Centre Clears Multi-Island Port Upgrade for Lakshadweep

16 Dec 2025 CW Team

Lakshadweep is set for a major upgrade in sea connectivity as the Centre advances a multi-island port expansion plan to improve inter-island travel and strengthen links with the mainland. The initiative, modelled on the Maldives’ dispersed island port network, is part of a broader effort to enhance civilian transport and strategic capability across the Union territory.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said port facilities will be upgraded at Kalpeni atoll, Kadmat island and Kiltan island. Detailed project reports are also under preparation for Chetlat, Kavaratti (west), Agatti and Minicoy. The projects are expected to be executed by the Cochin Port Authority.

The planned investments include about Rs 1.69 billion for the western-side port at Kalpeni, Rs 1.42 billion for Kadmat and Rs 3.51 billion for Kiltan. Sonowal said each project would require around 36 months for completion after obtaining statutory clearances and finalising tenders.

He added that all existing western-side jetties in Lakshadweep are currently operational, with routine annual maintenance carried out by Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works using funds provided by the Lakshadweep administration.

The infrastructure push gains significance as India’s defence forces plan to expand their presence in the islands. The Navy is considering installing weapon systems on one island without disturbing the fragile ecosystem, while the Air Force is working towards establishing a new airbase at Minicoy to enhance maritime surveillance.

At present, Lakshadweep is connected to the mainland through ferry services from Kochi and flights operating from Kochi, Bengaluru and Goa.

Infrastructure Urban

04 May 2026

Jyoti Structures FY26 profit rises 56.5%

Jyoti Structures (JSL) recently reported strong financial results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026, driven by disciplined execution, cost management and steady progress across its order book.For Q4 FY2025-26, total income rose 44.2 per cent to Rs 2.41 billion from Rs 1.67 billion in Q4 FY2024-25. EBITDA increased 58.6 per cent to Rs 237 million, while EBITDA margin improved by 89 basis points to 9.84 per cent. Profit before tax grew 53.3 per cent to Rs 188.5 million, and net profit rose 51.9 per cent to Rs 181.4 million.For FY2025-26, total income grew 53.1 per cent to Rs 7.72 bill..

Cat BEPU to Power Doppstadt Separator at IFAT 2026

Caterpillar’s Cat Battery Electric Power Unit (BEPU) has been selected by Doppstadt to power its SWS 6 Spiral Shaft Separator, which will be showcased for the first time at IFAT 2026 in Munich, Germany, from 4–7 May.The compact plug-and-play BEPU is designed to replace a diesel engine within the same space, using the same mounting locations and relative machine position. It integrates the battery, motor, inverter, onboard charging, cooling and controls, enabling OEMs to electrify existing chassis platforms without extensive redesign.Caterpillar and Cat dealer Zeppelin Power Systems have be..

VECV sales rise 6.9% in April 2026

VE Commercial Vehicles, a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, recorded sales of 7,318 units in April 2026, compared to 6,846 units in April 2025, registering 6.9 per cent growth. The total included 7,159 units under the Eicher brand and 159 units under the Volvo brand.Eicher branded trucks and buses reported sales of 7,159 units during the month, up 6.6 per cent from 6,717 units in April 2025. In the domestic commercial vehicle market, Eicher sales rose 8.6 per cent to 6,797 units from 6,257 units a year earlier.Exports declined 21.3 per cent, with VECV recording 362 units in ..