Hello Readers,
For the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to be fully operational, the rail link between Jordan and Israel is crucial. Indian Railways’ engineering and consulting arm, RITES Ltd, recently secured an order from Etihad Rail for an order to be undertaken in the West Asian kingdom.

RITES is already engaged in establishing the digital or virtual corridor between India and the UAE, which will facilitate all the transactions for exporters, importers and other stakeholders. Further on, it has entered into agreements with DP World, Etihad Rail, AD Ports for connectivity projects in the region.

While the conflict between Israel and Iran has increased the volatility in West Asia thereby slowing down the ambitions for the corridor, India continues to work on the corridor albeit in a slow and steady approach.

Read the full interview with RITES CMD Rahul Mithal

Other key developments this week:

AI-171 crash probe: Black box analysis underway
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has begun analysing the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from Air India Flight AI-171, which crashed recently in Ahmedabad.

More details here


India gains strategic foothold in Hambantota Port
In a significant move, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders has acquired a controlling stake in Colombo Dockyard, giving India a presence in the Chinese-run Hambantota port ecosystem.

Full story


Toll charges halved for flyover sections
The government has slashed highway toll rates for stretches running over flyovers, aiming to make tolling fairer and ease costs for commuters using limited portions of tolled expressways.

Read more


Govt launches India's first maritime NBFC to boost port-led growth
India has unveiled its first-ever maritime-focused NBFC, designed to fund innovation and infrastructure development under the Sagarmala initiative.

Catch the update

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