IWAI Signs MoU with Rhenus to Boost Cargo on Waterways

13 May 2025 CW Team

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rhenus Logistics India to enhance cargo movement on India's national waterways. Rhenus, a German logistics major operating in over seventy countries, will initially deploy one hundred cargo vessels and pusher tugs across major inland routes.

The agreement, signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, marks a significant push toward private sector participation in inland water transport. The phased operation will begin in the third quarter of 2025, with twenty barges and six pusher tugs on National Waterway-1 (Ganga), National Waterway-2, National Waterway-16, and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route.

These low-draft vessels will transport bulk and break-bulk cargo across North, East, and North-East India and later to neighbouring countries. This partnership supports the Jal Marg Vikas Project, financed by the World Bank, to upgrade river transport infrastructure.

The initiative aims to lower logistics costs, attract innovation and capital, and expand the country’s cargo handling capacity, which has already reached an all-time high of 145.84 million tonnes. The Jalvahak Cargo Promotion Scheme, launched in December, offers incentives of up to 35 per cent on operational costs to cargo movers using waterways.

Source:Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India

Infrastructure Transport

16 Sep 2025

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..