Category Archives: Business

Ekatra Reaches INR 100 Crore Valuation Within 100 Days of Launch, Raises INR 10 Crore in Strategic Investment

Mumbai, Aug 19: Ekatra Retail Ventures Pvt. Ltd., a design, technology and content company, has raised ₹10 crore in strategic investment at a valuation of ₹100 crore, within 100 days of launch. The round saw participation from strategic investors, and follows ₹10 crore of founder capital deployed over two years of pre-launch development. The capital will support brand building, retail expansion and product innovation across India and international markets.

Founded by Pavitra Gandhi, Ekatra has also announced Ekta Kapoor and Sussanne Khan as Co-Founders of Ekatra Jewels, with Sussanne Khan additionally taking on the role of Co-Founder and Design Director. Ekatra owns its end-to-end value chain on a vertically integrated, farm-to-finger model. The company grows and cuts its own Type IIa lab-grown diamonds — the rarest category, roughly 2% of all diamonds — and holds four patented cuts, including the 108-facet Shristi Ratna™, alongside proprietary hollow gold construction technology.

Pavitra Gandhi, Founder, Ekatra Jewels, said, “Ekatra was built with the belief that the future of luxury lies in owning every part of the journey, from innovation and craftsmanship to consumer experience. This investment validates our vision and gives us the momentum to scale thoughtfully, expand globally and continue creating jewellery that blends technology, design and everyday elegance.”

Vasuki Punj, Founder & Strategic Investor, said, “From day one, our focus has been on building a differentiated business with strong fundamentals, not chasing short-term milestones. This investment reflects confidence in our long-term vision, our integrated model and our ability to create a globally relevant luxury brand from India.”

Ekta Kapoor, Co-Founder, Ekatra Jewels, said, “Every industry eventually reaches a point where convention has to make way for reinvention. I believe luxury is at that moment today. Ekatra isn’t here to participate in the category; it’s here to challenge it, with innovation, design and a completely new way of thinking about fine jewellery. The brands that will define the future are the ones that dare to rewrite the rules, and that’s exactly what we’re building.”

The announcement comes as gold trades at record highs of over ₹1.5 lakh per 10 grams in India, up more than 30% in a year, forcing the industry to confront how much metal a piece actually needs. Ekatra spent its two pre-launch years answering that question: its hollow gold construction technology delivers the scale and presence of statement jewellery using a fraction of the gold — engineering the volume rather than buying it.

Sussanne Khan’s newly launched OH MY GOLD collection is the first full expression of that work. Sussanne Khan, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Ekatra Jewels, said, “With the OH MY GOLD collection, we wanted to challenge the idea of what statement jewellery can feel like. The collection is built on one bold idea, jewellery can look chunky, big and luxurious without using a lot of gold. By bringing together real gold, smart engineering and lab-grown diamonds made in India, we’ve created pieces that make a statement while remaining surprisingly light and effortless to wear every day. It’s the look of heavy jewellery, without the heaviness.”

With a library of more than 5,000 designs developed for India, the United States and the Middle East, Ekatra aims to build a globally relevant luxury brand from India.

From Likes to Revenue: How Businesses Can Turn Digital Marketing Into Real Growth

 Pic Credit: Pexel

In the competitive business sector, digital marketing is no longer just about gaining followers, likes or website traffic. Companies are increasingly focusing on sales and customer conversions to understand whether their marketing efforts are delivering real business results.

Businesses should begin by identifying clear goals, such as generating enquiries, increasing online sales or attracting repeat customers. Once these goals are defined, they can track conversion rate to see how effectively website visitors and potential customers are turning into paying customers.

Another important term is Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC). It helps businesses understand how much they spend on marketing and sales to acquire one new customer. Keeping CAC under control is particularly important for startups and small businesses with limited budgets.

Companies should also monitor Customer Lifetime Value (CLV), which estimates how much revenue a customer can generate over the entire relationship with the business. A strong CLV indicates that customers are returning and continuing to spend.

For businesses using paid advertising, Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) is another valuable measure. It shows how much revenue is generated from advertising expenditure and helps companies identify campaigns that are delivering better commercial results.

While likes, followers and website visits can indicate brand visibility, they should not be the final measure of success. Businesses need to connect digital activity with actual customer behaviour and revenue.

A practical approach is to track the complete customer journey—from the first click to the final purchase and repeat business. This allows companies to invest more confidently in marketing strategies that generate measurable growth.

In the business sector, the real value of digital marketing lies not in how many people see a campaign, but in how effectively that campaign converts attention into customers, revenue and long-term business growth.

Imarticus Learning launches Centre of Excellence for Indian Capital Markets

Mumbai, Aug19: Imarticus Learning announced the launch of its Centre of Excellence for Indian Capital Markets, a dedicated certification and capability-building practice built to close a widening gap between India’s investor base and the certified professionals serving it. The CoE brings NISM and NCFM certification training, applied capital markets programs and continuing professional education under a single practice, delivered through a fully managed national network of training centres and a digital learning platform designed so institutions can deploy it without building any training infrastructure of their own.

The CoE is structured as a progression rather than a set of standalone products, reflecting that a capital markets professional will need multiple certifications over a career, plus continuing education for as long as they hold a licence.

The practice’s current priority is the Mutual Fund–SIF Distributors examination, which NISM launched on July 22, 2026, replacing the earlier two-exam route for Specialized Investment Fund distribution. SIF is currently the fastest-growing category in Indian capital markets: AMFI data shows industry AUM in the category has grown from roughly ₹2,000 crore at its October 2025 launch to ₹23,177 crore as of July 2026, a 29.8% month-on-month rise. The practice also covers Mutual Fund Distributors, Portfolio Management Services Distributors, Alternative Investment Funds Category III, Securities Operations and Risk Management, Investment Adviser, Research Analyst, Equity and Derivatives, NCFM modules, and CPE refreshers across all license categories. An applied Wealth Management Program, developed in-house, sits alongside the certification track for practicing relationship and advisory teams.

Programs are delivered through classroom, live-online and blended formats at fully-equipped centres, or through a dedicated digital platform offering exam simulation and a question bank mapped to current NISM syllabi, giving institutions a single governance model whether their teams are concentrated in one city or spread nationally.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Nikhil Barshikar, Founder & CEO, Imarticus Learning said:

“The Centre of Excellence responds to a clear shift in the Indian market. Retail participation has expanded to over 23 crore demat accounts and ₹85 lakh crore in mutual fund assets, while the certified professional base serving those investors has grown at a fraction of that pace. Over the past 14 years, we’ve built deep BFSI training capability for India’s largest banks, AMCs and insurers. The Centre of Excellence takes that same infrastructure, our NISM and NSE accreditations and our national centre network, and brings them together for the first time as a dedicated capital markets practice, so institutions don’t have to build anything themselves, and individual professionals have one partner across every certification their career requires.” 

Built on existing delivery infrastructure

The CoE operates through Imarticus’s established network of fully-equipped centres across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Indore, Lucknow, Kochi and Coimbatore, with extended delivery reach across approximately 60% of India’s PIN codes through partner networks.

Imarticus has delivered over 8,500 training sessions in FY 25–26 and has trained over 10 lakh professionals across 1,000-plus enterprises and public sector undertakings, with an average participant feedback rating of 4.26 out of 5. The organisation holds NSDC certification and PFRDA Authorised Training Agency status for 2024–2027, under which it has trained 1.25 lakh participants across Central and State Governments, Autonomous Bodies and Corporates.

India, Iceland Eye Stronger Fisheries and Green Shipping Partnership

Pic Credit: Pexel

Aug 19: India and Iceland are looking to deepen cooperation in fisheries, green shipping and maritime skills as both countries seek to expand their partnership in the blue economy.

India’s Ambassador to Iceland, R. Ravindra, held discussions with Iceland’s Infrastructure Minister Eyjolfur Armannsson on Tuesday and briefed him on the upcoming Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue. The meeting also covered opportunities for cooperation in green shipping, capacity building and fisheries.

Fisheries emerged as an important area where the two countries can work more closely. Iceland has considerable experience in sustainable fishing, seafood processing and efficient use of marine resources, while India has a large fisheries sector with significant potential for value addition and exports.

Greater cooperation could help Indian businesses adopt better fishing and processing technologies, improve skills and strengthen the seafood value chain. Earlier cooperation between the two countries has also explored areas such as zero-waste fisheries, traceability, certification, deep-sea fishing technology and aquaculture.

Green shipping is another promising area. Discussions on cleaner maritime transport and capacity building come as India works to develop a lower-carbon shipping sector and encourage the adoption of greener fuels and technologies. India’s maritime authorities are already working on measures covering green ships, alternative fuels, green ports and sustainable shipping corridors.

The latest engagement builds on the broader discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir at the India-Nordic Summit in Oslo earlier this year. The two leaders had discussed cooperation in fisheries, clean energy, sustainability, geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage, as well as Arctic research.

The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement is also expected to provide additional opportunities for trade and investment between India and Iceland.

With fisheries, maritime technology and green shipping gaining importance globally, closer India-Iceland cooperation could create new opportunities for businesses, support technology and knowledge sharing, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the blue economy.

Blu Technology Named No. 476 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 List, the Most Prestigious Ranking of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

​SEIL Energy Participates in India Energy Summit

Hyderabad, Aug 19: SEIL Energy India Limited is proud to participate in the India Energy Summit & Expo 2026, organised by the Energy Department, Government of Telangana, in Hyderabad. As a trusted power partner to the state, SEIL Energy supplies 270 MW of reliable power, supporting Telangana’s growing energy needs and its development journey.

The SEIL Energy stall was honoured by the visit of Shri Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Deputy Chief Minister, Telangana, and Mr. Navin Mittal, IAS, Special Chief Secretary – Energy Department, Government of Telangana, who appreciated SEIL Energy’s commitment to reliable and sustainable power.

On the occasion, SEIL Energy CEO Mr. Janmejaya Mahapatra said,

“Reliable energy is the foundation of sustainable growth. At SEIL Energy, we remain committed to powering Telangana’s aspirations with reliability, responsibility and excellence, while contributing to India’s journey towards a stronger and more energy-secure future.”

Piyush Goyal Heads to Singapore for Key India-Singapore Trade and Investment Talks

New Delhi, August 19: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has left for Singapore for a three-day visit from August 19 to 21, where he will participate in the fourth India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) and the fourth India-Singapore Business Roundtable (ISBR).

The visit is aimed at deepening India-Singapore economic ties, with a strong focus on trade, investment, technology, manufacturing, digitalisation, skills development and the green economy.

Goyal is accompanied by an Indian business delegation of around 70 senior executives representing a wide range of sectors, including technology and artificial intelligence, software, manufacturing, engineering, infrastructure, sustainability, financial services, fintech, healthcare, life sciences, food and agriculture, logistics, maritime services and professional services.

The delegation is scheduled to hold business-to-business (B2B), government-to-business (G2B) and institutional meetings in Singapore. It will also interact with Centres of Excellence and visit skilling institutions to explore opportunities for investment, technology partnerships, market access and talent development.

Goyal will participate in the fourth ISMR on August 20. The ministerial mechanism serves as a key platform for advancing the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The meeting will be held alongside the fourth India-Singapore Business Roundtable, followed by an MoU signing ceremony and a luncheon hosted by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister for ISMR and ISBR delegates.

Goyal will participate in the discussions along with Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The Indian ministers are expected to engage with their Singaporean counterparts and other senior members of the Singapore government during the visit.

Goyal will also call on Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Istana.

As part of the visit, Goyal will hold G2B meetings with senior representatives from organisations including the Global Finance & Technology Network, YPO Global, Milken Institute, Keppel Infrastructure, Temasek Holdings, IHH Healthcare, Singapore Business Federation, Turner & Townsend and STT GDC.

A Family Office Roundtable will also be held as part of the minister’s business engagements.

The minister will jointly visit an APEDA-FairPrice initiative at City Square Mall with Singapore’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade & Industry Gan Siow Huang. The initiative is designed to promote Indian agricultural and food products in Singapore’s retail market and further expand bilateral agri-trade.

Goyal will also address the India-Singapore Business Forum organised by FICCI at the INSEAD Asia Campus. He is scheduled to participate in a fireside chat on India’s role in the emerging global growth landscape, followed by a networking dinner with Indian and Singaporean business leaders.

The visit will conclude with Goyal delivering a keynote address at the ICAI ASEAN Conference 2026 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

Singapore has emerged as one of India’s most important economic partners and a major source of foreign investment.

During FY 2025-26, Singapore was India’s largest source of foreign direct investment, with inflows of $19.8 billion. Cumulative FDI from Singapore reached $194.68 billion between April 2000 and March 2026, accounting for 24.72 per cent of India’s total FDI inflows during the period.

Singapore is also India’s largest trading partner within ASEAN and remains an important source of external commercial borrowings and foreign portfolio investment.

Bilateral trade has expanded significantly since the implementation of the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). Trade increased from $6.7 billion in FY 2004-05 to $36.1 billion in FY 2025-26.

The Singapore visit underscores India’s efforts to further expand trade and investment flows with the city-state while strengthening cooperation in advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, skill development, sustainable growth and other emerging areas.

Škoda Auto India ushers in the next chapter of its sedan legacy with the new Slavia

Mumbai, August 19: Škoda Auto India has unveiled the new Slavia, reinforcing its commitment to customers who appreciate the timeless appeal of sedans combined with modern technology, safety and driving pleasure. Building on the success of one of India‘s most popular sedan platforms, the new Slavia continues the brand’s tradition of delivering European engineering that is engaging to drive, practical to own and made for India’s demanding customers. The unveiling also marked a celebration of Škoda‘s global sedan heritage, with the new Slavia taking centre stage alongside two iconic nameplates marking its return to India – the Octavia RS and the all-new Superb. 

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, says: “India remains one of our most important global growth markets and a great example of what Škoda Auto can achieve when we listen closely to our customers. The new Slavia builds on this approach. It strengthens a model that has become a real success story, earning the trust of customers and establishing itself as one of the best-selling sedans in its segment. This success belongs to our teams, our dealer partners and, above all, our customers. Together, we have built strong momentum. With a clear strategy and a strong local presence, I am confident that we are writing the next chapter of our growth story in India.”

A legacy of sedans

For more than 130 years, Škoda Auto has built a reputation for creating vehicles that combine engineering excellence, timeless design and rewarding driving dynamics. Sedans have played a defining role in this journey, with the Superb nameplate going as far back as 1934, making Škoda’s sedan legacy over 90 years old. The Octavia and Superb continue shaping the brand’s reputation across global markets. The Slavia proudly carries this legacy forward in India. Developed on the MQB-A0-IN platform engineered specifically for Indian conditions and ready for the world, the Slavia has established itself as one of the country’s most successful sedans. The new Slavia further strengthens this proposition with enhanced styling, new technologies, segment-first features and greater comfort, while retaining the engaging driving experience, practicality and safety that customers associate with the brand. 

Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, says, “This update of the Slavia is the next step for our well-established and successful sedan for India. With over 80,000 cars sold to date, the Slavia has established a strong position in this dynamic segment. Building on its proven qualities, we are introducing targeted improvements in powertrain, comfort and connectivity that further enhance its appeal. We are convinced that the combination of everyday practicality, state-of-the-art technology and outstanding comfort will attract new customers looking for a modern, compelling sedan.” 

Timeless design, elevated further with the Monte Carlo badge

The new Slavia builds on its sophisticated design language with a range of styling enhancements that elevate its premium appeal. The sedan features all-new LED headlamps and taillamps with sequential rear turn indicators, creating a more distinctive visual signature on the road. The front is now accentuated with a chrome strip running across the grille. In addition, the revised front and rear structures, along with the new alloy wheel designs, further enhance the sedan‘s contemporary appearance and its poised stance.

The Slavia will be offered from the start of sales with the Classic, Classic+, Signature, Sportline, and Prestige variants, and for the first time, the Monte Carlo trim will also be available, right from launch. The new Slavia brings exclusive styling elements that amplify the sedan‘s sporty character and visual appeal. Retaining its elegant silhouette, sharp character lines and timeless proportions, the Slavia continues to embody the clean European design principles that have long defined Škoda vehicles globally. The new Slavia, based on variants, will be available in Candy White, Carbon Steel, Brilliant Silver, Lava Blue, Deep Black, Cherry Red, Shimla Green, and Steel Grey. For the new Slavia, the brand is also introducing two new colours, Arctic Silver and Cappuccino Beige. Pre-bookings for the new Slavia.

Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “Our focus remains on bringing globally benchmarked products that are engineered and manufactured to meet the evolving needs of Indian customers. The new Slavia is a strong reflection of this approach. With a combination of proven engineering excellence and meaningful enhancements, we continue to strengthen our commitment to delivering world-class mobility solutions that are designed, built and made relevant for India.” 

Engineered to be rewarding to drive

The new Slavia continues to offer customers a choice of proven TSI powertrains, delivering the balance of performance, efficiency and refinement that has made the model popular among driving enthusiasts and everyday users alike. A key highlight is the introduction of an all-new eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission paired with the efficient and responsive 1.0 TSI engine, making the Slavia the first sedan in its segment to offer this combination. Customers can also opt for the six-speed manual transmission with the 1.0 TSI. For those seeking even greater performance, the Slavia continues with the 1.5 TSI engine paired with the seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. Further enhancing driving confidence, the 1.5 TSI variants now feature rear disc brakes.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “The new Slavia, with the all-new Superb and the iconic Octavia RS, carries forward the brand’s proud sedan legacy. For generations, our sedans have earned customer trust through their combination of timeless design, driving dynamics, safety and engineering excellence. The new Slavia builds on these foundations while introducing contemporary styling, advanced technology and enhanced comfort for today’s customers. It embodies our commitment to keeping the sedan experience fresh, relevant and aspirational, while continuing to make European engineering and innovation more accessible to a wider audience in India.” 

Greater comfort. Smarter technology

The Slavia now also introduces a host of comfort and convenience enhancements designed to elevate the ownership experience. Leading these updates is a segment-first Rear Seat Massage function, bringing a feature typically associated with higher vehicle classes into the premium sedan segment. The sedan also introduces a 360-degree Area View camera system, a first for a vehicle developed under the India 2.0 programme, offering greater convenience and confidence during parking and low-speed manoeuvres. Park Pilot with front parking sensors further improves ease of use in urban environments. Inside the cabin, the new Slavia features a larger 10.25-inch (26.03 cms) Digital Cockpit that delivers enhanced driving information and a more immersive digital experience.

From the Classic+ and up, the new Slavia also offers features such as rain-sensing wipers, rear defogger, all-LED lighting, auto-dimming IRVM, electric sunroof, alloy wheels, and several other convenience features as standard. Combined with its spacious cabin, premium appointments and practical features, the new Slavia continues to offer an ideal blend of comfort, convenience and technology for everyday journeys and long-distance travel. 

AI Companion powered by Google Cloud

The new Slavia comes with a 10.1-inch (25.6 cms) infotainment screen featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, powered by a next-generation infotainment system that delivers an enhanced digital experience for customers. Built on an advanced digital architecture, the system offers improved responsiveness, connectivity and customer interaction, delivering a seamless and intuitive in-cabin experience. At its core is an advanced Voice Assistant, powered by Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent. This AI agent brings Gemini into the vehicle to create next-generation, context-aware voice assistance for our customers, giving drivers and passengers direct access to real-time information such as news and trends, while also enabling hands-free operation to manage music, calls, climate control, and more. Developed with a deep understanding of local needs, the infotainment system recognises Indian English accents, ensuring inclusive and intuitive voice interactions.

Safety as standard

Carrying forward its 5-star Global NCAP safety credentials for both adult and child occupant protection, the new Slavia continues to offer a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features designed to protect occupants across a wide range of driving conditions. More than 25 active and passive safety features, including six airbags, come as standard across the range, while higher variants offer over 40 safety features. Features such as rear defogger, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, an auto-dimming IRVM, and anti-glare ORVMs further enhance visibility and driver confidence in challenging conditions.

Celebrating performance: Octavia RS

Alongside the new Slavia, Škoda Auto India also showcased the all-new Octavia RS, one of the most celebrated performance models in the brand’s history. Representing the pinnacle of Škoda‘s performance engineering, the Octavia RS combines everyday practicality with exhilarating driving dynamics. This sedan features a 2.0 TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS), paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission, power-adjustable sports front seats with heating and massage function, Heads-Up Display, ADAS, and progressive dynamic steering, among others.

The enthusiastic response received from Indian customers further reinforces the enduring appeal of the RS badge among enthusiasts. The performance icon will now be available in Mamba Green, Velvet Red and Magic Black shades. With its dynamic design, powerful turbocharged engine and driver-focused character, the Octavia RS continues to embody the perfect blend of performance and practicality that has defined the nameplate for generations. Pre-bookings for the performance icon will be limited to 50 units. Customers who had placed reservations during the previous Octavia RS launch and were not allocated a vehicle due to the limited numbers will receive priority access to the booking window, opening on 18th August at 8 PM, until 5 PM on 19th August, after which the booking window will be opened to all customers, and deliveries will commence at the start of the festive season.

The return of luxury: Superb TDI

Also on display was the Superb TDI, bringing back one of Škoda Auto’s most admired luxury nameplates to India. Renowned for its spaciousness, refinement and long-distance touring capabilities, the Superb has long been a benchmark in executive mobility, with the latest iteration being equipped with LED Matrix headlamps, Cognac leather interiors, electrically adjustable heated, ventilated and massage front seats, Rear Sleep Package, Dynamic Chassis Control, along with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features. 

The return of a diesel powertrain further enhances this sedan’s appeal and performance, with exceptional luxury and comfort. As Škoda‘s flagship luxury sedan, the Superb TDI represents the brand’s continued commitment to offering world-class products to discerning Indian customers. Customers are invited to express their interest in the sedan, with deliveries set to begin at the end of Q2 next year. Clearly, the build-up to the return of the Superb is being cultivated with care.

Easy ownership with Škoda Super Care

The new Slavia, Octavia RS and all-new Superb continue with Škoda Auto India’s ethos of providing a seamless ownership experience. All of the brand’s latest sedans now come with the Škoda Super Care package: best-in-class standard 4-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty, along with 4 years of Roadside Assistance, offering long-term peace of mind. In addition, customers benefit from four free labour services for up to two years or 30,000 kilometres. The warranty can be extended by another two years, taking total coverage up to six years. This is further complemented by a six-year corrosion warranty and a three-year paint warranty.

Centre Rolls Out Incentive Plan to Expand Piped Gas Access Across Homes

New Delhi, August 19, 2026: The Central government has approved a new Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections aimed at accelerating the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) connections among households across the country.

The scheme, approved by the government on August 18, will come into effect from September 1, 2026, and is designed to encourage City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities to expand their household PNG networks and convert unbilled or inactive connections into active, billed connections.

Under the initiative, eligible CGD entities will receive an additional allocation of domestic APM gas for incremental billed domestic PNG connections. The incentive is intended to reduce gas sourcing costs for distributors and improve the financial viability of expanding household PNG infrastructure.

The scheme will be implemented in two six-month tranches. The additional domestic gas allocation is expected to help CGD companies reduce their dependence on relatively more expensive LNG for their overall gas requirements, thereby improving the economics of domestic PNG expansion.

According to the government, the financial benefit could significantly shorten the investment payback period for domestic PNG connections. Investments that currently take around 10 years to recover could see the payback period reduced to nearly three years, creating a stronger incentive for CGD companies to expand their networks.

The initiative is expected to support the government’s broader objective of increasing access to clean, safe and affordable cooking fuel. PNG offers households a continuous piped fuel supply and can reduce dependence on conventional LPG cylinders.

The scheme is also expected to encourage CGD companies to extend networks into new areas where household PNG penetration remains limited. By improving the commercial viability of new connections, the government hopes to accelerate the rollout of piped gas infrastructure and bring more households into the country’s expanding city gas distribution network.

The move comes as India continues to expand the use of natural gas as part of its efforts to diversify the energy mix and promote cleaner fuels. The government expects the incentive mechanism to provide both consumers and gas distribution companies with greater momentum toward wider adoption of domestic PNG.

RailTel Wins Rs 166.8 Crore Order from EPFO for IaaS Solutions

New Delhi, August 19, 2026: RailTel Corporation of India Ltd has secured a work order worth Rs 166.8 crore, including taxes, from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for providing Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), strengthening the public sector telecom company’s presence in government digital infrastructure projects.

The order involves a one-year extension of RailTel’s existing IaaS engagement with EPFO, along with additional components. The contract is valid up to February 2027, according to information available on the order.

Under the arrangement, RailTel will provide infrastructure required to support EPFO’s technology operations and digital services. The company has previously been associated with EPFO for infrastructure and managed IT services, including IaaS support for its Passbook and Management Information System (MIS) services.

EPFO documents have also referred to RailTel’s role in providing IaaS infrastructure for initiatives including the Centralised IT Enabled System (CITES) 2.01, Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme and Centralised Pension Payment Scheme (CPPS).

The latest order adds to RailTel’s growing portfolio of government technology and digital infrastructure contracts. The company has been securing orders across telecom, ICT and infrastructure-as-a-service segments, supporting its strategy of expanding beyond its traditional railway-focused connectivity business.

The EPFO contract is also significant as government organisations increasingly rely on scalable IT infrastructure to support digital delivery of services, large databases and citizen-facing platforms. RailTel’s continued engagement with EPFO reflects the company’s role in providing technology infrastructure for critical public-sector applications.

For RailTel, the order provides additional revenue visibility while reinforcing its position as a government-focused technology and infrastructure service provider.