25 Mar 2025

The Maharashtra state government has announced an ambitious plan to develop 45 aerial ropeways across key tourist destinations in the state, in partnership with the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a subsidiary of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The project aims to enhance tourism and alleviate traffic congestion at popular sites such as the Elephanta Islands, Alibaug Fort, Matheran, Raigad, Pratapgad, Sinhagad Fort, and Mahabaleshwar. Additional locations identified for ropeway construction include Jejuri, Sajjangad, Ajinkyatara Fort, Thoseghar Waterfalls, and Renuka Temple. The ropeways will be executed under a public-private partnership model, with state agencies maintaining equity stakes.Read more

25 Mar 2025

McDonald's has chosen Hyderabad as the site for its India headquarters and Global Capability Centre (GCC), following a competitive selection process that saw the city triumph over rivals like Bangalore. This strategic move is expected to create 2,000 jobs in its initial phase. The American fast-food giant plans to leverage Telangana's skilled workforce and infrastructure while expanding its local restaurant network. The Telangana government is also looking to strengthen this partnership by offering agricultural produce sourcing and workforce training via state-backed skilling programs, further anchoring McDonald's growing footprint in the region.Read more

24 Mar 2025

In a significant move marking the end of an era, Air India recently shifted its booking office from the historic Air India building to CR2 Mall at Nariman Point. The 23-storey tower, a prominent feature of Mumbai's skyline since 1974, was sold to the Maharashtra government for INR 1,600 crore last year as part of the airline's asset monetisation programme. The building, known for its signature centaur logo and billboard of international destinations, had remained an iconic landmark along Marine Drive for nearly fifty years. Tata Group, which acquired the carrier in 2022 for INR 18,000 crore, has been focusing on streamlining operations.Read more

20 Mar 2025

Novelty Chambers, home to the once-celebrated Novelty Cinema at Grant Road, South Mumbai, is set to be demolished after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared the building unsafe. The cinema, which stopped screening films 19 years ago, was one of Mumbai's most prominent single-screen theaters before the multiplex boom forced its closure. The building currently has only one operational office out of nine stories, while the ground floor remains home to the now-defunct theater. The site is expected to make way for a new residential high-rise.Read more

19 Mar 2025

Manglam Group, a prominent real estate developer in Rajasthan, has unveiled an ambitious INR 1,000 crore investment strategy to enter the INR 82,000 crore Indian hospitality sector over the next five years. Leveraging its extensive experience with over 70 completed real estate projects, the group is focusing on greenfield developments in high-growth segments such as destination weddings, leisure tourism, and MICE. Their inaugural hospitality venture, the Westin Jaipur Resort, is nearing completion, with a second hotel already underway in Jagatpura, Jaipur.Read more

18 Mar 2025

Rebel Foods is set to invest between INR 100 crore and INR 150 crore to expand American fast-food giant Wendy's presence in India. The plan aims to establish 500 outlets by 2028, aligning with Wendy's global strategy to add 1,000 new restaurants. With an emphasis on cloud kitchens, Rebel Foods intends to leverage its extensive delivery network, while also introducing offline stores. The company's recent funding and operational milestones are part of a broader strategy to enhance profitability and prepare for an IPO within two years.Read more

14 Mar 2025

Singapore's sovereign investment firm, Temasek, has finalised a deal to acquire nearly a 10% stake in Haldiram's snacks division for approximately USD 1 billion. The acquisition comes after months of negotiations, with Temasek viewing Haldiram as a key asset in India's expanding consumer sector. The deal highlights growing global interest in India's food and beverage industry, especially the savoury snacks segment. While Blackstone had also bid for a 20% stake, its lower valuation resulted in Temasek securing the agreement. Industry experts suggest that Haldiram's promoters are considering an IPO in the coming year to leverage the country's robust stock market. The restructuring of Haldiram Snacks Foods Private Ltd (HSFPL) has further consolidated its market position, making it a highly attractive investment.Read more