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

Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd (GPPL) recently announced that it had entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) to explore an investment of around INR 17,000 crore aimed at expanding and modernising port infrastructure. The proposed investment is subject to the extension of the existing concession agreement, which is currently due to expire in September 2028. The initiative seeks to enhance capacity for container, liquid cargo, and roll-on/roll-off operations, while also upgrading storage, rail connectivity, and multimodal logistics infrastructure linking the port with northern and western India.Read more

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) signed a memorandum of understanding with Deendayal Port Authority, Umeandus Technology Private Limited, and BEML Limited to develop a real-time automated cargo evacuation system (e-FTS) at Kandla Port in Gujarat. As part of the agreement, DMRC will manage operations and maintenance of the pilot project for 25 years. The system will integrate blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enhance cargo-handling efficiency, lower operational costs, and promote sustainability. The concept also holds potential for replication at other major ports in the future.Read more

The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) is working to expand its sewage treatment infrastructure to match the city's projected needs up to 2050. With 11 sewage treatment plants (STPs) currently operational and four more nearing completion, Vadodara's total treatment capacity is expected to reach 963 MLD by next year, surpassing the current requirement of 512 MLD. The civic body is also improving its pumping stations, expanding the drainage network, and implementing measures to stop untreated sewage from entering the Vishwamitri River, aiming for sustainable and cleaner wastewater management.Read more

The Telangana government has announced plans to construct approximately 5,555 kilometres of roads under a hybrid annuity model (HAM) project valued at around INR 10,547 crore. Work will cover 400 roads across 32 packages and is expected to commence by the end of the year. The ministry clarified that the HAM model carries no first-year expenditure from the government, and annual maintenance costs over 15 years will remain modest. Allegations of an INR 8,000 crore scam related to HAM projects were dismissed as uninformed and baseless by the responsible minister.Read more

The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has announced plans to tender four berths at non-major ports for privatisation and to develop seven islands into resort destinations under the public-private-partnership (PPP) model in the state. The move comes as part of a broader effort to attract investment into the maritime sector, with memoranda and definitive agreements worth INR 5,000 crore expected to be signed during the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025. The state is also working on greenfield port proposals and inland-waterway projects, underlining its ambition to expand maritime infrastructure and tourism simultaneously.Read more

The Railway Board has given approval for a new railway station near Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery, marking a key development in Kerala's transport infrastructure. The project aims to ease travel for passengers using the airport and improve last-mile rail connectivity. The plan, first proposed in 2010, had stalled for years but was revived after Union Minister George Kurian's meeting with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The new station will be located between Angamaly and Chowara and is expected to cost around INR 12 crore.Read more

Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has expanded its fleet by adding 157 air-conditioned electric buses as part of its plan to introduce 5,000 such vehicles in phases. Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis announced the addition at the Colaba depot, emphasizing the need for financial self-sufficiency through non-fare revenue. The initiative is aimed at reducing emissions, improving commuter comfort, and strengthening the city's transport network while aligning with Maharashtra's broader electric vehicle policy goals.Read more

Railway officials have stated that a direct train service linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India is expected to materialise soon. This development follows the earlier inauguration of the twin Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express trains on the recently completed Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link. In a new move this week, the train will halt for two minutes at Reasi railway station (after train numbers 26401/26402). The stop is experimental and aims to serve pilgrims heading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and tourists visiting local bridges. Local demand led to the addition, with future service decisions dependent on viability.Read more

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is set to operationalise eight electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the first phase to strengthen its environmental sustainability initiatives. Guided by Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, the corporation is implementing these facilities under the central government's vision of achieving 30% EV adoption by 2030. The initiative also aligns with the NITI Aayog's targets for electrifying two-, three- and four-wheelers and public transport. The project is being executed under a public-private partnership model.Read more