News Bulletin: August 2025 – Edition 2
India Forms High-Level Panel to Tackle Export Challenges Amid Trade Pressures
In response to intensifying global trade challenges, including rising tariffs and market volatility, the Indian government has established a high-level committee to identify and resolve critical export bottlenecks. The panel will examine aspects such as customs duties, export incentives and refunds, Goods and Services Tax (GST) policies, and export clearance procedures. Its goal is to streamline export operations and enhance India’s competitiveness in international markets, offering much-needed support to exporters navigating complex trade conditions.
Source: The Shipping Tribune
Shipping Corp of India to Acquire 26 India-Built Vessels in ₹19,820 Crore Fleet Expansion
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has unveiled plans to purchase 26 vessels built in India for approximately ₹19,820 crore (US$2.3 billion). The vessels – totaling 1.18 million gross tonnes – will be gradually delivered over several years. This initiative aligns with a broader government push to strengthen the domestic shipbuilding sector. Under this strategy, industries like petroleum, natural gas, steel, and fertiliser are expected to procure 207 vessels valued at nearly ₹1.5 lakh crore through 2040. The move is part of SCI’s transition from a fleet of 55 ships toward a more robust, self-reliant maritime capacity.
Source: ET Infra
Visakhapatnam Port Tops Nation in Swachhta Pakhwada Awards 2024
Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has been honored with the first-place award in the National Swachhta Pakhwada Awards 2024 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for its exemplary cleanliness initiatives. The port’s efforts under the “Swachhata Ki Bhagidari” and “Sampoorna Swachhata” campaigns included mass clean-up drives, the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” plantation drive, and removal of sunken boats at the Fishing Harbour. Other actions like health camps for sanitation workers, mural and awareness programs, and the planting of 31,800 saplings across the region, as well as community clean-up treks, further elevated VPA’s commitment to a clean, green future.
Source: ET Infra
CONCOR & Indian Railways Launch Sustainable End-to-End Parcel Service
CONCOR, in collaboration with Indian Railways, has introduced a new End-to-End Parcel Service, launching with a maiden run from Mumbai (BIRD) to Kolkata (SGYT) on August 7, 2025. The service leverages rail’s reliability and fixed schedules, offering features such as doorstep pickup and delivery, real-time tracking, and advance booking. Designed for small and mid-sized shipments – especially for e-commerce and MSMEs – it provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to road transport, marking a significant step toward greener, more efficient logistics..
Source: Maritime Gateway
Indian Railways Unveils ‘Rudrastra’ – Asia’s Longest Freight Train at 4.5 km
Indian Railways has successfully fielded ‘Rudrastra’, a mega freight train stretching 4.5 kilometers, making it the longest in both India and Asia. The train comprises 354 wagons powered by seven locomotives, and completed a trial run from Ganjkhwaja (Uttar Pradesh) to Garhwa (Jharkhand), covering 200 km in about five hours at an average speed of 40 km/h. This innovative experiment – in which six standard rakes were coupled into one – demonstrates significant efficiency gains by reducing crew, scheduling complexities, and transit time, heralding a new era in freight transportation.
Source: Maritime Gateway
Eka Infra Marks Seven Years of Building Confidence, Reliability & Possibility
This article reflects on Eka Infra’s seven-year journey, celebrating its evolution from a bold vision into a trusted infrastructure consulting leader. Founded with a commitment to build beyond structures – focusing on confidence, reliability, and possibility – the firm acknowledges the teamwork, innovation, and client partnerships that fueled its growth. The milestone underscores Eka Infra’s dedication to maintaining high standards and setting the stage for future achievements.
