Tag: public-private partnership

Spotlight

GM Rao: From Andhra Roots to Global Runways

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GMR Group founder GM Rao has earned the moniker “Airport Tycoon of India”, and for good reason. Under his leadership, the GMR Group operates and manages India’s largest airports while also expanding its influence in Greece, the Philippines, and beyond.

Born in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, GM Rao began his entrepreneurial journey in 1978 with a jute mill. Over the years, that seed of ambition grew into a diversified empire comprising 28 companies across energy, transportation, aviation, and urban infrastructure.

With a net worth of ₹25,060 crore, Rao stands among India’s 100 richest individuals, as per Forbes.

🏢 GMR Group at a Glance:

  • Revenue: ₹10,836 crore
  • Key Companies: GMR Airports, GMR Infrastructure, GMR Energy, GMR Enterprises
  • Airport Portfolio:
    • Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
    • Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
    • Manohar International Airport, Goa
    • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (in collaboration with MIHAN India)

Internationally, GMR has active airport projects in Greece and the Philippines, making it the second-largest private airport operator globally.

In January 2024, GMR further cemented its commitment to aviation by launching the GMR School of Aviation in Hyderabad, in collaboration with Airbus. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of aviation professionals.

Beyond infrastructure, GM Rao also owns a 50% stake in IPL team Delhi Capitals, blending business with the cricketing passion of millions.

💡 Visionary in PPP Projects

One of Rao’s lasting legacies is his effective use of the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Through this approach, GMR has led transformative projects that bridge gaps in critical infrastructure, fuel growth, and create sustainable models of development.

GM Rao’s story is a masterclass in vision, perseverance, and nation-building. From a single jute mill to shaping the future of air travel and infrastructure in India and abroad, he remains a monumental figure in the country’s economic landscape.

Human Interest

Chennai Leads the Way: India’s First AC Rest Stops for Delivery Partners Unveiled

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In a pioneering move that sets a national precedent, Chennai has opened India’s first air-conditioned rest stops exclusively for delivery partners. This much-needed initiative offers comfort, safety, and dignity to the gig workers who form the backbone of India’s booming on-demand economy.

The scorching heat and long hours on the road have long been a silent struggle for thousands of food and parcel delivery riders across India. Recognizing this challenge, the Greater Chennai Corporation, in collaboration with leading delivery platforms and NGOs, has set up air-conditioned rest hubs in key locations across the city.

These rest stops are thoughtfully designed to provide:

  • ❄️ Air-conditioned interiors to escape the heat
  • 🪑 Comfortable seating and resting areas
  • 💧 Drinking water and charging stations
  • 🚻 Clean washrooms
  • 📶 Free Wi-Fi access

This project is the result of public-private partnership, with several delivery platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Dunzo, and Zepto reportedly participating in the planning and funding. NGOs working on labor rights have also contributed to ensuring the rest stops meet the needs of delivery workers.

The first set of rest stops has been strategically located near high-demand zones such as T. Nagar, Nungambakkam, and Guindy, making them easily accessible during delivery downtime.

Many delivery workers who have used the rest hubs are calling them a “lifesaver.”

“In this heat, it’s hard to keep going for 10–12 hours. A place to cool down and recharge—even for 15 minutes—makes a big difference,” says Karthik, a 27-year-old food delivery partner in Chennai.

This initiative is more than just infrastructure—it’s a statement of respect. It acknowledges the role delivery partners play in keeping modern cities moving. With Chennai taking the lead, other cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi are already exploring similar projects

As India’s gig economy continues to grow, initiatives like these highlight the importance of worker welfare in urban planning. Air-conditioned rest stops for delivery partners may be a small change, but they reflect a big shift in how cities value and support their essential workforce.

Chennai’s message is clear: comfort and dignity should not be privileges, but basic rights—even on two wheels.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

🌉 Goa’s Zuari Bridge to Get Eiffel Tower-Inspired Observatory Towers with Panoramic Views, Restaurant & Art Gallery

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A Spectacular New Icon is Rising Over the Zuari River

NEW DELHI: Goa is set to gain a stunning new tourist landmark with the announcement of Eiffel Tower-inspired observatory towers atop the new Zuari Bridge. Designed to become a world-class attraction, the towers will offer breathtaking 360-degree views of Goa’s serene landscape, along with an array of features that promise to elevate the tourist experience in the state.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, all necessary approvals for the project have been secured, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will lay the foundation stone at a ceremony this Friday.

🗼 An Engineering Marvel in the Making

The observatory towers will rise to a height of 125 meters, positioned between the main pylons of the iconic Zuari Bridge. The design takes inspiration from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, bringing an architectural marvel to India’s western coastline.

The towers will include:

  • 🌍 Panoramic Viewing Gallery
  • 🍽️ Revolving Restaurant with views over the Arabian Sea
  • 🖼️ Art Gallery showcasing Goan heritage and contemporary works
  • ☕ Cafeteria for refreshments
  • 🚡 Capsule Lifts for a smooth scenic ascent
  • 🚶‍♀️ Walkway Bridges on both sides of the marine section of the bridge
  • 🅿️ Parking facilities at both ends of the bridge

The shaft dimensions of each tower are 8.5 x 5.5 meters, and the upper floors will include spacious public areas for dining and sightseeing. The 7.5-meter-wide walkway bridges will allow seamless access across the marine portion, enhancing both utility and aesthetics.

🔧 Public-Private Partnership at Work

The ₹2,270 crore project will be developed and operated by a private concessionaire under a 50-year lease, ensuring zero financial burden on the government. The government will receive a share of revenue generated from operations, including ticketing, retail, and hospitality services.

This innovative public-private partnership not only enables world-class infrastructure development but also ensures long-term economic benefits and sustainable tourism growth for the region.

🇮🇳 A New Face for Goan Tourism

Goa has long been known for its beaches, heritage, and vibrant culture. The addition of this architectural landmark to the state’s touristic profile is expected to diversify its offerings, attracting both domestic and international visitors.

“This is not just an infrastructure upgrade – it’s a statement of India’s tourism vision, integrating engineering excellence with cultural experience,” the ministry stated.

🏗️ Project Timeline & Vision

  • 🛠️ Estimated Completion Time: 5 years
  • 📍 Location: Atop the New Zuari Bridge, Goa
  • 💰 Estimated Cost: ₹2,270 crore
  • 🤝 Model: PPP with revenue-sharing
  • 🏗️ Towers: Two, each 125 meters tall

As construction gets underway, Goa moves a step closer to becoming a hub for architectural tourism and cultural showcase—not just in India, but globally.

✨ A Bridge Between Past and Future

The Zuari Bridge observatory towers represent more than infrastructure — they symbolize India’s aspirations in tourism, technology, and innovation. With panoramic views, elevated dining, and immersive cultural spaces, this project aims to turn a transit point into a destination in itself.