03 Nov 2025
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) announced plans to raise around INR 6,000 crore over the next five to six years to support its capital-expenditure programme. The company said it will fund this through a mix of government-assisted schemes, multilateral loans from East-Asian agencies, issuance of blue bonds and internal accruals. CSL indicated it plans to use the enhanced Shipbuilding Financial Assistance policy (which offers 20-25 % incentives) and is already exploring a greenfield shipyard conceptualised at USD 2-3 billion. Defence contracts currently make up roughly two-thirds of its order book.Read more
03 Nov 2025
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has signed a INR 48.33 crore contract with Faiveley Transport Rail Technologies India Pvt Ltd to install an anti-drag passenger door safety system across all 52 trains operating under Phase I. The system enhances existing obstacle-detection technology by identifying thin or light materials such as saree ends, dupattas, bag straps, and belts that could get trapped during door closure. If entrapment occurs, it will trigger an emergency brake and alert the driver instantly. CMRL clarified that this initiative is a preventive safety upgrade, not incident-driven. The feature will also be standard on Phase II trains, reinforcing global safety standards and boosting public confidence in Chennai's metro system.Read more
03 Nov 2025
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) reported savings of about INR 2,062 crore in toll-collection expenses during the last financial year. The cost of collection dropped from 17.27% to 9.27%, supported by reforms in contract management and improved monitoring. Total toll receipts rose to INR 28,823 crore, while remittances to NHAI increased to INR 26,149 crore. The authority credited this progress to tighter contract durations, transparent bidding processes, and the introduction of a "Windfall Gain" clause designed to ensure fair revenue sharing with toll agencies.Read more
03 Nov 2025
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi urged international investors to back India's shipping and ports sector, highlighting full foreign-direct-investment access and the government's "Make in India, Make for the World" framework. He pointed to the development of mega-ports, a commitment to quadruple capacity at 12 major ports, and noted that over 150 new maritime initiatives have nearly doubled major-port capacity and shortened turnaround times. He also welcomed a nearly INR 8,000 crore investment from the Port of Singapore into India's port infrastructure.Read more
03 Nov 2025
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari stated earlier this week that commuters using national highways would soon be able to access key details of contractors and concerned officers, including their names, addresses, and contact numbers. The initiative aims to ensure greater accountability within highway projects. Speaking at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) conference in New Delhi, Gadkari highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance road safety, promote transparency, and integrate sustainability through the use of plastic waste and treated water in infrastructure development.Read more
03 Nov 2025
The Uttar Pradesh government has mandated rapid development of an airport, railway station and a multimodal logistics park within the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) zone, signalling a major push to transform the region into a manufacturing and logistics hub. Land acquisition measures have been tightened 56,662 acres have been approved, of which 22,028 acres are already acquired. Connectivity upgrades via the Agra-Gwalior Greenfield Expressway, the Bundelkhand Expressway and the fourth Delhi-Chennai rail line are being prioritised. The digitalisation of land-processes and a farmer helpline are also underway.Read more
02 Nov 2025
The Odisha government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) to develop and operate two national waterways NW-5 and NW-64 with a total investment of INR 12,200 crore. The project aims to enable coal and other bulk cargo movement from the Talcher coalfields to Paradip and Dhamra ports via inland waterways. It will be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle, the Inland Waterways Consortium of Odisha Ltd (IWCOL), with IWAI responsible for preparatory work, infrastructure, and statutory clearances. The agreement is expected to reduce logistics costs, ease pressure on roads and railways and promote environmentally friendly transport.Read more
02 Nov 2025
Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) has entered into a partnership with AIONOS, a company under InterGlobe Enterprises, to strengthen digital systems across its airports. The collaboration aims to deploy artificial intelligence and data-driven platforms to improve efficiency, passenger experience, and operational coordination. This initiative complements AAHL's in-house platforms such as Aviio, Adani OneApp, and Airport-in-a-Box, which are already helping build connected and future-ready airports. The partnership reflects both companies' commitment to driving smart technology adoption in India's aviation ecosystem.Read more
02 Nov 2025
Global shipping major MSC has expressed concern over key operational shortcomings at Kerala's Vizhinjam Port, operated by the Adani Group. Despite the port handling over 1.1 million TEUs since becoming operational in the second half of last year, the company stated that the absence of an ICEGATE electronic gateway forces reliance on manual documentation. MSC also pointed out the lack of immigration facilities, preventing crew members from disembarking. The company further emphasised the need for uniform import-export procedures across Indian ports to ensure smoother logistics operations.Read more
02 Nov 2025
Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has emphasized the importance of the maritime sector in driving India's journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. Speaking at India Maritime Week 2025, he highlighted that the sector has grown steadily over the last 11 years and continues to generate large-scale employment opportunities. He also referred to India's rich maritime history, noting that the country was a major sea power before colonial rule. Currently, around 95% of India's trade by volume and 70% by value take place through sea routes.Read more
02 Nov 2025
Ericsson has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) to introduce 5G and Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) technologies across the Kingdom's rail network. The collaboration includes deploying 5G-based infrastructure, developing applications such as real-time video, train control, and IoT connectivity, and establishing an innovation centre for testing new solutions. It also focuses on training SAR's workforce in advanced communication systems. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals and its National Transport & Logistics Strategy to modernise and digitise the transport sector.Read more
02 Nov 2025
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) and Swan Defence & Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI) have entered into a teaming agreement to jointly design and build landing platform docks (LPDs) for the Indian Navy as part of India's ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic defence production. The partnership was announced during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, shortly after the Defence Acquisition Council's approval for LPD procurement. MDL will manage the design and overall project execution, while SDHI will provide shipbuilding infrastructure and fabrication capabilities. The initiative highlights growing collaboration between public and private players in India's defence shipbuilding industry.Read more
02 Nov 2025
Patna Smart City Limited installed a surveillance network of 187 cameras covering 35 major ghats along the Ganga river to support the forthcoming Chhath Mahaparv in Patna. The cameras, which include fixed and pan-tilt-zoom units, are linked to the city's Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). Four temporary control rooms will also be operational, managed by district administration and police teams. Alongside this, 16 public address (PA) systems at the ghats will broadcast safety and cleanliness messages.Read more
02 Nov 2025
The Japanese shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and India's Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) signed an MoU earlier this week to collaborate on tugboat operations in India. The partnership aims to meet rising tug-service demand amid container throughput growth of around 6-8 % and energy cargo growth of 3-5 % annually. It is also aligned with India's low-emission initiative under the Green Tug Transition Programme that seeks to convert major-port tugs to "green" status by 2040. MOL will bring its expertise in safe port operations and alternative fuels, while SCI provides local infrastructure and port-network presence.Read more
02 Nov 2025
The Municipal Corporation of Prayagraj (MCP) has announced that it will develop seven major parks as "Model Parks" under the Smart Cities Mission, with a budget of INR 5 crore. In the first phase, four parks each over one acre will be selected after a city-wide survey. Candidate sites include Naini, Shankusi, Phaphamau, Kalindipuram, Rajrooppur, Kydganj, and Tikonia Park near the Parade Ground. These parks are to feature walking tracks, open-air gyms, child-friendly play areas, seating for older adults, shade and ornamental plants, LED boards for traffic and cyber-safety awareness, and eco-friendly design. MCP also plans to revamp parks in housing-project areas under the Prayagraj Development Authority, including a 32-bigha park in Rajrooppur which has already been surveyed.Read more
01 Nov 2025
Progota India Pvt. Ltd., an associate company of Concord Control Systems Ltd., has obtained the 'Technical Prototype Clearance' from the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) for the latest version of the Kavach 4.0 automatic train protection (ATP) system. The approval allows the company to conduct its trial order with the South Central Railway zone and qualifies it as a developmental vendor for future tenders under Indian Railways. Concord recently increased its shareholding in Progota from 26 % to 46.5 %, further strengthening its collaboration for the rollout of Kavach 4.0.Read more
01 Nov 2025
A joint team from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India visited Kishtwar recently to assess the proposal for upgrading the town's airstrip under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. The officials conducted a ground-level study to examine the terrain and feasibility of expansion, followed by meetings with local authorities. The team is expected to submit its findings to higher officials soon. Earlier this year, Minister Jitendra Singh had announced that Kishtwar would get a full-fledged airport adjacent to the Chaugan ground.Read more
01 Nov 2025
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the reservation of 46 posts under the 5th Battalion of the UPSSF, Saharanpur, to bolster security along the Noida-Greater Noida Metro corridor. The sanctioned positions include one assistant commandant, three sub-inspectors, six head constables, and 36 constables, who will be deployed across 21 metro stations. The decision, based on a proposal from the ADG (UPSSF), follows rising security demands at metro stations and adjoining transport hubs. The 5th Battalion already oversees duties at the RRTS corridor, Hindon Airport, and Saharanpur Airport. This deployment aims to enhance operational efficiency, staff welfare, and public safety while preparing for future transit-linked security needs.Read more
01 Nov 2025
The UAE and Oman have signed an agreement to launch the region's first dedicated cross-border freight rail service, linking Abu Dhabi and Sohar. The deal between Hafeet Rail and Noatum Logistics will see seven container trains per week, each carrying 276 TEUs, enabling an annual capacity of nearly 193,200 TEUs. The service will transport goods such as manufactured items, food, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products, reducing costs, transit time, and carbon emissions. Announced at Global Rail 2025, the project supports both nations' sustainability and diversification goals, marking a milestone in green logistics and regional trade integration, and positioning the UAE-Oman corridor as a model for efficient, eco-friendly freight transport.Read more
01 Nov 2025
State-run REC Ltd has entered into an initial partnership with Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SMFCL) to jointly explore financing opportunities within India's maritime and allied infrastructure sectors. The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this week, aims to strengthen financial cooperation to accelerate port-led development and support the country's blue economy ambitions. Senior officials from both organisations attended the signing ceremony, underscoring their commitment to advancing critical maritime infrastructure.Read more