Tamil Nadu Partners with Mahathi to Operate Cuddalore Port

08 Jul 2025 CW Team

In a bid to unlock the commercial potential of its minor ports, the Tamil Nadu government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mahathi Cuddalore Port and Maritime Pvt Ltd to operate the Cuddalore port under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The agreement was formalised on Saturday at the state secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin, marking a significant milestone in Tamil Nadu’s strategy to expand maritime infrastructure and encourage private sector involvement in port operations.

The port operator was selected through a competitive process following an expression of interest issued by the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board inviting private firms to operate the port. Hyderabad-based Mahathi Infra Services Pvt Ltd was chosen as the preferred bidder and has incorporated a special purpose vehicle (SPV) — Mahathi Cuddalore Port and Maritime Pvt Ltd — to implement the project.

The operationalisation of Cuddalore Port is expected to strengthen the state’s coastal cargo handling capacity and enhance multimodal connectivity in the central coastal region.

Senior officials present at the ceremony included Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, Public Works and Ports Minister EV Velu, Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, and Public Works and Ports Secretary J Radhakrishnan.

Although details on investment terms and operational timelines remain undisclosed, sources suggest the project aims to attract private capital and ease fiscal pressure on port development.

This MoU aligns with Tamil Nadu’s wider efforts to improve logistics and port-linked infrastructure, positioning the state as a key gateway for industrial exports and coastal shipping along India’s eastern seaboard.

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..