Business
India’s highway network expands at rapid pace in last 12 years
New Delhi, June 14: India has witnessed an unprecedented transformation in its road infrastructure over the last 12 years, from the implementation of Bharatmala Pariyojana and the rapid expansion of the National Highway network to the development of iconic expressways at record construction speed, according to an official factsheet issued on Sunday.
Among the most transformative initiatives in the highway sector is Bharatmala Pariyojana, a flagship programme designed to optimise freight and passenger movement across the country. As of March 2026, projects covering 26,425 kilometres had been awarded, while 22,590 kilometres had already been constructed. Approved by the Government of India in October 2017, the programme envisages the development of 34,800 kilometres of National Highway corridors with an estimated outlay of Rs 5.35 lakh crore, according to the factsheet issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Bharatmala Pariyojana has significantly strengthened connectivity, reduced logistics costs and improved access to remote and strategically important regions, thereby contributing to economic development, regional balance and national integration.
The expansion of India’s National Highway network has been one of the most significant infrastructure achievements of the past decade. The network has grown from approximately 91,287 kilometres in 2014 to over 1,46,572 kilometres in FY 2025-26, representing an increase of nearly 61 per cent.
From an average construction rate of approximately 11.6 kilometres per day in 2013-14, the pace has increased to nearly 34 kilometres per day in 2025. This remarkable growth has improved connectivity across states and regions, facilitated faster movement of goods and services, enhanced access to markets and strengthened the country’s economic backbone.
The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway is one of India’s most ambitious highway infrastructure projects. With a planned length of approximately 1,386 kilometres and an estimated project cost of around Rs 1 lakh crore, it is set to become the country’s longest access-controlled expressway upon completion.
Connecting Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, the expressway will significantly enhance connectivity between major economic centres of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first completed section of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway on February 12, 2023 — the 246-km Delhi–Dausa–Lalsot stretch in Rajasthan, developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore.
This was followed by the inauguration of the 87-km Vadodara–Bharuch stretch in Gujarat on February 22, 2024. Subsequently, on June 5, 2026, the Prime Minister inaugurated two additional Gujarat sections: the 36-km Kim–Ena section and the 27.5-km Gandeva–Ena section. The project is expected to reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency and unlock new opportunities for industrial growth, investment and employment along its corridor.
The Delhi–Meerut Expressway has transformed connectivity within the National Capital Region by enabling faster, safer and more efficient travel between Delhi and Meerut. Developed at a cost of approximately Rs 8346 crore and spanning about 82 kilometres, the Expressway has substantially reduced travel time for commuters and businesses alike.
The Dwarka Expressway represents a major milestone in the development of urban transport infrastructure in the National Capital Region. Stretching approximately 29 kilometres and developed at a cost of nearly Rs 9,000 crore, the project has substantially improved connectivity between Delhi and Gurugram.
The Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway has emerged as a landmark infrastructure project in southern India. Developed at a cost of approximately Rs 8,480 crore and spanning 118 kilometres, the Expressway was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 12, 2023. The project has reduced travel time between Bengaluru and Mysuru from nearly three hours to about 75 minutes.
Delhi – Dehradun Economic Corridor is an engineering marvel that reflects India’s continued focus on building high-speed, efficient and environmentally responsible National Highway network. Developed at a cost of Rs 12,000 crore, the 213 km long six-lane access-controlled corridor was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on April 14, 2026. The corridor has reduced travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over 6 hours to around 2.5 hours.
Business
Income Tax Dept nudges taxpayers owning undeclared properties in UAE

The Income Tax Department has recently nudged select taxpayers who have invested in residential and commercial properties in the UAE to avail of the Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers – Disclosure Scheme, 2026 (FAST-DS), offering a one-time opportunity to declare these overseas assets which have been undisclosed so far, according to Finance Ministry sources.
The scheme provides a time-bound window to regularise eligible disclosures by paying 30 per cent tax on the fair market value and an equal amount of penalty in addition to tax. A crucial feature of the scheme is that it is fully online, trust-based, and self-declaratory.
A valid declaration brings immunity from further assessment, penalty and prosecution under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 (Black Money Act). The scheme further provides an opportunity to taxpayers to report unaccounted assets and income on payment of a Rs 1 lakh fee to avoid a penalty of Rs 10 lakh each year prescribed in the Black Money Act.
Till now, approximately 1,100 taxpayers have filed applications under the scheme, which is open till December 31, 2026, sources said.
The Central government has launched the Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers – Disclosure Scheme, 2026 (FAST-DS), offering a one-time opportunity to disclose foreign assets and income that have been undisclosed so far.
To facilitate taxpayers, the Department has created a facility in the e-filing portal where a taxpayer can see information with respect to assets reported on their PANs by the foreign jurisdictions under Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI), popularly known as CRS/FATCA. Taxpayers can log in to the e-filing portal and download this information for the three-year period 2022-2024.
Sources informed that the information received under AEOI from the signatories of CRS/FATCA frameworks has only been displayed in the e-filing portal. Department receives information under other multilateral frameworks which has not been displayed in the portal due to various risk factors or non-disclosure commitments. Further, the Income Tax Department collects information from other sources as well. The Department decided, in a high-level meeting on October 23, that such information may also be shared with relevant taxpayers, wherever possible, to enable them to take advantage of the scheme.
The Income Tax Department has also planned outreach programmes to create awareness among taxpayers, corporates as employers, educational institutes, professional bodies and industry associations. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which is the apex body that heads the Income Tax Department, has also made a Committee in each region under the Principal Chief Commissioner to help taxpayers resolve their queries and concerns.
Business
Tesla India posts Rs 247 crore revenue in first fiscal of vehicle sales

The Indian unit of Elon Musk-backed electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla — Tesla India Motors and Energy — has reported revenue of Rs 247.31 crore and a net profit of Rs 5.16 crore for FY26.
According to regulatory filing, revenue from operations surged nearly 12-fold from Rs 20.83 crore in FY25.
The carmaker’s net profit increased from Rs 55.49 lakh as the company expanded its presence in the Indian market following the launch of its first showroom in Mumbai in 2025. However, FY26 was the first year in which vehicle sales contributed to Tesla India’s reported revenue.
In the previous financial year, the company’s turnover had come entirely from services-related operations.
Vehicle sales generated Rs 214.69 crore during FY26, accounting for nearly 87 per cent of total revenue, while services contributed Rs 32.40 crore.
The performance came despite a relatively small sales base as the company recorded 346 vehicle registrations in India between September 2025 and March 2026.
Meanwhile, registrations accelerated to 650 units during April-September FY27, surpassing the entire previous year’s tally within the first six months of the fiscal year.
Average monthly registrations rose from around 49 units during the initial launch phase to about 108 units.
Apart from that, the company strengthened its balance sheet through fresh capital infusion.
Filings showed Tesla injected about Rs 86 crore into its Indian subsidiary during FY26.
In addition, cash expenditure on property, plant and equipment and capital work-in-progress climbed to Rs 62.54 crore in FY26 which was higher than Rs 1.16 crore in the previous year.
Earlier in October, CEO Musk showcased a new version of its Roadster sports car — a prototype that briefly lifted off the ground during a demonstration at a SpaceX facility in Texas.
He highlighted that the vehicle navigated an elevated curved track before becoming airborne for a short distance and landing safely, drawing comparisons to the concept of a flying car.
Business
Shriram Finance shares fall over 6 pc, hit 11-month low on growth cut

Shares of non-banking financial company Shriram Finance on Monday traded more than 6 per cent lower, hitting an 11-month low and emerged as the top Nifty loser.
The NBFC stock declined as much as 6.55 per cent to 810.20, recording an intraday low on the BSE in morning trade.
It was trading at Rs 829.20, a decrease of 4.36 per cent by 10:57 am.
The selling pressure in the stock came after the NBFC firm cut its loan growth forecast and flagged higher credit costs, overshadowing better-than-expected Q2 profit.
Moreover, the company cut its assets under management (AUM) growth guidance for FY27 to 15-17 per cent from 18 per cent, citing weak monsoon and geopolitical uncertainty and pressure on borrowers in drought-hit regions.
Meanwhile, analysts flagged asset quality concerns with reducing share price targets.
Analysts at global brokerage Jefferies said credit costs could stay elevated for one to two more quarters due to stress in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana.
According to domestic brokerage Motilal Oswal, higher slippages and write-offs reflected drought-like conditions in several states, though overall asset quality remained broadly stable.
“SHFL delivered a mixed quarter, with PPoP beating estimates on higher NIM and lower opex, while earnings were in line due to higher credit costs. AUM growth at 17 per cent YoY was stronger than estimated,” it said.
Similarly, JM Financial said rising early delinquencies and rural stress remain key concerns. The brokerage also stated, “Deteriorating asset quality indicators amid drought-like conditions remain a concern.” However, the stock has corrected 14 per cent over the past month. Recent equity infusion and rating upgrades to AAA should cushion margins.
On the aforesaid exchange, the NBFC stock has recorded a 52-week high of Rs 1,153.65 and a 52-week low of Rs 710.40.
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