, aimed at decongesting Aizawl city. The plan encompasses a ropeway, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, a regional truck terminal, enhanced bus and truck terminals and an upgraded public transport system, among other initiatives, the statement added.
