Western Corridor Launches Fastest Route to Walvis Bay Port

24 Nov 2025 CW Team

Zambia has commenced construction on the Western Corridor Transformation Project, a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) initiative led by Western Corridor Limited (WCL), marking the launch of the fastest trade route from Zambia to Walvis Bay Port in Namibia. The groundbreaking ceremony in Kasempa was officiated by the President of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, with senior government officials, private sector partners, and community representatives in attendance.

Developed through an SPV incorporated by BeefCo Limited and First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Limited, WCL is upgrading the existing gravel alignment to a bituminous standard, including two new bridges over the Lalafuta and Luena rivers, with selected urban works in Kasempa and Kaoma. The 371km road will improve travel times, enhance export capacity, and generate employment, while supporting the government’s Eighth National Development Plan. The route will link mining zones, strengthen agricultural output, and provide the fastest trade access to Walvis Bay port.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Hichilema stressed the project’s significance for national and regional connectivity and economic growth, particularly in agriculture and mining. He highlighted its role in unlocking investment, supporting MSMEs and reserving at least 20 per cent of work for local Zambian contractors and suppliers.

WCL CEO Buks Jansen Van Rensburg emphasised collaboration in delivering the Mutanda–Kaoma road, urging support for local capability and solutions. Dr Godwin Beene, Country Manager, FQM, noted that improved road networks are essential to enabling responsible mining-led development and stimulating local enterprise.

The project is expected to catalyse economic expansion across the Western Corridor, advancing the government’s aim to strengthen sustainable infrastructure, create employment, and improve community livelihoods.

Infrastructure Transport

30 May 2026

Chembur Metro to Boost East Mumbai Links

MMRDA is advancing eastern Mumbai’s urban mobility network, with the upcoming Chembur Metro Station set to emerge as a key interchange and the Mumbai Monorail preparing for relaunch.Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, conducted a site visit to Chembur Metro Station along with Kanhuraj Bagate, Managing Director, MMMOCL. He also visited the nearby VN Purav Monorail Station to review system preparedness and ease of interconnectivity.Once operational, the interchange is expected to offer commuters across the eastern suburbs quicker access, smoother transfers and seamless conne..

Herrenknecht TBMs Drive Thane–Borivali Tunnel Progress

Herrenknecht India has supplied two of the four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) required for the 11-km Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel Project being developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The project is expected to reduce travel time between Thane and Borivali from 60–90 minutes to around 15 minutes while easing congestion across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.The first two Single Shield TBMs, named Nayak and Arjuna, feature 13.34-m cutterhead diameters and are designed for hard-rock excavation. They will be deployed to tunnel through the challenging geological..

KBL Launches Smart Skid Mounted Fire Pump Set

Kirloskar Brothers (KBL) has launched its Smart Skid Mounted Fire Pump Set, an integrated fire protection solution designed to improve operational efficiency, remote monitoring and installation flexibility. The system was inaugurated by Ms Madhuritai Misal, Hon. Minister of State for Urban Development, Government of Maharashtra.The Smart Skid Mounted Fire Pump Set is a factory-tested, pre-packaged solution that combines FM/UL-certified motor and engine pump sets with IoT-enabled remote monitoring. Designed to deliver a flow rate of 170 m³/hr at a head of 100 metres, the system aims to provide..