Free trade zones under consideration in Maharashtra

27 Nov 2020 Editorial Team

The Ministry of Commerce’s Board of Approval (BoA), the highest decision-making body for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), will take up two proposals for establishing free trade and warehousing zones (FTWZs) in the coastal district of Raigad in Maharashtra.

The establishment of a 125.96 acre FTWZ in Raigad, Maharashtra, with a total estimated investment of Rs 700.81 crore, has been proposed by NDR Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, an emerging company providing tailored warehousing solutions. According to the ministry’s memorandum, the developer has already procured 117.6 acres of land and has signed sales agreements for the remaining 8.36 acres.

Karanja Terminal and Logistics Pvt Ltd has also sought approval in principle for the setting up a 50-hectare FTWZ in Raigad, Maharashtra, with a total proposed investment of Rs 528 crore.

The purpose of these zones is to build trade-related infrastructure to facilitate import and export goods and services to carry out trade transactions in free currency. The Board of Approval will also consider five more proposals requiring more time to carry out their SEZ projects.

SEZs are export centres that contribute approximately 20% to the total outgoing shipments of the nation. The Ministry of Commerce is taking steps to restore the interest of investors in these areas. In 2019-20, exports from such zones increased by about 14% to Rs 7.97 lakh crore.

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..