PM Launches Kochi Water Metro

09 Apr 2025 CW Team

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kochi Water Metro, India’s first-of-its-kind water-based public transport system, aimed at transforming urban mobility in Kerala. The project is designed to provide eco-friendly and efficient transport across the backwaters, especially benefiting island communities near Kochi.

The Water Metro network will connect 10 islands with the mainland through 78 battery-operated electric boats and 38 modern terminals. It is expected to serve over 1 lakh residents, offering faster, greener, and more reliable daily commutes. By integrating with existing metro rail and road systems, the initiative supports a multimodal transport ecosystem.

This development is part of the broader PM Gati Shakti master plan and aligns with the Centre’s vision of sustainable infrastructure and inclusive development. The Kochi Water Metro is set to reduce congestion, cut emissions, and promote tourism, while enhancing connectivity for remote island populations.

The launch reinforces India’s commitment to innovative, green urban solutions and sets a model for future water-based transit systems across the country.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..

UPI Crosses 500 Million Users, Fuels MSME and Digital Growth

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a new milestone, surpassing 500 million consumers and 65 million merchants across India. The platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has expanded its reach to nearly 99 percent of the country’s pin codes, underlining its deep penetration into both urban and rural markets. According to a report by NPCI and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, UPI has evolved from being a digital payments mechanism into a key enabler of financial inclusion and small business growth. I..