Author: Staff Writer

The Maharashtra State Transport Authority (STA) has granted provisional licences to Ola, Uber, and Rapido to operate bike taxi services in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This development marks a significant step towards formalizing the bike taxi sector in Mumbai, providing residents with an affordable and efficient transportation option.

Regulatory Framework, Fare Structure, and Political Controversy

Under the newly implemented Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules 2025, the STA has set a minimum fare of ₹15 for the first 1.5 km, with an additional ₹10.27 per km thereafter. These rates are based on the Khatua panel formula, which is also used to determine fares for autorickshaws and taxis in the state. The fare structure aims to offer competitive pricing compared to traditional modes of transport, such as black-and-yellow taxis and autorickshaws, which have higher minimum fares.

The provisional licences are contingent upon the companies submitting applications for permanent licences within one month, adhering to all terms and conditions outlined in the Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules 2025. This includes ensuring that riders are between 20 and 50 years old, possess valid commercial driving licences, and have undergone police verification. Additionally, operators are required to use yellow-coloured vehicles equipped with two yellow helmets and offer safety features like the option for female passengers to request female riders.

Among the four applications received by the transport department, Smart-Ride’s application was rejected for failing to meet the necessary terms and conditions for operating a bike taxi service. The STA emphasized the importance of compliance with regulatory standards to ensure passenger safety and service quality.

The approval of bike taxi services has sparked political controversy. Opposition leaders, including Rohit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT), have criticized the decision. They allege a conflict of interest, pointing to a reported ₹10 crore sponsorship by Rapido for a league associated with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. Both leaders questioned the sudden policy shift, from previous crackdowns on unauthorized bike taxis to granting official approval within months.

Public sentiment in Mumbai is mixed. Some residents welcome the introduction of bike taxis as a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional transport options. However, concerns have been raised about potential traffic congestion and the adequacy of existing infrastructure to support the new service.

The approved bike taxi services are expected to commence operations in the coming weeks, pending the completion of necessary formalities. The STA has indicated that it will review the fare structure and operational effectiveness after one year to assess the impact on the transportation ecosystem in Mumbai.

As the bike taxi services prepare to launch, stakeholders, including commuters, transport operators, and regulatory authorities, will be closely monitoring the implementation to ensure that the services meet safety standards and contribute positively to urban mobility in Mumbai. This initiative could redefine last-mile connectivity and offer a scalable model for other metropolitan areas in India while addressing urban traffic challenges.

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Jindal Steel International, a subsidiary of India’s Naveen Jindal Group, has made a non-binding offer to acquire Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe (TKSE), Germany’s largest steelmaker. The proposal includes a commitment to invest over €2 billion in decarbonization efforts, such as completing the under-construction direct reduced iron (DRI) plant in Duisburg and expanding electric arc furnace capacity to reduce emissions.

Additionally, Jindal Steel has expressed willingness to assume TKSE’s pension liabilities, which have been a significant hurdle in previous divestment attempts.

Thyssenkrupp has stated that it will carefully evaluate the offer, focusing on economic sustainability, the continuation of its green transformation, and the impact on employment at its steel plants. The announcement led to a positive market reaction, with Thyssenkrupp’s shares rising by up to 7.9%, reaching their highest value in over four years.

This move by Jindal Steel International underscores India’s growing interest in European steel assets and reflects a strategic approach to global expansion in the steel industry. The bid also highlights the importance of sustainable practices and financial stability in the evolving global steel market.

As the situation develops, stakeholders in both India and Germany will be closely monitoring the negotiations and their potential impact on the steel industry. The outcome of these talks could set a precedent for cross-border investments and collaborations aimed at modernizing legacy industries while addressing environmental concerns.

Jindal Steel’s approach signals a blend of financial commitment and technological advancement, positioning it as a potential partner in TKSE’s future roadmap. Both companies appear poised to navigate the complexities of restructuring while aligning with broader sustainability goals and preserving jobs amid the transition.

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Blue Dart Aviation Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Dart Express Ltd, has been issued a Show Cause Cum Demand Notice by the Office of the Commissioner of GST and Central Excise, Chennai South Commissionerate. The notice, dated September 15, 2025, alleges tax dues amounting to approximately ₹420 crore for the period covering the financial years 2021-22 and 2022-23.

According to the notice, the authorities claim that Blue Dart Aviation incorrectly paid ₹365.58 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST), comprising both Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST), under the Integrated GST (IGST) head during the aforementioned period. Additionally, the notice raises concerns about ₹54.55 crore in ineligible Input Tax Credit (ITC), which the authorities believe was claimed based on invoices issued from locations other than where the services were provided. Furthermore, ₹64.98 lakh in ITC related to materials written off in the company’s books has also been questioned.

The company has been asked to respond within 30 days to the Additional or Joint Commissioner of GST and Central Excise, Chennai South Commissionerate, explaining why these amounts should not be recovered. Blue Dart Aviation has stated that it is in the process of evaluating the matter and intends to submit its reply within the stipulated period.

Despite the magnitude of the demand, the company has expressed confidence that this issue will not have a significant impact on its financial performance, operations, or overall business activities. It has assured investors and stakeholders that it is engaging with the authorities and reviewing its tax filings to clarify the situation.

This development comes at a time when tax compliance and regulatory scrutiny in India have been increasingly stringent. The logistics sector, in particular, has faced greater scrutiny due to the complexity of supply chains and inter-state service provisions, making accurate tax filings and compliance more challenging.

The disclosure of this tax notice is expected to draw attention in the financial markets, with Blue Dart Express Ltd’s shares likely to be closely monitored on September 17, 2025. Analysts and investors are awaiting further updates from the company regarding its response to the notice and any potential implications for its business.

Blue Dart Aviation’s handling of this tax issue will likely set a precedent, especially for companies operating in highly regulated sectors with multiple tax jurisdictions. The case underscores the importance of robust tax compliance mechanisms and the need for detailed documentation to support claims such as Input Tax Credit, particularly in sectors involving cross-border or inter-state services.

As the company works toward resolving the matter, its assurance that the issue will not materially affect its operations or growth outlook may offer some reassurance to stakeholders. However, the resolution of such tax demands remains critical not only for Blue Dart’s reputation but also for its long-term business strategy in the logistics industry.

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Urban Company, India’s leading tech-enabled home services platform, made a remarkable debut on the stock market on September 17, 2025. Its shares opened at ₹162.25 on the National Stock Exchange, marking a 57.5% premium over the IPO price of ₹103. On the Bombay Stock Exchange, the shares listed at ₹161, reflecting a 56% increase. The company’s IPO, which raised ₹1,900 crore, was oversubscribed by 103.6 times, making it the most subscribed IPO in India for 2025 among large-scale offerings. The issue comprised a fresh issue of ₹472 crore and an offer-for-sale of ₹1,428 crore. The price band was set between ₹98 and ₹103 per share, valuing the company at approximately $1.7 billion. The strong grey-market premium suggested robust investor interest, and the subsequent listing validated that optimism.

Financial Growth and Future Prospects

Urban Company has demonstrated significant growth and profitability in recent years. In fiscal year 2025, it reported a net profit of ₹242 crore in the first nine months, reversing a ₹58 crore loss during the same period last year. Revenue grew by 38% to reach ₹1,145 crore. A major growth driver has been the launch of its ‘Native’ sub-brand, offering smart RO water purifiers. Since its introduction in 2023, Native has expanded over 30 times in revenue and now contributes over 10% of Urban Company’s top line. The company currently serves customers across 51 Indian cities and has expanded internationally to markets such as the UAE and Singapore.

This expansion has strengthened Urban Company’s position in the highly competitive home services sector. The positive listing reflects strong investor confidence in its business model and growth trajectory. Analysts, however, suggest that it remains essential to track how the company performs in sustaining growth and profitability amidst evolving market dynamics.

Urban Company’s successful IPO and debut underscore the rising investor interest in technology-driven service platforms in India. With its continuous innovation and expansion across regions, the company is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for organized home services and build a sustainable, scalable business model for the future.

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Apollo Tyres has been announced as the new lead sponsor for India’s national cricket team, replacing Dream11. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the partnership on September 16, 2025, marking a significant development in Indian sports sponsorship. The deal, valued at ₹579.06 crore, spans two and a half years and will run through March 2028. Under the agreement, Apollo Tyres’ logo will feature prominently on the jerseys of both the men’s and women’s national teams across all formats of the game. This partnership represents Apollo Tyres’ first major foray into cricket sponsorship and aligns the brand with one of the most followed sports in the country.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia described the agreement as more than a commercial deal, emphasizing the mutual trust and respect between the two organizations. Apollo Tyres’ Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Neeraj Kanwar, expressed pride in the association, highlighting cricket’s popularity not only in India but across the world. The sponsorship is expected to boost the brand’s visibility and deepen its engagement with cricket fans nationwide. The move also underscores the growing role of strategic sponsorships in shaping consumer connections and brand recall in sports.

Dream11’s Exit Amid Online Gaming Ban

Dream11’s departure as Team India’s sponsor was driven by regulatory changes in India’s online gaming sector. The Indian government recently enacted the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, which bans real-money online gaming platforms, including fantasy sports, and restricts their advertising and sponsorship activities. Dream11, one of the country’s largest fantasy gaming platforms, had signed a ₹358 crore agreement with the BCCI in 2023, making it the lead sponsor at that time.

However, with the new legislation coming into force, the partnership became unsustainable. To ensure compliance with the law and protect the integrity of cricket sponsorship, the BCCI terminated the agreement with Dream11. This decision reflects broader concerns about the influence of online gaming on sports and its ethical, financial, and social implications. Dream11’s exit highlights the challenges that emerging industries face in navigating evolving regulatory frameworks and balancing growth with compliance.

The shift from Dream11 to Apollo Tyres signals a strategic recalibration by the BCCI as it adapts to new policies while maintaining strong commercial partnerships. Apollo Tyres’ entry into cricket sponsorship reinforces the importance of associating with brands that align with long-term values and consumer trust, setting the stage for future collaborations in a rapidly changing sports ecosystem.

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Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), has entered into a 30-year concession agreement with JSW Infrastructure Ltd for a ₹740 crore container terminal development project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This agreement aims to significantly enhance cargo handling capabilities at the port’s Kolkata Dock System (KDS).

Under the project, JSW Infrastructure will reconstruct Berth No. 8 and deploy advanced rail-mounted quay cranes (RMQCs) at Berths 7 and 8 of the Netaji Subhas Dock. Additionally, a 25-acre backup yard will be developed to support terminal operations. Once operational, the upgraded terminal will boast a container handling capacity of 500,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually.

The agreement was signed in the presence of SMPK Chairman Rathendra Raman, Deputy Chairman Samrat Rahi, and senior officials from both SMPK and JSW Infrastructure. Devki Nandan, Director at JSW Infrastructure, led the company’s delegation.

Speaking at the event, Chairman Rathendra Raman emphasized the project’s strategic importance in aligning with the Government of India’s Maritime India Vision. “This is a major step towards transforming Kolkata Port into a globally competitive facility with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The project will significantly boost trade efficiency and regional economic growth,” he said.

JSW Infrastructure, India’s second-largest commercial port operator, is expected to complete the terminal development within the stipulated timeline. The project will not only modernize container handling operations but also improve turnaround time and reduce logistics costs for businesses using the port.

This agreement marks another milestone in SMPK’s ongoing efforts to upgrade its facilities through private sector participation and technology integration.

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Adani Enterprises Ltd. (AEL), the flagship company of the Adani Group, has been awarded a ₹4,081 crore contract to construct a 12.9 km ropeway connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. This project, approved under the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana, aims to significantly enhance accessibility to the Kedarnath temple, a major pilgrimage site in India.

Currently, pilgrims face an arduous 8–9 hour trek to reach the temple. Once operational, the ropeway will reduce this journey to just 36 minutes, offering a safer and more efficient alternative. With a capacity to transport 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction, the ropeway is expected to serve the approximately 20 lakh devotees who visit Kedarnath annually.

The project will be executed by AEL’s Roads, Metro, Rail, and Water (RMRW) division and is scheduled for completion within six years. It will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with revenue sharing between AEL and the National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML).

This initiative is expected to boost tourism in the region, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the economic development of Uttarakhand. The project aligns with the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism in the Himalayan region.

Shares of Adani Enterprises saw a positive movement following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the project’s potential impact.

In summary, the Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway project represents a significant advancement in India’s infrastructure development, promising to transform the pilgrimage experience and contribute to the region’s economic growth.

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