India’s First Suspended Pod-Car System in Vadodara

20 Feb 2025 CW Team

Vadodara is set to host the world’s first commercially ready suspended pod-car transport system, a futuristic solution aimed at decongesting urban roads. The Automated Pod-Car Advanced System is being developed in the city’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as a pilot project under the Make in India initiative.

“The elevated pod-car transport service will play a crucial role in the future to solve the grappling issue of traffic congestion in the rapidly urbanising cities,” said Shiv Sena legislator and transport minister Pratap Sarnaik while reviewing the project’s progress.

Developed by Nutran EV Mobility, the pod cars are based on the Futran system and operate on elevated tracks, allowing seamless movement above existing road networks without disrupting traffic. Each eco-friendly, automated pod-car can accommodate up to 20 passengers and travels at 60-70 km/h using onboard electric motors and battery systems.

Sarnaik also expressed interest in launching a similar pilot project in Mira-Bhayandar, with potential expansion to other cities based on its success.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has formed a dedicated committee to establish national standards for Personal Rapid Transport (PRT) systems, including pod-cars. A similar PRT project is being implemented in Gujarat’s GIFT City under the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML).

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..