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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Mizoram government to lodge a new, detailed report on solid and liquid waste management after finding serious deficiencies in an earlier submission. The previous report did not carry certification by a senior state official, and lacked timelines, fund allocations, executing-agency details and clear data on door-to-door segregated collection. It found that Mizoram generates about 398.15 tonnes of solid waste per day, of which 67.65 tonnes remain unprocessed, and produces 51.81 million litres per day of sewage while treatment capacity is much lower. The NGT asked for a revised Action Taken Report (ATR) that covers generation, collection, processing gaps, fund allocation and timelines, with a filing due ahead of the next hearing.Read more

Poland's oil-terminal operator Naftoport, majority-owned by state pipeline firm PERN, plans to build a new jetty at its Gdansk terminal beginning this year. When it comes online in the latter half of 2028, the facility's annual capacity will rise to about 49 million metric tons. The expansion aims to relieve pressure on existing infrastructure, as the terminal has been near full capacity since 2023, and will enable Germany's refineries such as PCK Schwedt and Leuna to shift fully to seaborne crude. Throughput this year is projected to exceed 39 million metric tons and remain steady into 2026.Read more

Ramco Systems has entered a memorandum of understanding with The ePlane Company to provide its aviation software for managing ePlane's electric air taxi, air ambulance, and air cargo fleets. The partnership aims to support the development and certification of ePlane's e200X aircraft, India's first flying electric taxi. ePlane, incubated at IIT Madras, has received DGCA's Design Organisation Approval and holds patents in eight countries. The agreement will help streamline maintenance, supply chain, safety, compliance, and operational management as ePlane moves towards commercial rollout.Read more

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the Banbasa modern land port project, calling it a key initiative to strengthen India-Nepal trade and regional development. The project, led by the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), has received over INR 500 crore for its first phase, with all environmental and land clearances completed. Construction began after approval for diverting 84 acres of forest land. The land port will integrate customs, security, and trade agencies in one complex, improving efficiency and transparency. Strategically located to boost formal trade and local employment, the project marks a major step toward enhanced connectivity, infrastructure, and cross-border cooperation in Uttarakhand.Read more

NOVA Control Tecnologix (NOVA), a deep-tech subsidiary of e2E Transportation Infrastructure Limited, has announced its launch as India's full-stack rail Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) along with a strategic partnership with Tata Elxsi to co-develop Kavach 4.0, the next-generation indigenous automatic train protection (ATP) system. Under the partnership, NOVA will manage manufacturing, testing and integration, while Tata Elxsi will lead hardware and software design, prototyping, RDSO/SIL4 safety certification and cybersecurity. The initiative aims to strengthen India's self-reliance in railway safety and accelerate nationwide adoption of Kavach 4.0.Read more

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has intensified its anti-encroachment drive across all eight regional offices following complaints of increased unauthorised hawking and traffic disruptions during the festive season. Acting under the directives of Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, the campaign was carried out under the supervision of Additional Commissioner (2) Dr Rahul Gethe and Deputy Commissioner (Encroachment) Dr Kailas Gaikwad. The operation targeted illegal hawkers, unauthorised vehicles, and hoardings, resulting in penalties amounting to INR 7.45 lakh being collected over the past week.Read more