Kolkata Dock Deploys Its First Electric Mobile Cranes

03 Jul 2025 CW Team

In a significant step towards environmentally friendly port operations, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, has commissioned its first two electric-powered Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs) at the Netaji Subhas Dock. The deployment, carried out by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), marks the port’s shift from conventional fossil fuel-based cargo handling to cleaner, energy-efficient technology.

With the induction of these electric cranes, the total number of MHCs at the Kolkata Dock System has increased to six. The move is aimed at strengthening SMP Kolkata’s position as a sustainable container hub on India’s eastern coast by enhancing cargo-handling capacity and reducing environmental impact.

To facilitate the operation of the electric cranes, the port is also developing high-capacity electric power infrastructure within the dock premises.

During 2024–25, the Kolkata Dock System handled 6.19 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). With the introduction of the new cranes, this figure is projected to rise to 7.5 lakh TEUs in the financial year 2025–26.

Earlier, the port announced that APSEZ would invest Rs 5.69 billion (excluding GST) in deploying advanced cargo-handling equipment. The company secured a five-year operation and maintenance contract to manage container operations at five berths within the Netaji Subhas Dock.

News source: The Print

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..