SIDBI, BoB Partner To Boost Credit For MSMEs, Startups

21 Nov 2025 CW Team

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen credit flow and enhance financial support for MSMEs and startups across the country.

Under the partnership, the two institutions will collaborate in several areas, including joint financing for MSMEs by combining SIDBI’s specialised sector expertise with BoB’s extensive branch network. In a statement, BoB said the partnership would enhance joint financing, enable seamless digital working capital access, strengthen startup support and expand global opportunities for MSMEs.

M. Nagaraju, Secretary in the Department of Financial Services, said the collaboration brings together the strengths of a specialised MSME-focused institution and a major commercial bank to build a stronger credit ecosystem for both traditional and new-age enterprises.

SIDBI CMD Manoj Mittal said the MoU will support efforts to provide venture debt, digital credit and integrated working capital solutions to MSMEs and startups. BoB Executive Director Lalit Tyagi added that the partnership will help strengthen digital credit enablement and expand specialised offerings for emerging businesses.

The bank’s leadership also noted that the collaboration will assist enterprises in accessing export opportunities through BoB’s international presence.

The cooperation is expected to improve access to timely, affordable capital for MSMEs and startups, helping them scale operations and participate more effectively in global value chains.

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..