Vizhinjam Gateway Cargo To Begin By Early 2026

25 Jun 2025 CW Team

Vizhinjam International Seaport’s gateway freight operations are now expected to commence by December 2025 or January 2026, following delays in the construction of temporary road access to NH-66. While the port has functioned primarily as a transshipment hub since its commercial launch in July 2024, the phased introduction of export-import (exim) cargo is intended to align with infrastructure readiness and ensure smooth operational scale-up.

The 1.7-kilometre temporary road linking the port to the national highway is still under construction, with monsoon-related challenges delaying completion. A key 150-metre stretch between a bridge and NH-66 awaits a retaining wall, and adjacent service roads require widening.

Though Ports Minister VN Vasavan had earlier announced a July 2025 launch for gateway services, officials now indicate the state government prefers a more measured approach. By the time operations begin, customs facilities and inspection scanners will be functional at the port user building.

Another pending decision concerns the proposed cloverleaf interchange at the NH-66 junction, with estimated costs of Rs 3.6 billion and land needs of 30 acres. The project, backed in principle by NHAI, awaits final state approval. A cost-sharing model involving the Adani Group, Kerala government and a potential 50 per cent contribution from the Centre is under discussion.

Until the interchange is built, the temporary road will serve as a critical link, enabling a gradual ramp-up of cargo volumes at one of India’s most strategically located ports.

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..