Railways to Allow Single-Brand Premium Stores at Stations via E-Auction

18 Aug 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of Railways has permitted the opening of single-brand, company-owned premium outlets at railway stations, aligning the retail experience at select stations with that of airports. The decision aims to enhance passenger convenience and modernise station facilities.

In an official communication dated August 11, 2025, the Ministry clarified that zonal railways can allot such premium stalls through the e-auction process if there is demand and adequate justification. The decision came in response to a proposal from the South Central Railway seeking guidelines for premium brand outlets.

The Ministry emphasised that allotments will be made under the existing policy framework and not on a nomination basis. Divisions and zonal railways have been directed to identify premium locations and suitable product/service categories based on passenger footfall, space availability, demographics, and other station-specific factors.

News source: The Print

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..