Exicom Recalibrates Growth Trajectory on the Back of a Strong Q2; Doubles Down on EV Growth in India, Board Approves Tritium Divestment

Exicom Recalibrates Growth Trajectory on the Back of a Strong Q2; Doubles Down on EV Growth in India, Board Approves Tritium Divestment

• Standalone EVSE revenue crosses ₹100 crore for the first time; EBITDA % nearing double digits
• Board approves Tritium divestment; Exicom retains perpetual licence to TRI-FLEX technology

NEW DELHI, Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Exicom Tele-Systems Limited (BSE: 544133) (NSE: EXICOM), one of India’s leading EV charging and critical power companies, today announced its financial results for the second quarter of FY27. Exicom’s consolidated revenue (a function of Exports and Tritium business) grew steadily to ~₹388 crore, up 38% sequentially. Consolidated EBITDA also turned positive this quarter at ~2 crore, from a loss of ₹32.7 crore in the previous year same quarter. PAT losses also narrowed down to ₹57.8 crore from ₹68.8 crore a year ago.

The standalone business, Exicom’s India engine, continued its steady climb. Revenues grew 21.3% YoY to ~₹277 crore, while EBITDA rose 69% YoY to ₹25.6 crore. Continuous rigor towards tapping new market segments, portfolio augmentation along with operational and financial discipline has enabled Exicom to chart a solid growth path in the Indian market, especially in the EV segment where the company clocked its first ever ₹100 Crore quarter. Set against the rapid rise of e-mobility in India, this momentum places Exicom at the centre of a significant growth opportunity.

With the above context, alongside the results, Exicom’s Board also approved the divestment of Tritium, Exicom’s global DC fast-charging arm.

EV Charging: Doubling down on a growing opportunity

With oil markets’ volatility amid West Asia conflict, electric mobility has become as much a question of energy security as of economics. This is the most important tailwind for EV sector growth in India. As evident in the numbers, EV sales are at a tipping point. 1.9 Lakh EV’s were sold in India between April to September 2026, up 59% from the last 6 months. In addition to this, a whole new segment of e-buses and trucks is ripe for non-linear growth on the back of continued government support. Exicom estimates that this market traction will scale annual charging demand significantly to up to 130K AC chargers, 25K DC chargers and nearly 6K high power DC chargers for the e-bus/truck segment.*^[1] 

Exicom is credited as one of the very first Indian EV charging companies with the largest indigenous manufacturing capability amongst its peers. Deeply trusted in the market, Exicom already works with 7 of India’s top 10 EV makers, 17 of the top 20 charging operators and 9 of 18 e-bus and truck makers, placing it very favourably to capture a large share of this demand.

The current quarter provides a very meaningful preview into Exicom’s growth potential in the Indian EV market. Exicom crossed ₹100 crores in EV revenue in this quarter for the very first time with the company producing 2.5x AC and 2x DC chargers this quarter, followed by new wins across market segments.

Additionally, exports gained new footholds. Building on FY26’s market trials, Exicom entered 10 new countries and onboarded 10 new distribution partners. True to its engineering-first approach, Exicom also strengthened the software layer for its EV chargers, extending AI-based remote monitoring to Spin Air AC chargers and introducing an AI-enabled service agent.

Tritium: Strategic objectives delivered, capital to be redeployed

Exicom acquired Tritium to access global EV charging technology and international markets. Under Exicom’s ownership, Tritium has been on a steady upward trajectory, marked by the commercialisation of its new products and entry into new markets, and today holds its highest order book since the acquisition with a clear path to profitability. The business, however, remains capital intensive. Weighing the capital allocation, with the opportunities for aggressive growth in Exicom’s core markets in India and other export markets, Exicom has taken a calculated decision to divest the Tritium business. The company also shared that it has approved a non-binding term sheet from a prospective acquirer at an indicative enterprise valuation of USD 85 million for the Tritium business on a cash free and debt free basis, subject to confirmatory due diligence, customary closing adjustments and mutual agreement on the definitive transaction documents.

This move puts the company in the driving seat for a much stronger financial performance. This also re-opens the path for the company to be debt-free in the very near future.

“We remain convinced of Tritium’s potential to be a leading power electronics solutions provider to EV charging, Industrial and Data Centre segments,” said Anant Nahata, CEO and Managing Director, Exicom. “The Tritium acquisition has given us access to global markets, and its liquid-cooled power modules are now made at our Hyderabad plant. Those gains stay with us. Together with our established customer base, manufacturing scale, a strong R&D team and a proven product portfolio, we are well placed to win in India and export markets. This decision lets us put our full financial muscle behind that opportunity. We are doubling down on EV charging, and we are doing it from a position of strength.”

Critical Power: Positioned for a renewed infrastructure cycle

Telecom power demand is entering a new growth phase. 5G expansion and large PSU projects provide continued headroom for tower infrastructure upgrades through 2030. With significant share of business in leading telcos, tower cos and govt. projects via SI’s, Exicom continues to expand its addressable market and pipeline. This quarter the business secured a large order of ~5K DC power systems with a tier 1 telecom operator along with strong future visibility. The company also expanded its share in the uncovered villages connectivity program while continuing to lead with ~50% market share in in hybrid power and battery solutions for BharatNet’s mid-mile network. Continuing its focus on driving exports, the Critical Power business added new customers in Africa and the Middle East this quarter. In energy storage, Exicom signed long-term agreements with distributors across home and C&I segments, positioning itself for a market where C&I installations are projected to grow from under 1 GWh in 2025 to as much as 31 GWh by 2032.

“Q2 shows what Exicom can deliver when its India engine sets the pace.” Anant Nahata added. “Energy markets remain volatile and we are watching cost pressures closely, but the demand we are building for, across EV charging, digital connectivity and energy storage, is structural. We enter the second half of this year with focus and clear visibility.”

Financials (₹ Crore)

About Exicom

Exicom is one of India’s leading EV charging and Critical Power solutions manufacturer, present across the entire EV charger value chain with a host of products across both AC & DC charger segments and is spearheading India’s transition to sustainable transportation while ensuring the smooth functioning of critical infrastructure. With a wealth of expertise across its divisions, Exicom’s critical power solutions serve as the backbone of communication networks, delivering uninterrupted power supplies crucial for telecom infrastructure. With a footprint spanning India, Southeast Asia, Middle East, US, Europe and over 200,000 chargers sold worldwide, Exicom is at the forefront of shaping the global EV charging landscape.

“Certain statements in this release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied depending upon economic conditions, government policies and other incidental factors”

^[1] Sources – VAHAN; Exicom analysis with CAGR extrapolation for e 4w sales, with reasonable assumptions on AC portable, wallbox and DC per vehicle

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ST Engineering iDirect, KT SAT, Waldo and Intellian Selected to Advance Secure Maritime Connectivity for South Korean Government Project

ST Engineering iDirect’s proven ground technology and South Korean industry expertise will support secure, resilient and scalable mission-critical maritime operations

HERNDON, Va., Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect, a global leader in satellite communications, today announced that it has been selected as part of a KT SAT-led consortium to provide its satellite ground system for a South Korean government project to modernize and expand secure maritime communications.

The project will see ST Engineering iDirect upgrade the South Korean government’s existing iDirect Ku-band environment, while establishing a next-generation Ka-band satcom system to modernize maritime communications and support dependable connectivity for government maritime operations. The solution brings together KT SAT’s satellite and service expertise, ST Engineering iDirect’s proven ground technology, Waldo’s local integration capabilities and Intellian’s antenna system, to deliver a network designed to support evolving operational requirements.

The deployment will use two geographically diverse hubs to strengthen network availability and minimize operational disruption across the government communications environment. Using ST Engineering iDirect’s proven platform across the existing Ku-band and new Ka-band environments will enable a phased transition while minimizing implementation risk and disruption to ongoing maritime communications.

ST Engineering iDirect’s ground system will provide advanced network monitoring, operational assurance and centralized network management capabilities, giving operators greater visibility and control over network performance and availability, while simplifying operations. The platform will also enhance the security of sensitive communications.

“As the lead contractor and consortium leader, KT SAT will take responsibility for the end-to-end deployment and integration of the system to meet the South Korean government’s mission requirements,” said Hyunbae Park, Executive Vice President of KT SAT. “By combining KT SAT’s extensive experience in satellite communications and government projects with ST Engineering iDirect’s proven ground technology, we will deliver a maritime communications system designed to support stable operations today while providing the flexibility to meet future requirements.”

“This project demonstrates the value of our proven satellite ground technology in supporting government communications where performance, availability and operational confidence are essential,” said Brian Jakins, SVP Global Sales, ST Engineering iDirect. “Together with KT SAT, Waldo and Intellian, we are helping deliver a modern maritime communications capability that supports today’s requirements while providing a foundation for future growth and innovation.”

The deployment builds on ST Engineering iDirect’s extensive experience supporting government, mobility and mission-critical communications networks worldwide, including the recent naval and maritime communications programs in Southeast Asia and Europe. It also reflects growing investment in modern satellite infrastructure that can provide greater operational agility, visibility and long-term scalability for maritime operations.

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their satcom networks. With over 40 years of delivering innovation focused on solving satellite’s most critical economic and technology challenges we are committed to shaping the future of how the world connects. The product portfolio, branded iDirect, represents the highest standards in performance, efficiency and reliability, making it possible for its customers to deliver the best satcom connectivity experience anywhere in the world. ST Engineering iDirect is a leader in key industries including mobility, broadcast and military/government. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information visit www.idirect.net.

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Milestone for Contactless Fingerprint Biometrics: DERMALOG Qualifies for Prestigious NIST FastCAP Program

DERMALOG’s successful NIST FastCAP qualification marks an important advance in contactless fingerprint biometrics, enabling fast and reliable identification for mobile and digital applications.

HAMBURG, Germany, Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DERMALOG Identification Systems has successfully completed qualification testing under the Fast Capture (FastCAP) program of the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The Hamburg-based company, a leading provider of biometric technologies, is now listed by NIST among vendors whose contactless fingerprint capture technology meets the stringent requirements defined in NIST Special Publication 500-339.

The FastCAP initiative assesses whether contactless technologies can capture all ten fingerprints quickly and reliably without a conventional touch-based scanner. DERMALOG’s qualification demonstrates that its solution delivers high-quality biometric data suitable for secure identification under rigorous standardized testing conditions.

A Breakthrough for Digital and Mobile Workflows

Contactless fingerprint capture makes identification processes faster, more flexible, and easier to integrate into digital workflows. Applications range from mobile identity verification and remote enrollment to civil registration. Citizens can be securely identified or enrolled without conventional fingerprint scanners. The technology is particularly suited to mobile and high-volume environments where rapid, hygienic, and efficient biometric capture is essential.

“Contactless fingerprint capture has enormous potential to make biometric processes more efficient and user-friendly,” said Günther Mull, CEO of DERMALOG. “Meeting the NIST FastCAP qualification requirements underscores the outstanding performance of our technology. This is another major step toward the broader global adoption of contactless biometrics.”

The FastCAP qualification further strengthens DERMALOG’s position as a global innovation leader in advanced fingerprint technologies for secure and seamless biometric identification.

Picture is available at AP

Press contact:

DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH

Sven Böckler

Media Relations

info@dermalog.com

Phone: +49 (0)40 413 227 – 0

www.dermalog.com

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Mach Travel Solutions Limited Records Highest-Ever H1 Revenue in FY27 with Strong PAT

Q2 FY27 Revenue Jumps 174.7% YoY to ₹204.53 Cr; H1 FY27 Revenue at Record ₹348.86 Cr

PAT Rises 46.9% YoY to ₹9.26 Cr in Q2 FY27; H1 FY27 PAT at ₹15.42 Cr, up 97.2% YoY

NEW DELHI, Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mach Travel Solutions Limited (BSE: MACHLTD), formerly known as Mach Conferences & Events Limited, announced its unaudited consolidated financial results for the second quarter and half year ended September 30, 2026.

H1 FY27 marked the Company’s highest-ever first-half Revenue from Operations since its incorporation in 2004, reflecting the growing scale of its business and continued expansion across diversified travel verticals.

During Q2 FY27, Mach Travel Solutions continued its transformation from a predominantly MICE-focused organisation into a diversified, technology-enabled integrated travel solutions platform. The Company continued to execute across Corporate Travel, MICE, B2B, Leisure, Inbound and Government & Institutional Projects, while advancing its B2C digital offering. The period also saw progress in corporate travel, institutional credentials and digital platform initiatives, supporting the Company’s strategy to build a broader travel ecosystem.

Consolidated Key Financials (₹ Cr.):

Financial Performance Review

• Revenue from Operations stood at ₹204.53 crore in Q2 FY27 as compared to ₹74.46 crore in Q2 FY26, representing year-on-year growth of 174.7%, and sequential growth of 41.7% over ₹144.33 crore in Q1 FY27. For H1 FY27, Revenue from Operations stood at ₹348.86 crore as compared to ₹97.08 crore in H1 FY26, representing year-on-year growth of 259.4%.
• EBITDA (including Other Income) stood at ₹14.39 crore in Q2 FY27 as compared to ₹9.67 crore in Q2 FY26, a year-on-year growth of 48.8%, and a sequential growth of 55.98% over ₹9.23 crore in Q1 FY27. EBITDA Margin was 7.00% in Q2 FY27, a sequential improvement of approximately 69 basis points from 6.30% in Q1 FY27. For H1 FY27, EBITDA stood at ₹23.62 crore as compared to ₹11.34 crore in H1 FY26, a growth of 108.3%, with an EBITDA Margin of 6.71% against 11.49%.
• Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at ₹9.26 crore in Q2 FY27 as compared to ₹6.30 crore in Q2 FY26, representing year-on-year growth of 46.9%, and sequential growth of 50.2% over ₹6.16 crore in Q1 FY27. PAT Margin was 4.50% in Q2 FY27 as compared to 8.35% in Q2 FY26 and 4.21% in Q1 FY27. For H1 FY27, PAT stood at ₹15.42 crore as compared to ₹7.82 crore in H1 FY26, representing year-on-year growth of 97.2%, with a PAT Margin of 4.38% against 7.93%.
• Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) stood at approximately ₹532.54 crore in Q2 FY27, reflecting the overall scale of travel transactions handled across the Company’s diversified business verticals during the quarter. For H1 FY27, GMV stood at approximately ₹784.54 crore, comprising ₹252 crore in Q1 FY27 and ₹532.54 crore in Q2 FY27. The Company has commenced disclosure of GMV from Q1 FY27 to provide stakeholders with greater visibility into the scale of its underlying business activity.
• The Company’s performance during Q2 FY27 and H1 FY27 reflects continued execution across its integrated travel solutions platform, with ongoing efforts to scale newer verticals, strengthen technology-enabled offerings and build a more diversified mix of business.

FY27 Revenue Outlook

In view of the Company’s business performance and continued expansion across its diversified travel verticals, Mach Travel Solutions Limited has revised its FY27 revenue target upwards to more than 2.5x its FY26 Revenues.

The revised target reflects management’s expectations for the current financial year, supported by its expanding Corporate Travel business, established MICE operations and opportunities across the Company’s other travel segments.

The Company remains focused on translating business opportunities into sustainable revenue growth while maintaining operational discipline and strengthening its technology-enabled travel ecosystem.

Q2 & H1 FY27 Business & Operational Highlights

During Q2 FY27, the Company continued to build on its transition into an integrated travel solutions platform, with progress across Corporate Travel, MICE, Government & Institutional Projects and its emerging B2C digital offering.

• Continued the Company’s strategic evolution from a predominantly MICE-focused organisation into an integrated travel solutions platform spanning Corporate Travel, MICE, B2B, Leisure and Government & Institutional Projects, alongside the development of its B2C Online Travel Agency (OTA) platform.
• Strengthened its credentials in Government & Institutional Projects after being recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, through the National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI), as an Experienced MICE Tour Operator. The recognition supports participation in government and institutional tenders where such credentials are required.
• Onboarded more than 140 corporate clients for its Corporate Ticketing services and Self-Booking Tool as of September 30, 2026. Since the launch of the dedicated Corporate Travel vertical in April 2026, the client base has expanded across a broad range of industries, including automotive and engineering, pharmaceuticals, financial services, technology, healthcare, education, FMCG, infrastructure, media and manufacturing. This milestone supports the Company’s focus on building long-term corporate relationships and recurring travel business.
• Opened Machtravel.com and the Mach Travel mobile application for public beta testing on August 31, 2026. The B2C platform brings together travel services including Flights, Hotels, Holidays, MICE, Cruises and Visa services, and will be further refined using user feedback.
• Continued to leverage its pan-India operating presence across Noida, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar, alongside its international MICE execution capabilities, to serve corporate, institutional and leisure travel requirements.
• Maintained its focus on scaling the Company’s newer business verticals, deepening technology integration and identifying cross-selling opportunities across its customer base, while progressing the pipeline across its diversified travel businesses.
• With the foundations of the Company’s diversified travel platform continuing to take shape, the focus is increasingly shifting towards scaling each business vertical, strengthening client relationships and leveraging technology and cross-selling to support sustainable growth.

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Amit Bhatia, Chairman & Managing Director, Mach Travel Solutions Limited, said:

“H1 FY27 marks an important milestone for Mach Travel Solutions Limited, as we have achieved our highest-ever first-half Revenue from Operations of ₹348.86 crore since the Company’s inception in 2004, surpassing our entire FY26 revenue. Our Q2 FY27 revenue and PAT stood at ₹204.53 crore and ₹9.26 crore, respectively, while H1 FY27 revenue and PAT stood at ₹348.86 crore and ₹15.42 crore, respectively.

Over the years, we have strategically transformed Mach from a predominantly MICE-focused organisation into an integrated, technology-enabled travel solutions company. Our approach has been to build multiple complementary business verticals, strengthen our leadership capabilities and leverage technology to create a scalable business model.

The rapid expansion of our Corporate Travel business, alongside our established MICE operations, growing institutional presence and investments in digital platforms, reinforces our confidence in the direction we have chosen.

In light of our performance and the opportunities ahead, we have revised our FY27 revenue target upwards to more than 2.5x our FY26 revenue. This reflects our confidence in the Company’s growth potential and the progress of our diversification strategy.

Our ambition is not merely to grow revenue, but to build a strong, sustainable and future-ready travel solutions company with multiple growth engines. We remain committed to disciplined execution, long-term relationships and creating enduring value for our shareholders.”

About Mach Travel Solutions Limited

Mach Travel Solutions Limited (formerly Mach Conferences & Events Ltd.) is a publicly listed technology-enabled travel solutions company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE: MACHLTD). Incorporated in 2004, the Company provides technology-enabled end-to-end travel solutions across Corporate Travel, MICE, B2B, Leisure, Inbound Travel and Government & Institutional Projects.

The Company has a strong pan-India presence with offices in Noida, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar and Ahmedabad, and is accredited by and associated with leading national and international travel associations, including IATA, GBTA, PATA, IATO, ADTOI, OTOAI, SKÅL International, JATA, ICPB, EGAC and NIMA.

For more information, please visit https://www.machtravelsolutions.com.

The Company is also developing its B2C Online Travel Agency platform, Machtravel.com, as part of its strategy to build a comprehensive travel ecosystem.

Mach Travel Solutions Ltd.

Mrs. Swati Aggarwal

Company Secretary & Compliance Officer

Email:

compliance@machtravel.com 

Website:

machtravelsolutions.com 

Adfactors PR Pvt. Ltd.

Mrs. Disha Mody / Mr. Vaibhav Gupta / Ms. Kareena Jain

Investor Relations

Email:

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vaibhav.gupta@adfactorspr.com 

kareena.jain@adfactorspr.com 

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Safe Harbour

This release contains statements that contain “forward looking statements” including, but without limitation, statements relating to the implementation of strategic initiatives, and other statements relating to Mach Travel’s future business developments and economic performance. While these forward-looking statements indicate our assessment and future expectations concerning the development of our business, several risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from our expectations. These factors include, but are not limited to, general market, macro-economic, governmental and regulatory trends, movements in currency exchange and interest rates, competitive pressures, technological developments, changes in the financial conditions of third parties dealing with us, legislative developments, and other key factors that could affect our business and financial performance. Mach Travel Solutions undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future / likely events or circumstances.

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Agniveers May Get Two-Year Extension After Initial Four-Year Tenure Under New Government Plan

New Delhi, Nov 4: In a significant move aimed at expanding career opportunities for Agniveers, the Centre has introduced an option allowing them to continue serving in the armed forces for an additional two years after completing their initial four-year engagement under the Agnipath scheme.

The decision, announced by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General N.S. Raja Subramani at a press conference on Wednesday, is expected to provide greater continuity of service and improve the prospects of Agniveers seeking permanent positions in the military.

Under the revised arrangement, 25 per cent of Agniveers completing their initial four-year tenure will continue to be eligible for induction into the regular cadre, as provided under the existing framework. Of the remaining personnel, 75 per cent will be offered an opportunity to undertake a second engagement period of two years.

At the end of the extended tenure, these Agniveers will also be eligible for consideration for regular service, subject to their willingness, prescribed selection standards and the operational requirements of the armed forces.

Explaining the rationale behind the decision, General Subramani said the additional engagement would give Agniveers more time to develop their military capabilities and demonstrate their suitability for long-term service.

Their performance during the extended period will be assessed on several parameters, including physical fitness, discipline, motivation, morale, technical proficiency and achievements during service. Organisational requirements and the armed forces’ manpower needs will also play a crucial role in the final selection.

The CDS emphasised that the process would follow objective evaluation criteria, with personnel undergoing periodic performance assessments throughout their service.

The proposed two-year extension is also expected to bring financial benefits. Agniveers opting for the second engagement period will receive higher remuneration and enhanced service fund benefits compared to their initial tenure, offering better financial returns for the additional years served.

The government believes the arrangement will help the armed forces retain trained personnel who have already acquired military skills, operational experience and an understanding of military discipline during their first four years.

The move comes at a crucial time, as the first batch of Agniveers is completing its four-year engagement in November 2026. The new provision could offer those not selected for regular service an additional opportunity to remain within the military system and strengthen their prospects of eventual absorption.

Introduced in 2022, the Agnipath scheme provides for the recruitment of personnel into the armed forces for an initial four-year period, with up to 25 per cent eligible for retention in the regular cadre.

With the proposed second engagement option, the government appears to be seeking a balance between the scheme’s original recruitment framework and the need to provide greater continuity and career opportunities to trained military personnel.

The revised arrangement could therefore mark an important development in the evolution of the Agnipath scheme, although the final selection for regular service will continue to depend on individual performance, eligibility and the requirements of the armed forces.

Xinhua Silk Road: Global mayors explore pathways of high-quality city development in Ningbo, E China

BEIJING, Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At the main event of the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue • Ningbo held on Tuesday, mayors from different countries gathered in the east China city to share experience and jointly explore paths of future high-quality city development.

Sitting in the northeastern part of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, which has actively integrated into the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative in recent years, boasts extensive trade and investment ties with more than 220 countries and regions.

Through the dialogue event, Ningbo will continue to enhance advantage-based inter-city collaboration, exchanges and mutual learning to reinforce its opening-featuring business environment and innovation ecosystem, noted Wang Cheng, Party chief of Ningbo.

Cities, as pivotal carriers of economic globalization and windows for inter-civilization communication, always play a key role in open cooperation, economic development, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Wayne Brown, mayor of Auckland, New Zealand, stressed that sci-tech transformation and globalization are issues of key concern for Auckland while introducing the city’s advantages in geographical conditions and trade.

Said Karimi, mayor of Errachidia, Morocco, hoped to strengthen investment ties and communications with more cities across the world given Errachidia’s rich tourism and ore resources.

After introducing the city’s industrial history, Joachim Moyse, mayor of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, France, expressed hope of jointly building a bridge of cooperation and communication with Ningbo.

Mayors from other countries also expressed hope of enhancing cooperation with Ningbo in fields such as education, culture and industry.

In recent years, Ningbo has solidified cooperation with many cities abroad, serving as a reliable partner for its foreign peers in win-win development, according to Shen Mingquan, mayor of Ningbo.

As Shen introduced, Ningbo has carried out sci-tech innovation cooperation with more than 100 countries and established partnerships with over 500 overseas universities.

During the event, agreements for 14 projects in trade, education and cultural sectors were signed. The Ningbo Consensus on Collaborative Development was also signed, aiming to deepen industrial coordination, foster connectivity and bolster exchanges in culture, education and healthcare. 

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Central Team Visits Ganjam To Assess Cyclone Arnab And Flood Damage

Bhubaneswar, Nov 4 (UDN): An eight-member Inter-Ministerial Central Team on Wednesday toured several cyclone- and flood-affected pockets of Odisha’s Ganjam district to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent flooding.

Led by Ravi Shankar, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the team began its field assessment at Achili village, a day after inspecting affected areas in neighbouring Gajapati district.

During the visit, the central officials examined agricultural fields where standing paddy crops, nearing harvest, had suffered damage. They also interacted with affected farmers to understand the extent of their losses, a senior district official accompanying the team said.

Paddy Fields, Irrigation Facilities Under Inspection

The team visited several lift irrigation points and inspected breaches in embankments along the Rushikulya river. Floodwaters from the river had inundated large stretches of agricultural land, affecting farming activities in the district.

The panel also reviewed damage to critical infrastructure, including electricity installations, snapped power lines, uprooted trees and mobile tower facilities.

Several damaged bridges and road stretches washed away by floodwaters were also inspected as part of the assessment.

Before heading to the affected locations, the team held a meeting with district administration officials to review the preliminary damage assessment.

Ganjam Collector Keerthi Vasan V presented a detailed account of the losses, supported by photographs and video footage documenting the impact of the cyclone and floods.

Earlier Assessment In Gajapati

On Tuesday, the central team visited several affected locations in Gajapati district, where heavy flooding had damaged road connectivity and public infrastructure.

The team inspected bridges washed away at Makapada in R Udayagiri block and Gundriguda in Mohana block. It also visited the damaged Khariguda culvert and an affected stretch of the National Highway near Ledabandha.

Centre Deputes Team Following State Government Request

The Centre sent the assessment team after the Odisha government sought an evaluation of the damage caused by floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab. The cyclone made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28.

The state government had reported extensive damage across Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts in southern Odisha.

Besides Ravi Shankar, the team includes representatives from the Union ministries of Agriculture, Finance, Jal Shakti, Power, Road Transport and Highways, and Rural Development. An official from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is also part of the delegation.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the central team would meet senior state government officials after completing its field visits to discuss the damage assessment and share its observations.

The team’s findings are expected to help the authorities evaluate the extent of the losses and take up the matter of assistance for the affected areas.

Puri Atharanala Beautification: Boating, Dredging And Drainage Revamp Planned

Puri, Nov 4 (UDN): Odisha’s historic pilgrim town of Puri could soon get a new tourism attraction as the district administration prepares an ambitious makeover plan for Atharanala, a heritage waterbody that has remained neglected for years.

 Representational Image 

From large-scale dredging and drainage improvements to embankment construction and beautification, the proposed initiative aims to restore Atharanala’s appeal and transform the historic site into a more attractive destination for tourists and local residents. Boating facilities are also being considered as part of the broader tourism vision.

Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida recently visited Atharanala, Hulhulia Bridge and the proposed Puri Lake project at Khandiabandha to review development activities and assess the requirements for further infrastructure improvements.

Major Drainage Overhaul And Dredging Planned

According to the Collector, the first phase of Atharanala’s beautification has already been completed. The administration is now focusing on a comprehensive improvement of its water management and drainage infrastructure.

The proposed work includes dredging the stretch connecting the Kanchi River with the Dhaudia River, constructing embankments, removing aquatic weeds and improving water quality. Drains currently discharging into Atharanala are also proposed to be diverted to prevent pollution and improve water flow.

“The first phase of Atharanala’s beautification has already been completed. We are now focusing on improving its entire drainage system. The plan involves dredging Atharanala along the stretch from the Kanchi River to the Dhaudia River, constructing embankments and undertaking further beautification work. Drains flowing into Atharanala will also be diverted,” Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida said.

The Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC) is executing the project.

A detailed survey is currently underway. Following its completion, the proposal will be forwarded to the concerned department for technical evaluation. The tendering process will follow the necessary approvals before the proposed work begins.

Encroachments To Be Cleared, Affected Families To Be Relocated

The administration is also considering measures to address encroachments within the water channel area.

According to the Collector, some families residing within the channel zone may face inundation as water levels rise. The administration plans to rehabilitate and relocate such families as part of the broader development exercise.

The Puri Municipal Corporation is also expected to undertake encroachment removal measures to ensure unobstructed water flow and improve the drainage network.

Officials believe that restoring the natural water channel will be essential for the long-term sustainability of the beautification project.

Boating Plan Raises Hopes Among Locals

The proposed transformation has generated optimism among residents who have long been waiting for Atharanala to regain its former significance.

Local resident Dhirendra Rout said the waterbody had remained neglected for years despite substantial expenditure on earlier beautification initiatives.

“We have seen Atharanala lying neglected since our childhood. During the previous administration, crores of rupees were spent on the site and weeds were cleared. Boating facilities were also announced, but the plan never materialised. Now, under the new government and the new Collector, a positive initiative has been taken. It will benefit local residents as well as tourists visiting Puri,” he said.

Expressing hope that boating facilities would finally become a reality, Rout added that the initiative could give a fresh boost to tourism and improve the overall development of the city.

However, the proposed boating facility is yet to reach the implementation stage.

Sand Art Museum And Puri Lake To Add New Attractions

Atharanala’s proposed makeover is part of a wider tourism-development vision for Puri.

The district administration is also planning a Sand Art Museum where visitors will be able to admire artistic sand sculptures. The proposed facility is expected to offer training opportunities for people interested in learning the traditional art form.

Meanwhile, the Puri Lake project at Khandiabandha is envisioned as another major recreational attraction. The proposed facilities include cycling tracks, walking paths, boating arrangements and a gym.

Land acquisition will be undertaken wherever required for the development of the lake project.

Focus On Cleaner And More Tourist-Friendly Puri

Alongside these major projects, the district administration is also prioritising cleanliness, drainage maintenance and sanitation around Atharanala and other important locations in the city.

If implemented as planned, the combined development initiatives could strengthen Puri’s appeal beyond its identity as a major religious destination.

For Atharanala, in particular, the proposed revival offers an opportunity to restore a historic waterbody while creating new recreational possibilities.

The immediate focus, however, remains on completing the survey, securing technical approvals and moving the proposed infrastructure work towards implementation. The success of the makeover will ultimately depend on effective execution, environmental protection and long-term maintenance.