News Bulletin: August 2026 – Edition 1

Ports and Maritime

Centre Funds ₹7.24 Crore Multi-Purpose Berth at Kollam Port

The Union government has provided ₹7.24 crore under the Sagarmala Programme to support the development of a multi-purpose berth and wharf at Kollam Port, Kerala. The ₹15.15 crore project includes a 101-metre-long and 21-metre-wide wharf along with supporting facilities. The development is expected to strengthen cargo movement, logistics, warehousing, tourism, and maritime connectivity in the region. Alongside Vizhinjam International Seaport, the project could help expand Kerala’s port network, attract investment, and generate new employment opportunities.

Read More Here: ET Infra

Deendayal Port Records 21% Cargo Growth, Handles 62.86 MMT in 131 Days

Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, has recorded 21.03% year-on-year growth in cargo handling, reaching 62.86 million metric tonnes (MMT) by August 9, 2026, compared with 51.94 MMT during the same period last year. The port added approximately 10.92 MMT in cargo, highlighting its growing role in India’s maritime trade network. With its strategic location on the Gulf of Kutch and strong connectivity to northern and western India, DPA continues to strengthen its position as a major multipurpose trade gateway.

Read More Here: India Shipping News

E-Samudra Launches India’s Next Phase of Digital Maritime Governance 

India has launched E-Samudra, a comprehensive digital platform bringing maritime services for seafarers, shipping companies, ports, and other stakeholders under a single digital window. The platform enables end-to-end workflows, online payments, real-time tracking, and digitally issued certificates, helping make maritime administration more transparent, predictable, and time-bound. The launch is part of India’s broader maritime modernisation agenda and is complemented by initiatives including 24×7 grievance redressal, seafarer tracking, and digital employment agreements, strengthening both ease of doing business and seafarer welfare.

Read More Here: India Shipping News

Tianjin Port Targets 35 Million TEU Capacity by 2035 

Tianjin Port has unveiled a long-term expansion plan to increase its annual container handling capacity to 35 million TEUs by 2035, up from 24.03 million TEUs in 2025. The programme includes three new terminal projects, upgrades to 10 existing terminals, and two waterway widening and dredging projects, adding 10 new berths. Five navigation channels are also planned, including one capable of accommodating 300,000-tonne vessels. The expansion aims to strengthen Tianjin’s role as a major global maritime and North China trade hub. 

Read More Here: Seatrade Maritime 

Port of Algeciras Approves €677 Million Investment Plan Through 2030

The Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras has approved a €677 million investment programme for 2026-2030 to strengthen the port’s capacity, sustainability, and multimodal connectivity. The plan targets annual container throughput of more than 6 million TEUs while prioritising shore power infrastructure, rail connectivity, terminal expansion, and digitalisation. The investment is expected to reinforce Algeciras’ position as a major Mediterranean logistics hub, improve operational efficiency, and support the port’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable maritime operations.

Read More Here: WorldCargo News

Bahri Logistics Expands Ship Agency Services Across Key Saudi Ports 

Bahri Logistics is expanding its ship agency operations with new offices at Yanbu Commercial and Industrial Ports and Ras Tanura Industrial Port, strengthening its presence across Saudi Arabia’s key energy and industrial gateways. The new locations will serve as strategic coordination hubs, offering vessel port-call coordination, crew support, cargo and operational documentation, and specialised logistics services. The expansion comes amid rising export activity at Yanbu and is expected to improve service responsiveness, stakeholder coordination, and supply chain efficiency across the Kingdom’s maritime network. 

Read More Here: Seatrade Maritime 

 

Logistics & Freight

Bengaluru Warehouse Leasing Surges 78% as Logistics Demand Accelerates

Bengaluru’s warehouse leasing market recorded a 78% year-on-year increase in H1 2026, reaching 3.1 million sq. ft., the fastest growth among India’s top eight markets. Demand was led by third-party logistics providers, manufacturing, and e-commerce, even as nearly 2 million sq. ft. of new Grade A supply entered the market. Vacancy fell to 11% from 13%, while warehouse rents rose 4-5% annually. The growth highlights Bengaluru’s strengthening position as a major logistics and industrial hub.

Read More Here: ET Infra

IFC Invests ₹225 Crore in NDR Smart Spaces to Expand India’s Logistics Infrastructure

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested ₹225 crore in NDR Smart Spaces to support the development of around 20 million sq. ft. of Grade A warehousing infrastructure across 14 Indian cities. Around 8 million sq. ft. is already under construction. The platform will include dry warehouses and cold-storage facilities, with a focus on underserved Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The investment is expected to strengthen supply chains, support formal employment, improve market access for producers, and accelerate India’s modern logistics infrastructure.

Read More Here: ET Infra

Kolkata’s Logistics Stock Reaches 24 Million Sq Ft as Warehousing Demand Grows

Kolkata’s logistics and warehousing market continues to expand, with the city’s total logistics stock reaching around 24 million sq. ft. The growth reflects rising demand from e-commerce, retail, manufacturing and third-party logistics operators seeking modern warehousing facilities across the eastern region. Increasing investments in organised logistics infrastructure are strengthening Kolkata’s role as a key distribution hub for eastern and northeastern India. The expansion is expected to improve supply-chain efficiency, support regional trade and attract further investment into the city’s logistics ecosystem. 

Read More Here: Maritime Gateway 

Porter Flags Off 10,000th Electric Truck, Accelerating India’s Green Freight Transition 

Porter has marked a major milestone in India’s transition towards cleaner freight by flagging off its 10,000th electric truck in Delhi. The company says it currently facilitates the operation of more than 50,000 electric vehicles every month and has eliminated 185 crore kilometres of empty runs, helping save over ₹1,000 crore in fuel imports. Porter plans to quadruple its monthly electric vehicle network over the next five years, highlighting the growing role of electrification, technology and efficient asset utilisation in sustainable urban logistics.

Read More Here: Logistics Insider

CONCOR Launches Rail Freight Service Linking Ennore Port with Hyderabad

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has launched a new rail freight service connecting Ennore Port and the Chennai port cluster with ICD Sanathnagar in Hyderabad, creating a dedicated multimodal logistics link between the east coast and the Deccan region. The service is designed to provide exporters and importers with a faster, cost-effective and more sustainable alternative to road freight. The new corridor is expected to strengthen EXIM cargo movement, reduce road dependence and carbon emissions, and improve supply-chain connectivity across Telangana and southern India.

Read More Here: Maritime Gateway

 

Roads & Highways

Prayagraj Proposes ₹29.24 Crore Road Safety Plan Across 106 Roads 

The Public Works Department has proposed a ₹29.24 crore road safety action plan covering 106 identified roads in Prayagraj district to reduce fatal accidents. The plan includes improvements at 90 junction locations, along with speed tables, signboards, rumble strips, black spot interventions, and other safety measures. Under the Zero Fatality District programme, 14 roads covering 243.16 km have also been identified for targeted interventions. The proposal has been submitted for government approval, with implementation planned after the budget is sanctioned.

Read More Here: ET Infra

NHAI Plans ₹1 Trillion Highway Expansion Across Tamil Nadu

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled a ₹1 trillion investment plan to develop and upgrade around 2,500 km of highway corridors across Tamil Nadu. The programme will focus on improving connectivity between industrial hubs, ports, and urban centres, with priority given to four-lane and access-controlled corridors. The projects will include new construction, widening, and rehabilitation, with funding expected through public investment and private participation. The initiative aims to reduce travel times, lower logistics costs, and support regional manufacturing growth.

Read More Here: Construction World

 

Rail & Mobility

Vande Bharat Trial Run Begins on Bengaluru–Mangaluru Ghat Section

Indian Railways is conducting a trial run of the Vande Bharat Express on the challenging Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section of the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route. The trial is a key step toward introducing faster, modern rail connectivity between Bengaluru and coastal Karnataka. The difficult Western Ghats terrain makes the trial particularly important for assessing the train’s braking, stability, speed control, and operational performance. Successful trials could pave the way for a future Vande Bharat service, improving passenger connectivity and supporting tourism and regional economic activity.

Read More Here: ET Infra
 

Central Railway Records ₹202 Crore Scrap Sale Revenue

Central Railway has recorded ₹202 crore in revenue from scrap sales, highlighting its continued focus on efficient resource utilisation and non-fare revenue generation. The achievement comes as Indian Railways strengthens its Mission Zero Scrap initiative, which focuses on clearing obsolete and unserviceable materials from railway premises. Scrap disposal also supports cleaner railway facilities and recycling efforts while unlocking value from redundant assets. The milestone underlines how systematic asset management can contribute to both operational efficiency and additional revenue for the railway network.

Read More Here: ET Infra
 

North Central Railway Records 7.6% Growth in Freight Loading 

North Central Railway (NCR) recorded a 7.6% year-on-year increase in freight loading during April to July 2026, transporting 7.24 million tonnes of cargo in the first four months of FY 2026-27. The growth reflects stronger freight movement across the zone and continued efforts to improve rail logistics efficiency. Key commodities contributing to the performance include food grains, cement, petroleum products, and containerised cargo. The increase highlights the growing role of railways in supporting India’s industrial and supply chain requirements.

Read More Here: ET Infra
 

Mumbai Metro Line 1 Boosts Peak-Hour Capacity with 3-Minute Train Frequency

Mumbai Metro One will introduce mixed-loop operations on Metro Line 1 from August 10, reducing the peak-hour train interval between Andheri and Ghatkopar from 3 minutes 20 seconds to 3 minutes. The revised schedule will increase weekday services from 476 to 484 trips and add approximately 28,000 passenger capacity, representing more than 20% additional capacity on the busiest section. The initiative is expected to benefit over 85% of Andheri-Ghatkopar commuters, easing congestion and reducing waiting times during evening peak hours.

Read More Here: Swarajya Magazine

 

Energy & Resources

ACME Solar Plans ₹20,000 Crore Renewable Energy and Battery Storage Expansion

ACME Solar Holdings plans to invest ₹15,000-20,000 crore to expand its renewable energy business, with battery energy storage emerging as a primary focus. The company aims to deploy around 10 GWh of battery capacity this year and has 1.5 GW of FDRE capacity scheduled for commissioning in FY27. With PPAs covering around 4,000 MW of FDRE and hybrid projects and a near-term pipeline exceeding 5,080 MW, ACME is positioning itself to meet rising demand for reliable, round-the-clock renewable power.

Read More Here: ET EnergyWorld
 

India Can Withstand Potential 100% US Tariff Pressure on Russian Oil

India is unlikely to face a major economic shock even if the US imposes tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil, according to market analysts. The discount on Russian crude has narrowed from $15-20 per barrel in 2022 to around $2-3, reducing the economic advantage of these imports. The bigger risk for India would be a sustained rise in global crude prices. With diversified oil suppliers and alternative payment mechanisms, India is better positioned to manage potential supply disruptions.

Read More Here: ET EnergyWorld
 

India Crosses 300 GW Non-Fossil Power Capacity as Solar Takes the Lead

India has crossed the 300 GW milestone in installed non-fossil power capacity, reaching 300.50 GW as of July 31, 2026, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Solar power accounts for 164.59 GW, more than half of the total, followed by wind at 58.14 GW and hydro at 57.24 GW. The milestone represents more than 60% of India’s 500 GW non-fossil capacity target for 2030, highlighting the rapid expansion of the country’s clean energy infrastructure.

Read More Here: ET EnergyWorld
 

CESC to Acquire $510 Million Renewable Energy Portfolio from ReNew

CESC’s renewable energy platform, Purvah Green Power, will acquire a 1.4 GW operational solar power portfolio from ReNew Solar Power for ₹48.59 billion, or approximately $510 million. The acquisition will significantly expand CESC’s renewable energy footprint and strengthen its presence in India’s growing clean power market. The deal reflects continued consolidation in the renewable energy sector as major power companies seek to scale operational assets and build larger clean energy portfolios to meet India’s rising demand for sustainable electricity.

Read More Here: Reuters
 

India Cuts Thermal Coal Imports for Blending by 71.5% in Three Years

India’s coal-based power plants have sharply reduced their dependence on imported coal for blending, with imports falling 71.5% from 23.9 million tonnes in 2023-24 to 6.8 million tonnes in 2025-26. The decline has continued in FY2026-27, with only 1.7 million tonnes imported during April-June 2026. The government attributes the reduction to stronger domestic coal availability, while imports remain necessary for certain imported-coal-based plants and specific technical requirements. The shift supports India’s broader effort to reduce energy import dependence and strengthen domestic coal supply. 

Read More Here: ET EnergyWorld 
 

India Plans ₹50,000 Crore Green Energy Corridor to Strengthen Renewable Power Transmission 

India is preparing a ₹50,000 crore-plus third phase of the Green Energy Corridor to address growing transmission bottlenecks as renewable power capacity expands rapidly. The proposed phase will strengthen intra-state transmission networks across renewable-rich states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, with Gujarat expected to receive the largest share. The programme could support the evacuation of around 135 GW of renewable energy and help reduce generation curtailment caused by inadequate grid capacity. The proposal has cleared key pre-Cabinet requirements and is awaiting Union Cabinet consideration.

Read More Here: LiveMint

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