News Bulletin: March 2026 – Edition 2
From global supply disruptions to domestic policy reforms, recent developments across India’s infrastructure sector reflect a landscape in transition. Strategic investments are expanding capacity, while evolving regulations and on-ground challenges continue to shape how projects are delivered. The interplay between growth, resilience, and execution is increasingly defining the sector’s trajectory.
PORTS SECTOR
Sagarmala Programme Improves Port Efficiency and Capacity
India’s Sagarmala programme has completed over 300 projects, adding nearly 400 MTPA of port capacity while reducing vessel turnaround time to under 50 hours. Improvements in operational efficiency and infrastructure are enhancing port competitiveness and reducing logistics costs, supporting India’s broader trade and industrial growth ambitions.
Read More Here: Maritime Gateway
Mangaluru Port Expansion Approved Under PPP Model
The government has approved a ₹438 crore project to redevelop a key berth at New Mangalore Port to handle liquid bulk cargo, including petroleum products and LPG. The project will be executed under a public-private partnership model and is expected to significantly enhance cargo handling capacity and support regional industrial growth.
Read More Here: The Times of India
India Holds Back Ships from Hormuz Amid Rising Risk Levels
India has decided not to redeploy its ships to the Persian Gulf due to escalating risks in the Strait of Hormuz, where insurance costs have surged and threat zones have expanded. The move reflects a cautious approach to maritime operations amid geopolitical tensions, with implications for trade routes and shipping costs. It highlights how security concerns are increasingly shaping maritime logistics decisions.
Read More Here: Economic Times
GPS Jamming Eases as Vessel Movement Resumes in Hormuz Corridor
Navigation disruptions caused by GPS jamming in the Arabian Gulf have eased, with vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz gradually picking up. Improved coordination and controlled transit permissions have reduced interference levels, enhancing navigational safety. While risks remain amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, the partial stabilization signals improving operational conditions in a critical global energy shipping corridor.
Read More Here: Seatrade Maritime
India Establishes First ‘Place of Refuge’ Framework for Maritime Emergencies
Adani Ports has signed an MoU with global salvage and emergency response partners to establish India’s first “Place of Refuge” framework for distressed vessels. The initiative will provide structured emergency support including salvage, firefighting, and pollution control. It addresses a critical gap in maritime safety infrastructure and strengthens India’s ability to respond to large-scale marine incidents.
Read more here: India Shipping News
LOGISTICS & INDUSTRIAL
India Gains from ‘China+1’ Shift, Driving Logistics Demand
India is witnessing increased demand for modern logistics infrastructure as global companies diversify supply chains under the “China+1” strategy. Manufacturing hubs such as Chennai are seeing rising interest from global players, boosting demand for warehousing and industrial parks. The trend is reinforcing India’s position as a key alternative supply chain destination.
Read More Here: Economic Times
Jaipur Emerges as Key Tier-2 Logistics Hub
Jaipur has recorded a 24% increase in warehousing transactions, positioning it among the top Tier-2 logistics markets in India. Strong highway connectivity and proximity to Delhi have driven demand, particularly from manufacturing and 3PL players. The trend highlights the growing importance of non-metro cities in India’s logistics network.
Read More Here: The Times of India
Nagpur to Host New Multi-Modal Logistics Park
A new multi-modal logistics park is being developed in Nagpur’s MIHAN SEZ through a partnership between Central Warehousing Corporation and MADC. The facility will include advanced warehousing, cold chain infrastructure, and seamless road-rail-air connectivity. Strategically located at India’s centre, the project is expected to strengthen national supply chains and reduce logistics costs.
Read More Here: The Times of India
Mundra Port Fee Waiver Announced Amid West Asia Disruptions
The government has announced a 15-day fee waiver at Mundra port for exports to the Middle East, aiming to ease logistics challenges caused by regional disruptions. The measure is intended to support exporters and maintain trade flow despite shipping uncertainties. It highlights the increasing role of policy intervention in managing supply chain risks.
Read More Here: Economic Times
Dry Port Operations Highlight Governance Risks in Logistics Assets
Operations at the Jalna dry port were temporarily halted due to pending tax dues, highlighting governance and compliance challenges in logistics infrastructure. Despite being a key multi-modal facility linked to major corridors, the disruption underscores the importance of regulatory adherence in ensuring uninterrupted supply chain operations.
Read More Here: The Times of India
Semiconductor Plant and ₹20,000 Crore Projects Boost Gujarat’s Industrial Base
The inauguration of a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Sanand, alongside infrastructure projects worth over ₹20,000 crore, marks a significant step in strengthening India’s domestic electronics ecosystem. The initiative aims to reduce import dependence and position India in the global semiconductor value chain, while broader investments enhance connectivity and industrial capacity in Gujarat.
Read more here: ET Infra
JFE Steel Invests ₹7,875 Crore in JSW Kalinga, Strengthening Core Infrastructure Capacity
Japan’s JFE Steel has acquired a 25% stake in JSW Kalinga Steel as part of a strategic joint venture to expand steel production capacity. The collaboration will enhance technology and operational efficiency, supporting India’s growing infrastructure demand. The investment highlights continued global interest in India’s core manufacturing sectors.
Read more here: ET Infra
Union Budget 2026-27 Reforms SEZ Framework to Boost Exports and Manufacturing
The Union Budget introduces reforms allowing SEZ units to sell a portion of output in the domestic market at concessional duties, improving utilization and competitiveness. With over 368 operational SEZs and strong export performance, the move is expected to attract investment, strengthen manufacturing, and reinforce SEZs as a key pillar of India’s trade and industrial strategy.
Read more here: PIB
ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
Bengaluru Ring Road Project Moves Forward Despite Challenges
Tenders worth ₹3,348 crore have been issued for the first package of Bengaluru’s Peripheral Ring Road. While the project aims to improve connectivity through elevated corridors and interchanges, land acquisition challenges and legal disputes continue to pose risks to timely execution.
Read More Here: The Times of India
NHAI Nears ₹30,000 Crore Monetization Target for FY26
NHAI has raised over ₹28,300 crore in FY26 through asset monetization using InvIT and Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) models, putting it close to its ₹30,000 crore target. The strategy involves leasing operational highway assets to private players, unlocking capital for new construction while reducing debt. Strong investor participation highlights growing confidence in India’s road infrastructure pipeline.
Read More Here: ET Infra
Road Construction and Awarding Pace Shows Signs of Slowdown
India’s road ministry has reported slower progress in highway development, with 2,257 km awarded and 4,989 km constructed up to December 2025. The slowdown raises concerns about meeting annual targets, highlighting execution challenges despite strong policy and funding support.
Read More Here: Economic Times
India Can Mobilize ₹8 Lakh Crore Annually for Roads, Says Gadkari
India has the capacity to mobilize up to ₹8 lakh crore annually for road development, according to the transport minister, but actual spending continues to lag behind potential. The gap underscores ongoing challenges in project execution, approvals, and fund deployment despite strong financial capacity in the sector.
Read More Here: Economic Times
POWER & ENERGY
India Prepares for Record Peak Power Demand
India is gearing up for peak power demand of around 270 GW, with coal plants operating at high capacity to ensure reliability. The focus remains on maintaining supply stability during peak periods while managing rising consumption.
Read More Here: Reuters
India Fast-Tracks Renewables and Storage Amid Gas Supply Disruptions
India is accelerating approvals for wind power and battery storage projects to address energy gaps caused by global gas supply disruptions. While gas contributes a small share to overall generation, it plays a critical role during peak demand. The government is simultaneously pushing coal, hydro, and renewable capacity to ensure grid reliability during high-demand periods.
Read More Here: Reuters
Renewables Share Crosses 20% in India’s Power Mix
Renewable energy now accounts for over 20% of India’s electricity generation, up from around 14% a decade ago. Growth has been concentrated in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, reflecting continued policy and investment focus. The steady rise highlights structural progress in India’s energy transition, even as conventional sources remain dominant.
Read More Here: Economic Times
Green Hydrogen Blending Gains Policy Attention
India is exploring the use of green hydrogen blending in city gas networks and mobility applications to reduce dependence on imported fuels. Early pilot projects have demonstrated feasibility, and policymakers are positioning hydrogen as a key component of long-term energy security and decarbonization strategies.
Read More Here: Economic Times
Maharashtra Targets 65% Renewable Energy by 2035
Maharashtra has unveiled an ambitious policy targeting 65% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035–36. The plan includes mandatory energy storage integration, green open access incentives, and development of renewable energy zones. This marks a significant state-level push toward large-scale clean energy adoption
Read More Here: The Times of India
India Sends Empty Tankers to West Asia to Secure Fuel Supplies
India is deploying empty LPG tankers to West Asia for refilling to manage supply disruptions caused by ongoing regional conflict. With vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz and imports impacted, the move aims to accelerate fuel loading and stabilize domestic supply. Given India imports nearly 60% of its LPG from the Middle East, rapid logistical adjustments are critical to maintaining energy security
Read More Here: India Shipping News
AVIATION & AIRPORTS
Noida International Airport Operational, Boosting NCR Capacity
Noida International Airport at Jewar has commenced operations, adding significant passenger and cargo capacity to Delhi-NCR. Designed as a multi-modal hub with integrated logistics and expansion potential, the airport is expected to ease congestion at existing facilities while strengthening regional connectivity and trade flows.
Read More Here: The Times of India
Government Plans $3 Billion Push for Regional Air Connectivity
India has approved a $3 billion investment to expand regional air connectivity under an updated UDAN scheme. The plan aims to improve access to underserved regions, develop new airports, and support airline operations on low-traffic routes. The initiative is expected to significantly expand India’s aviation network over the next decade.
Read More Here: Reuters
India Moves Toward Dual-Airport Strategy in Major Cities
India is increasingly adopting a dual-airport model in major metros like Delhi and Mumbai to manage rising passenger traffic. With Noida International Airport complementing Delhi and Navi Mumbai supporting Mumbai, the approach aims to ease congestion and improve capacity planning. Other cities are also exploring similar strategies, marking a shift toward proactive aviation infrastructure development.
Read More Here: The Times of India
IndiGo Expands International Network with New China Route
IndiGo has launched a daily non-stop flight between Kolkata and Shanghai, strengthening India–China connectivity. The new route is expected to support both business and leisure travel while expanding India’s international aviation footprint. It also reflects growing demand for cross-border connectivity and the increasing role of Indian carriers in global routes.
Read More Here: Economic Times