Tata Steel Ludhiana Plant To Begin Operations In March

26 Feb 2026 CW Team

Tata Steel will begin operations at its Ludhiana plant in March, the chief minister Bhagwant Mann said, noting that the project represents an investment of Rs 3,200 crore (Rs 32 bn).

He said the Punjab government ensured the timely execution of the project and assured full support for its smooth operation and future expansion.

The plant forms part of Tata Steel's regional manufacturing expansion aimed at strengthening domestic steel production. State officials said the administration worked with company teams to clear approvals and land issues in order to meet the schedule. The investment is expected to support local supply chains and stimulate downstream manufacturing.

The chief minister indicated continued facilitation for necessary approvals, infrastructure links and skills development to support operations and potential scaling. He pledged administrative assistance to enable the plant to operate smoothly and to pursue expansion as market conditions warrant. State agencies will monitor implementation to ensure environmental and safety norms are observed.

Observers suggested that the plant's operation could increase demand for local services and raw materials, and they stressed that clarity on procurement timelines will be essential for suppliers to plan effectively. The government indicated that training initiatives, transport links and power infrastructure will be prioritised to maximise the economic benefits and to support workforce readiness without compromising regulatory standards. Industry analysts observed that timely disclosure of production schedules and compliance records by the company will shape investor confidence and the scope of future expansion plans in the region.

Technology

29 Jul 2026

AI-Enabled Workflows Lift Profitability and Productivity

Organisations modernising frontline workflows with artificial intelligence, automation and real-time data are reporting stronger financial performance, higher productivity and improved employee engagement, according to a global study by Zebra Technologies and Oxford Economics.The research covered 1,000 senior leaders across retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics in the US, Mexico, the UK, Germany, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.In transportation and logistics, 54 per cent of companies that improved picking and packing operations reported faster operational performance, wh..

India Leads Global AI Readiness but Implementation Lags

Indian companies lead global averages across all eight artificial intelligence readiness indicators tracked by JLL, but only 19 per cent have started making changes to their workplaces, according to the JLL 2026 Future of Work Survey.The study found that 77 per cent of Indian business leaders expect AI to change their office requirements, creating a 58-percentage-point gap between awareness and implementation. The survey covered more than 2,200 CEOs, CFOs and real estate leaders across 21 countries during the first quarter of 2026.Despite concerns over automation, 58 per cent of Indian leaders..

Three WOLFF Cranes Build Riyadh Cable-Stayed Bridges

Three WOLFF 180 B luffing jib cranes are supporting the construction of two cable-stayed bridges alongside the existing Wadi Laban Bridge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project is being developed for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and executed by the ICRC joint venture comprising IC Ictas and Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Company.The cranes are handling lifting operations including formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement, work platforms, surveying equipment and other construction materials. Each crane is fitted with a 40 m jib, reaches a hook height of 157 m and offers a maximum ..