News Bulletin: SEPTEMBER 2026 – Edition 2
Ports and Maritime
Mazagon Dock Plans ₹30,000 Crore Investment Across Dighi and Dugarajapatnam
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders has signed MoUs to become the anchor shipyard at greenfield clusters in Dighi, Maharashtra, and Dugarajapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with proposed investments of around ₹15,000 crore at each location. Both facilities are planned with initial design capacities of 1.2 million gross tonnes annually. The moves support India’s shipbuilding expansion, but industry stakeholders have raised questions over market capacity, commercial shipbuilding experience and the non-binding nature of the MoUs. MDL’s board has granted in-principle approval for both investments.
Read More Here: ET Infra
Karnataka Approves ₹7,247 Crore Port and Shipyard Projects Under PPP
Karnataka has approved two major maritime projects worth ₹7,247 crore under the PPP model. The package includes a ₹6,925 crore port-cum-shipyard at Manki in Uttara Kannada and a ₹322 crore greenfield shipyard at Kundapura in Udupi. The Manki project will feature a 15 MTPA deep-water multipurpose port in its first phase, with potential for a commercial shipyard in the second phase. The Kundapura facility is planned to build three Handysize vessels annually, strengthening Karnataka’s shipbuilding ecosystem.
Read More Here: ET Infra
Kollam Port to Become Satellite Facility for Vizhinjam with Cruise Plans
Kerala plans to develop Kollam Port as a satellite facility for Vizhinjam International Seaport, with the objective of sharing cargo activity and strengthening the state’s port network. A fresh survey will assess the port’s draft, with at least 8 metres required for vessel berthing, while dredging may follow based on the findings. The development model is being evaluated through a DPR, with a floating dry dock and cruise services also under consideration. The initiative forms part of Kerala’s ₹400 crore Mission Samudra programme.
Read More Here: India Shipping News
Hong Kong Shifts Port Strategy from Volume to Value
Hong Kong is shifting its 2026–2030 port strategy from container-volume growth towards higher-value maritime and logistics services. The plan aims to stabilise container throughput while upgrading Kwai Tsing Container Terminals through smart and green technologies, including autonomous electric vehicles, remote-controlled cranes and shore power. Hong Kong also plans to expand its Port Community System, develop green maritime fuel infrastructure and strengthen rail-sea-land-river connectivity. The strategy seeks deeper cooperation with Greater Bay Area ports while expanding Hong Kong’s role as a high-value transshipment hub.
Read More Here: Container News
Roads & Highways
Bhayander Coastal Road Set for March 2029 Completion
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has set March 2029 as the target for completing the northern extension of Mumbai’s Coastal Road to Bhayander. The Versova-Bhayander section is planned as a signal-free corridor connecting the existing coastal road network with the northern suburbs. The 26.32-km road includes sections on stilts, tunnels, elevated stretches, bridges and connectors, with an estimated civil works cost of around ₹18,263 crore. The project is intended to improve connectivity and ease congestion on major western Mumbai roads.
Read More Here: ET Infra
NHAI Sets New Design Standards for 50,000 km High-Speed Corridors
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced comprehensive guidelines for planning and designing access-controlled high-speed National Highways, covering upcoming 4- and 6-lane greenfield and brownfield corridors. The guidelines standardise DPR preparation, lane configurations, safety measures and access control. They support India’s long-term roadmap for developing 50,000 km of access-controlled high-speed corridors. The framework also mandates ramps at key crossings and a 1-metre boundary wall to prevent unauthorised access and improve safety and traffic flow.
Read More Here: Press Information Bureau
Delhi PWD to Install QR Boards Across 1,400 km of Roads
Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD) is set to install QR-enabled display boards across about 1,400 km of roads under its “Know Your Road” initiative. Scanning the QR code will provide details such as road length, repair history, contractor information, sanctioned cost and defect liability period. Citizens will also be able to submit complaints, feedback and suggestions on road quality. PWD has issued a tender for the signage work, with installation expected to be completed within 20 days of awarding the work.
Read More Here: ET Infra
Rail & Mobility
Kerala Railway Allocation Rises Tenfold to ₹3,795 Crore in FY27
Kerala’s railway allocation has increased nearly tenfold to ₹3,795 crore in FY2026-27, from ₹372 crore in 2014, according to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. More than ₹20,000 crore of railway projects are currently under execution in the state, including nine multitracking and new-line projects, 145 flyovers and underpasses, and redevelopment of 19 stations. Railways has also completed 670 km of doubling and gauge-conversion works since 2014. However, land acquisition delays continue to affect several major projects.
Read More Here: ET Infra
India Targets 350 kmph Indigenous Bullet Train by 2030
India is developing indigenous high-speed trainsets, with B28 trains designed for 280 kmph and expected to begin trials in 2027 at speeds of up to 249 kmph. The proposed B35 train targets a design speed of 350 kmph by 2030, supporting India’s broader high-speed rail ambitions. BEML has contracts covering 47 B28 trainsets, including a recent ₹5,400 crore order for 15 trains. The programme is closely linked to the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor and plans for seven additional corridors.
Read More Here: The Economic Times
India’s Hydrogen Train May Extend to Delhi as Railways Explores New Route
Indian Railways is exploring extending India’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind to Delhi’s Azadpur, following low passenger turnout on its existing 89-km Jind–Sonipat route. The 10-coach train can carry around 2,600 passengers, but current ridership is reportedly only 40–60 passengers per journey. Railways is assessing safety, track availability, coach capacity and hydrogen refuelling requirements before making a decision. An alternative 180-km Jind–Sonipat–Panipat–Safidon circuit has also been suggested to improve utilisation.
Read More Here: Aaj Tak
Patna Metro Rukanpura Station Advances as 4 TBMs Prepare for November Tunnelling
Construction of Rukanpura station on Patna Metro’s underground Mithapur–Rukanpura section has advanced to the diaphragm wall stage, with steel reinforcement cages being installed at the station site. The 10.5-km underground stretch along Nehru Path will have six stations, including Rukanpura, Raja Bazaar, Patna Zoo and Patna Junction. Four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are scheduled for deployment near Patna Zoo in November, with two machines tunnelling towards Patna Junction and two towards Rukanpura, accelerating construction on the underground corridor.
Read More Here: Metro Rail News
Logistics & Freight
DHL Express Records 16% Growth in Asia Pacific Heavyweight Cargo
DHL Express recorded a 16% increase in Time Definite International weight per day across Asia Pacific, excluding China, between January and July 2026, following the launch of its Heavy Weight Express service. Demand is being driven by technology, engineering and manufacturing, and automotive shipments, as businesses seek faster movement of critical components and machinery. Technology cargo accounts for more than 34% of DHL’s heavyweight shipments, while automotive shipment weight has increased nearly 20%. India was among the region’s fastest-growing markets.
Read More Here: ITLN
Greenbase Plans ₹2,000 Crore Expansion Across Chennai Industrial Parks
Greenbase, the Hiranandani Group’s industrial and logistics parks platform, plans to invest around ₹2,000 crore over 2–3 years to develop 5 million sq ft of industrial and warehousing space in Chennai. The company has acquired 215 acres, including 160 acres at Palur near Oragadam and 55 acres at Arani in North Chennai. The expansion targets manufacturing, renewable energy, automotive, electronics, EV and logistics companies. Greenbase’s wider Greenbase 2.0 programme aims to develop around 9–10 million sq ft across India.
Read More Here: India Shipping News
Balmer Lawrie Expands Domestic Logistics with Rail and 3PL Push
Balmer Lawrie & Co. is expanding its domestic logistics operations, with greater focus on rail logistics and third-party logistics as global trade faces geopolitical and tariff-related disruptions. The company is increasing supply-chain touchpoints while leveraging its existing network of container freight stations, warehouses and specialised cold-chain facilities. Its new rail logistics business is expected to become a key growth driver. Balmer Lawrie is also aligning its Travel & Vacations business with rising domestic tourism, strengthening its focus on India’s domestic economic activity.
Read More Here: ET Infra
Adani Ports, JSW Infra and Essar Ports Bid for ₹5,881 Crore Dadri Logistics Hub
Adani Ports, JSW Infrastructure and Essar Ports have submitted initial bids for a ₹5,881 crore greenfield Multi Modal Logistics Hub at Dadri, Greater Noida. Spread across 311 hectares, the project will be developed in three phases over a 45-year concession period, with planned capacity of up to 1.44 million TEUs and 7.8 million tonnes of non-containerised cargo. The hub will also include modern warehousing, cold storage and intermodal facilities, benefiting from connectivity to the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors.
Read More Here: ET Infra
Energy & Resources
Pace Digitek Arm Secures ₹488 Crore BESS Order from NTPC GE
Pace Digitek’s material subsidiary Lineage Power Private Limited has secured a ₹488.46 crore Letter of Award from NTPC GE Power Services for a Battery Energy Storage System at the Barh Super Thermal Power Project in Bihar. The order covers the supply, testing and commissioning supervision of 5.015 MWh BESS containers, along with Battery Management and Energy Management Systems. It also includes a 12-year Comprehensive Maintenance Contract. The project is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2026.
Read More Here: ET EnergyWorld
Mundra Power Plant May Run at Full Capacity Till December Amid High Demand
The Centre is considering extending Section 11 provisions for Tata Power’s 4,000 MW Mundra power plant, potentially requiring it to operate at full capacity through December 2026 amid elevated electricity demand. The current directive is due to expire this month. Tata Power has a supplementary power purchase agreement with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam, while discussions with Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab are at an advanced stage. These agreements are needed to facilitate recovery of volatile imported-coal costs and maintain the plant’s availability.
Read More Here: The Economic Times
IndianOil Approves ₹2,449 Crore Kochi–Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline
IndianOil has approved an investment of ₹2,448.70 crore for the 424.65-km Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline (KTPL). The pipeline will connect the Kochi LNG terminal in Kerala with Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, with a system capacity of 6.84 MMSCMD, including 1.71 MMSCMD of common-carrier capacity. The project is expected to strengthen southern India’s gas transmission network and support city gas distribution, industrial consumers, power plants and other downstream users across Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu.
Read More Here: The Economic Times
ONGC Discovers Gas in Mahanadi Deepwater Well Off Odisha Coast
ONGC has discovered natural gas in a deepwater exploration well in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin, around 43 km from Konark, Odisha, under its Samudra Manthan campaign. The MN-DW18-1-H-D well encountered gas at depths of 1,441–1,452 metres and has shown encouraging flow and reservoir pressure. Drilled to a target depth of 1,623 metres, it is ONGC’s first Mahanadi Basin well under the campaign. Further appraisal will determine the discovery’s recoverable resources and commercial viability, with shared infrastructure potentially supporting future development.
Read More Here: The Economic Times
Premier Energies Commissions 7 GW Solar Cell Plant in Andhra Pradesh
Premier Energies has commissioned a 7 GW N-type TOPCon G12R solar cell manufacturing facility at Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh, taking its total solar cell capacity to 10.6 GW, the largest in India. Built across 101 acres with an investment of ₹3,293 crore, the plant has begun trial runs and can produce around 88,000 cells per hour. The digitally enabled facility uses automation and AI for process control and targets average cell efficiency of 25.8% once operations stabilise.
Read More Here: The Economic Times