MoCA Plans to Cap Airport Bundles per Bidder in Next Privatisation of 11 Airports

PM Modi Inaugurates Alluri Sitarama Raju Airport: ₹4,700 Cr PPP Project in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh gets its first international airport after bifurcation (2014) with PM Modi inaugurating the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. Built under PPP/DBFOT model by GMR Group at ₹4,700+ crore, it will decongest INS Dega and boost trade, tourism, and regional development.

PM Modi Inaugurates ₹5,640 Cr Greenfield ASR International Airport at Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh

PM Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) International Airport at Bhogapuram, a greenfield project built under PPP mode at ₹5,640 crore. The airport, with 6 million annual passenger capacity, aims to boost connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. For exams, this is a key example of infrastructure development under PPP, sustainable design, and regional connectivity strategy.

PPPAC Approves 6 Railway Freight Lines Under HAM: ₹15,976 Cr Project Cost, 40% Govt Grant

In a first, Indian Railways will use the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) for 6 freight line projects spanning 647 km. The PPPAC under Ministry of Finance approved these projects with a total bid cost of ₹15,976 crore, with the government providing 40% grant during construction and bearing traffic and tariff risks. This marks a strategic shift from the DBFOT model to attract private investment.

Kudankulam Nuclear Reactor Costs Surge 55%: Impact on India's Nuclear Expansion Plans

Cost of four under-construction nuclear reactors at Kudankulam has risen by 55% to ₹1,38,330 crore, driven by Russia-Ukraine war. This poses a challenge to India's ambitious nuclear expansion plans and could increase electricity tariffs, especially as the government opens the sector to private participation.

NPCIL Plans New Design Vertical for Private Players Under SHANTI Act; PHWR Cost at Rs 18 Cr/MWe

India's nuclear sector opens to private participation under the SHANTI Act 2025. NPCIL plans a new design vertical to provide PHWR technology support to private players and state governments. With current capacity at 8.7 GWe and a target of 100 GWe by 2047, PHWRs at Rs 18 crore/MWe are the most cost-effective option compared to foreign reactors.

Ahmedabad Becomes 3rd Indian City with Hub-and-Spoke Model; Boosts International Connectivity via Delhi to 15 Destinations

Ahmedabad launched hub-and-spoke international flight services, becoming the third Indian city after Amritsar and Varanasi. This model allows passengers from smaller cities to complete baggage, customs, and immigration checks at the originating airport, eliminating repeated procedures at the hub. The move aims to enhance global connectivity for Gujarat's large NRI community and boost trade, tourism, and industries like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and diamonds.

New UPI MDR: Flat Rs 5 Charge on Railway Bookings Above Rs 2,000 from Oct 15, 2026

From October 15, 2026, UPI payments above Rs 2,000 for railway tickets will attract a flat Rs 5 Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) instead of the general 0.4% fee. Crucially, this charge is on the merchant side and will not be passed to passengers. This special category concession makes railway ticketing cheaper to process than regular merchant payments.

India's LNG Imports Rise 15.4% in May-July as US, Nigeria, Oman Offset Strait of Hormuz Crisis

India successfully diversified its LNG import sources during the Strait of Hormuz crisis, increasing imports by 15.4% in May-July 2026. The US became the top supplier, while imports from Qatar plummeted 91.3%, highlighting India's energy security strategy amid geopolitical turmoil.