Merlinhawk Composites Inaugurates Advanced Composites Facility At Shoolagiri In Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor

Photo Caption: From L to R: Roberto Lapini - Chief Executive Officer, Vega Composites | Cmde Bharat Bhushan Nagpal, IN (Retd) - CEO, Merlinhawk composites | Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, PVSM (Param Vishisht Seva Medal), AVSM (Ati Vishisht Seva Medal), NM (Nao Sena Medal), Former Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) | R. Ramachadra Rao, Founder & Managing Director, Merlinhawk Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. | Nicola Cigolotti - CTO & Head Business Development, Vega Composites.

· India–Italy Collaboration Positions India as Emerging Hub for Next-Generation Aerospace Manufacturing

Merlinhawk Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., in partnership with Italy-based Vega Composites, today inaugurated its advanced composites manufacturing facility – Merlinhawk Composites & Engineering Pvt. Ltd. at Shoolagiri in the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor, marking a significant step in India’s evolution as a globally competitive aerospace manufacturing hub.

The facility was inaugurated by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM, Former Chief of Navy Staff (CNS), in the presence of senior industry leaders, global partners, and key stakeholders from India’s defence and manufacturing ecosystem.

This milestone formalises a strategic India–Italy collaboration, bringing together global expertise in advanced materials and manufacturing technologies with India’s growing engineering and industrial capabilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM, Former CNS said: “It is heartening to note that Merlinhawk Aerospace, for the last four decades, has been at the forefront in developing indigenous solutions for high end avionics technology and has indigenised large number of components in line with the nation’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It is also noteworthy that the firm has moved into advance composite material technology with Vega Composites, Italy towards ensuring that the Indian Defence industry absorbs advanced technology into the ecosystem. I’m sure that this facility is going to be of immense importance to our nation in design and manufacturing of advance composite components for defence and aerospace industry.”

A Strategic Leap in Aerospace Manufacturing:

The Shoolagiri facility is designed to manufacture advanced composite aero structures and high-performance materials that are critical to next-generation aerospace and defence platforms, including aircraft and unmanned systems, radar, and electronic warfare structures & high-performance defence applications.

With integrated capabilities spanning cleanroom layup, precision cutting, autoclave curing, and five-axis CNC machining, the facility enables end-to-end composite manufacturing from design to delivery within India. It also reflects a deeper shift in India’s defence ecosystem - from build-to-print manufacturing to design-led, high-value engineering capabilities.

R. Ramachandra Rao, Founder & Managing Director, Merlinhawk Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., said: “This facility marks a defining step in Merlinhawk’s journey from systems engineering to advanced aerospace manufacturing. As global aerospace platforms increasingly rely on high-performance composite materials, it is critical for India to build integrated capabilities in design, materials, and manufacturing. Through our partnership with Vega Composites, we are bringing together global technology expertise and Indian engineering to create a manufacturing ecosystem that not only supports domestic programmes but also positions India as a credible player in global aerospace supply chains.”

Global Technology, Indian Manufacturing

The facility integrates globally aligned manufacturing technologies and processes, with key equipment and systems sourced from leading European partners, reinforcing its positioning as a globally compliant aerospace manufacturing centre. This collaboration enables technology transfer from Europe, strengthens capabilities in advanced materials, and supports integration into global aerospace supply chains.

Commodore (Retd.) Bharat Bhushan Nagpal, CEO, Merlinhawk Composites & Engineering Pvt. Ltd., said: “Advanced composites are at the core of modern aerospace and defence systems. This facility has been built with a clear focus on precision, quality, and compliance with global aerospace standards. Beyond manufacturing, our focus is on building long-term capability - developing skilled talent, strengthening process excellence, and creating an ecosystem that supports sustained growth in India’s high-technology manufacturing sector.”

Roberto Lapini, CEO, Vega Composites (Italy), said: “This joint venture reflects a strong and forward-looking industrial partnership between Italy and India. We see India as a strategic manufacturing base for advanced composites, with the potential to serve both domestic and global markets. Through this collaboration, we are enabling technology transfer, co-development, and the creation of globally competitive capabilities that integrate Italian expertise with India’s dynamic industrial ecosystem.”

Driving India’s Aerospace Future

Aligned with national priorities under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, the facility contributes to the indigenisation of critical aerospace technologies, strengthens the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor ecosystem, and supports India’s integration into global aerospace manufacturing networks. At full capacity, it is expected to employ over 200 skilled professionals, with a strong focus on training, knowledge transfer, and advanced materials expertise.

From Capability to Global Relevance

The commissioning of the Merlinhawk Composites facility represents more than infrastructure creation - it signals a broader transition from component manufacturing to integrated capability building, from domestic participation to global supply chain integration, and from manufacturing scale to deeper technology-led growth.  

Uber Launches Record My Ride And Ambulance Assistance In Major Safety Push

* All new industry-first features raise the bar on ridehailing safety, Uber calls for higher standards across ridehailing industry

Uber today continued its effort to raise the bar on safety with new and industry-first safety features designed to make every trip safer for riders and drivers. The company has introduced Record My Ride, an industry-first feature that enables drivers to securely record encrypted in-cab video within the Uber app during trips using their own phones. Additionally, in an initiative to strengthen emergency response, Uber has partnered with medical logistics provider Dial 4242 to integrate Ambulance Assistance directly within its platform.

The new launches build on Uber's continued leadership in safety innovation in recent years, with industry-first features such as Audio Recording, Women Rider Preference, Helmet Selfie Verification and Seatbelt Reminders, alongside a suite of other technology-led and human interventions designed to improve safety and accountability on every trip.

Beyond technology, Uber continues to invest in partnerships and programmes that promote safer mobility. The company has been a proud partner to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways on the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyaan using its platform to spread awareness on prioritising safety over speed, while continuing to strengthen safety for drivers and build dedicated experiences for families through products such as Uber for Teens and Uber for Seniors.

Hon’ble Union Minister for Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, said, "Following traffic rules, wearing seat belts and helmets, sound simple but play a big role in reducing fatalities in road accidents. Technology can play an important role in spreading awareness and making our roads safer. I appreciate Uber's continued partnership on Sadak Suraksha Abhiyaan and its efforts to introduce innovations that promote safer road behaviour and improve support during emergencies."

Sooraj Nair, Head - Safety Operations, Uber India & South Asia, said, "What feels innovative today becomes expected tomorrow. That's exactly how safety should evolve. Our belief is simple: safety innovation should become the industry's baseline, not remain a differentiator. Our industry-first safety features and partnerships highlight our commitment to continually raise the bar. As expectations evolve, we hope the industry will rise up to meet them.”

New features:

Record My Ride: Drivers can now securely record encrypted in-cab video using their own phones within the Uber app if they feel unsafe during a trip. The recording remains compliant with applicable laws, encrypted, meaning neither the driver nor Uber can access them and is only accessible if the driver chooses to submit it as part of a safety report, ensuring strong privacy protections.

Ambulance Assistance: In partnership with Dial 4242, Uber has introduced Ambulance Assistance to help riders and drivers quickly request medical support following an accident during a trip on the platform. The feature is available through Uber's existing 24x7 Safety Line.

Don't Type & Drive: To mitigate distracted driving, the Uber driver app will restrict manual typing functionalities while the vehicle is in motion, prompting drivers to pull over safely before responding to messages.

Set Your Own PIN: Riders can now manually customize, manage, and mandate their own unique trip-verification PINs, ensuring full control over the trip validation process.

Alongside these new features, Uber continues to offer a range of safety features that have helped shape the expectations of ride-hailing experience over the years. Features such as RideCheck, 24x7 Safety Line, Safety Preferences, Phone and Address Anonymisation, continue to support riders and drivers before, during and after every trip. Many of these innovations were first introduced by Uber and have since become part of what riders increasingly expect from mobility platforms.

These initiatives reinforce Uber’s dedication to enhanced safety through use of technology and collaboration with experts.

About Uber

Uber came to India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. Over a decade later, Uber is live in more than 125 cities and has become #IndiaKiRide - helping millions move the way they need to, every day. From Bikes and Autos to Cars, Metros, and even Buses, Uber brings together India’s diverse mobility options on a single app. Whether it’s a short trip across town or a journey between cities, with a single swipe Uber makes everyday mobility seamless for millions - while enabling more than 2 million Indians to earn a sustainable income behind the wheel. As we continue to reimagine how the world moves for the better, our ambition keeps expanding, and our commitment remains unwavering: to keep India moving forward.

Beyond Manufacturing: How Samsung Helped Build Tamil Nadu’s Electronics Manufacturing Ecosystem In Sriperumbudur

· Samsung has created opportunities for local businesses, strengthening industrial capabilities and raising manufacturing standards across the region

· Long-term partnerships, shared ambition and continuous improvement have helped build a resilient manufacturing ecosystem in Sriperumbudur

· Samsung's contribution to the region extends beyond manufacturing through community engagement and social initiatives that support long-term development

When Samsung established its manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur in 2007, the region was already emerging as an important industrial destination. Nearly two decades later, the company’s impact extends well beyond the factory gates, helping shape one of India’s most vibrant electronics manufacturing ecosystems.

As Samsung expanded its operations, a strong network of suppliers, logistics providers and manufacturing partners grew alongside it, creating opportunities for local businesses, strengthening industrial capabilities and raising manufacturing standards across the region.

Today, the Sriperumbudur belt is home to a thriving ecosystem of component manufacturers and service partners, many of whom have steadily enhanced their capabilities to meet global benchmarks in quality, efficiency and innovation.

United Industries Plastic Private Ltd is one such example. What began as a modest operation with two manufacturing units has grown into a six-unit enterprise across Chennai, with one of its newest facilities dedicated to supporting Samsung’s requirements.

Reflecting on the journey, Keerthi Mahalingam, Director, United Industries Plastic Private Ltd, said the partnership has been about much more than business.

“Samsung treats us as partners rather than suppliers. Over the last 13 years, there has been significant knowledge transfer, from manufacturing practices to organisational systems. It has helped us evolve into a stronger company.”

As Samsung strengthened its manufacturing presence, it also introduced rigorous quality systems and workplace practices that encouraged suppliers to build stronger internal capabilities. For many partners, aligning with these standards became an opportunity to improve their own operations.

Mahalingam said Samsung’s structured approach, ranging from visitor management systems to employee welfare initiatives, has inspired partners to adopt similar practices.

“Samsung has set a very high benchmark in terms of processes, employee care and ESG practices. Their yearly audits encourage continuous improvement. We have adopted several of these practices in our own facilities, including structured transport systems and enhanced workplace standards.”

He added that Samsung’s presence has played an important role in the broader industrial growth of the region, with new supplier units being established and existing businesses expanding operations closer to the manufacturing hub.

“The entire belt has developed over the years. Many companies have grown alongside Samsung.”

The transformation is equally evident at Vignesh Polymers India Private Ltd, which has been operating in Sriperumbudur since 2007 and has partnered with Samsung for nearly 15 years.

Selvakumar, Plant Head, Vignesh Polymers, said one of the defining strengths of the partnership has been Samsung’s structured and forward-looking approach to manufacturing.

“With Samsung, planning is very systematic—from purchase schedules to delivery timelines. This helps us plan our own operations better and invest with confidence.”

Over the years, this collaborative approach has enabled suppliers to strengthen capabilities across planning, purchasing, quality and research and development.

“We have learned extensively across planning, purchasing, quality and R&D. As Samsung continues to introduce new and premium products, we also upgrade our capabilities to match global quality expectations,” he said.

This shared focus on continuous improvement has enabled partners to participate in increasingly sophisticated manufacturing processes while building expertise that supports long-term growth.

Beyond industrial capability, the expansion of the manufacturing ecosystem has also contributed to improvements in infrastructure and employment across the region.

Selvakumar said the transformation over the past decade has been significant.

“From around 2015 to today, the difference is very clear. Infrastructure has improved, roads are better, transport connectivity has strengthened, and more businesses are operating in the region. Employment opportunities have increased for local communities.”

Samsung’s contribution to the region also extends beyond manufacturing through community engagement and social initiatives that support long-term development.

“Samsung maintains strong relationships with nearby communities and schools. These initiatives also help strengthen the ecosystem,” he said.

As Sriperumbudur continues to evolve into a globally-competitive manufacturing hub, the relationship between Samsung and its partners reflects a shared commitment to capability building, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

For companies across the ecosystem, the journey of growth continues.

“Based on Samsung’s evolving requirements, we continue to develop ourselves,” Selvakumar said.

From enabling suppliers to expand operations and strengthening manufacturing capabilities to raising benchmarks in quality and workplace systems, Samsung’s presence has helped shape an ecosystem that continues to generate opportunities and contribute to the region’s economic development.

The story of Sriperumbudur’s rise is therefore not just one of industrial expansion, but of collaboration. Here long-term partnerships, shared ambition and continuous improvement have helped build a resilient manufacturing ecosystem that continues to power growth.  

Axis Mutual Fund Enters The MSME Segment With India’s First Digital Working Capital Management Solution

‘Axis Account Plus’, an industry-first, end-to-end digital working capital management solution helping corporates and MSMEs optimise surplus funds efficiently

Seamless digital journey with instant transactions, same day redemption, and a unified dashboard offering consolidated visibility across entities

Available for corporates and MSMEs on the Axis Mutual Fund website

Axis Mutual Fund, one of India’s leading asset management companies, has announced the launch of ‘Axis Account Plus’, India’s first end-to-end digital working capital management solution designed for corporates and MSMEs. It enables businesses to seamlessly invest surplus funds in Axis Mutual Fund eligible debt and liquid schemes through a convenient, faster solution with robust controls and inbuilt governance protocols. As businesses become more strategic about managing operating surplus, investment access must become simpler, more efficient and aligned to dynamic liquidity needs.

The launch comes at a time when India’s mutual fund industry continues to expand its role in the country’s financial ecosystem. At the same time, a significant amount of corporate capital remains underutilised. Nearly ₹25 lakh crore is estimated to be held in current accounts, where it typically earns no returns. India also has a large base of over 31 lakh active corporates and limited liability partnerships, along with more than 8.6 crore MSMEs registered on the Government of India’s Udyam platform.

Despite this scale, participation by non-individual investors in mutual funds remains limited, with institutional folios accounting for approximately 13.6 lakh folios. This highlights the need to make mutual funds access simpler and more relevant for a wider set of investors, including corporates and MSMEs.

For many businesses, surplus funds are held between payment cycles, receivables, working capital requirements and planned expenses. Axis Account Plus addresses this need by enabling businesses to utilise idle funds through a fully digital working capital management solution.

For example, if a company with a balance sheet size of ₹100 crore had ₹10 crore as surplus working capital, it could have deployed this amount through Axis Account Plus solution into Axis Mutual Fund’s debt and liquid schemes for a one-month period. Based on historical performance of Axis liquid fund, this may have potentially generated approximately ₹5.25 lakh over the month ended May 31, 2026 (assuming a simple annualised return of around 5.85%)*. Compared to keeping these funds in a current account with no returns, Axis Account Plus would have enabled the company to potentially earn returns on its surplus funds. Such earnings could then have been utilised to offset routine business overheads or operational expenses, thereby improving overall capital efficiency.

*Past performance may or may not be sustained in future. Please refer annexure 2 on page 3 for performance of the scheme in SEBI prescribed format.

Key benefits and features of Axis Account Plus:

Better Returns on Idle Funds: Helps invest idle funds and potentially improve working capital management, with no penalty on redemption, and flexibility to park funds from a day upto one year, along with an endeavour for same day credit of redemption proceeds for quick access to cash

Seamless Digital Journey: Supports onboarding, KYC, folio creation and investment execution to be completed entirely online, reducing paperwork, process delays and offline dependencies

Safety & Trust: Investments are regulated by SEBI and managed by Axis AMC, ensuring credibility and security

Robust Controls: Enables businesses to manage transactions through a maker-checker workflow, supporting internal approval processes with inbuilt governance protocols

Service Connects: Transactions updates are received on SMS and email to registered users, maker and checkers

Unified Visibility: Provides a one-view dashboard that allows consolidated tracking across investments, including the ability to add a company’s subsidiaries and view holdings at a group-company level

Dedicated Support: Committed relationship manager, accessible via SMS, email and WhatsApp along with regular product updates and insights to help keep investments optimised

Speaking on the launch, B. Gopkumar, MD & CEO, Axis AMC said, “With more than 8.6 crore MSMEs registered on the Government of India’s Udyam platform and approximately ₹25 lakh crore that is estimated to be held in current accounts in Banks, typically earning minimal or no returns, we see this as a huge opportunity to tap in.

With Axis Account Plus, we aim to be the first AMCs to address this opportunity at scale, targeting at least 2–3% of India’s MSMEs and corporates. Our working capital management solution allows MSMEs to park idle business cash seamlessly and efficiently, potential to earn return. This solution enables business-grade workflows and maker-checker controls, with an aim to support the pace, governance and growth ambition of modern enterprises”

With Axis Account Plus, Axis Mutual Fund aims to redefine how businesses approach surplus cash management by bringing together digital convenience, operational control and transaction capabilities on a single. The reinforces Axis Mutual Fund’s focus on innovation and its commitment to enabling corporates and MSMEs to make more efficient financial decisions.

To know more and transact: https://transact.axismf.com/corporate-investments   

Global Ophthalmology Body Honours Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh With Prestigious LIM Lecture

* Becomes only the third Indian ophthalmologist to receive the distinction in the award's 35-year history

Bengaluru-based ophthalmologist Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Founder and Chairman of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, has been conferred the prestigious LIM Lecture by the Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (APACRS), one of the highest honours in cataract and refractive surgery globally. Presented during the Opening Ceremony of the APACRS 2026 Annual Meeting, the recognition is awarded to ophthalmologists whose contributions have significantly advanced the field. Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh is only the third Indian to receive the distinction in the award's 35-year history.

Instituted in 1991, the honour has been bestowed upon a select group of internationally acclaimed pioneers whose work has shaped modern ophthalmic practice.

The honour acknowledges Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh's contributions to refractive surgery over a career spanning more than three decades. Having performed over 75,000 refractive procedures and more than 1.2 lakh cataract surgeries, he has been at the forefront of every major evolution in vision correction—from radial keratotomy and LASIK to the latest generation of lenticule-based procedures and tissue-addition techniques.

Expressing his gratitude, Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh said, "I am humbled to receive this honour, and this recognition belongs as much to Nethradhama and its dedicated team as it does to me. Over the last 32 years, our endeavour has been to push the boundaries of refractive surgery through innovation, research and education while delivering the highest standards of patient care. I believe this honour is also a tribute to Indian ophthalmology, which today stands shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world in shaping the future of eye care."

Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed scientific publications and contributed to pioneering work in corneal lenticule extraction and tissue-addition techniques for the treatment of hyperopia and keratoconus. His research and innovations have helped expand the possibilities of refractive surgery and influenced ophthalmic practice worldwide.

Founded by Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh in 1994, Nethradhama has evolved into one of India's leading centres for eye care, research and education. The institution continues to contribute to scientific innovation while delivering advanced eye care to patients from India and around the world.

About Nethradhama:

Nethradhama Hospitals Pvt. Ltd, a trailblazer in eye care, proudly holds the distinction of being India's foremost eye hospital at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies. As the pioneer to attain the prestigious NABH accreditation in the country, and fortified by ISO 9001:2015 certification and NABH ECO (Eye Care Organization) STANDARDS accreditation, Nethradhama is unwavering in its commitment to delivering top-tier eye care services within a patient-centric framework.

Celebrating over 30 years of excellence, Nethradhama boasts a Center of Excellence in Jayanagar and strategically located branches in Bengaluru (Rajajinagar, Indiranagar, Whitefield, and now also in Yelahanka), Mysuru, Davangere, and Mangaluru. Devoted to upholding "Best Practices" in eye care, our mission is to provide "Vision care par excellence." With a focus on being the vanguard in bringing some of the world's finest technologies to India, complemented by a team of highly skilled doctors, Nethradhama remains dedicated to offering world-class eye care to each patient.

Air India Begins Deploying B777-300ER With Upgraded Cabin Interiors On Flights To Melbourne From July 1

* Delhi-Melbourne flights will now operate with Boeing 777-300ER featuring upgraded cabin interiors

* Introducing First Class cabins on Delhi-Melbourne flights

Air India will deploy its B777-300ER aircraft featuring upgraded cabin interiors on flights between Delhi and Melbourne, effective 1 July, replacing the existing aircraft. This marks a significant enhancement in premium seat capacity on the route, comfort, and on-board experience, including the introduction of First Class on the route.

Configured in a three-class layout, Air India’s upgraded Boeing 777-300ER features 08 First Class suites, 40 fully flat Business Class beds, and 280 Economy Class seats, representing a substantial increase in premium capacity compared to the existing B787-8 on this route, which features 28 Business Class and 241 Economy Class seats.

The deployment brings a more consistent and elevated long-haul product to Air India’s Melbourne services, aligned with the airline’s ongoing transformation into a world-class global carrier.
Elevated Onboard Experience

Air India guests to Melbourne will now benefit from a wide range of enhancements including:

Luxurious private suites in First Class, offering leather-upholstered seats that convert into fully flat beds, privacy doors, an elevated on-ground and dining experience, and personalised service.

Significantly upgraded Business Class product, with fully flat beds offering enhanced comfort, space, and privacy, alongside improved soft product elements.

Wi-Fi internet connectivity, introduced on this route for the first time, enabling guests to stay connected with work or loved ones throughout their flight.

Refreshed food & beverage offering, including thoughtfully curated menus featuring the best of global cuisine alongside Indian favourites, complemented by a selection of premium wines and spirits.

Enhanced inflight entertainment, with a richer and more diverse content library across movies, TV shows, music, and more, catering to global tastes

Seamless experience on ground and in air

The aircraft upgrade complements Air India’s broader investments in elevating the end-to-end customer journey. This includes access to the airline’s new flagship Maharaja Lounge at Delhi Airport for eligible premium customers, offering a refined pre-flight experience with upgraded dining, seating, and service.

Together, these enhancements reflect Air India’s continued focus on modernising its fleet, upgrading its product offering, and delivering a seamless, high-quality experience across touchpoints.
Connecting India with Australia and beyond

Australia remains a key international market for Air India, with strong and growing demand for both business and leisure travel. The introduction of the Boeing 777-300ER on the Delhi–Melbourne route underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening connectivity while offering a more competitive and globally benchmarked product.

Air India currently operates 4x weekly non-stop flights between Delhi and Melbourne and is scheduled to operate 7x weekly services on the route from 01 September 2026. The airline’s Delhi-Melbourne service also provides travellers with convenient, same-terminal connections via Delhi to destinations across Europe, including London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Milan, Zurich, among others.

Air India also operates non-stop flights between Delhi and Sydney, enabling similar seamless onward connections to and from destinations in the UK and rest of Europe.

About Air India Group

The Air India Group – comprising full-service global airline, Air India, and value carrier, Air India Express – is spearheading a new era of Indian aviation. The Air India story began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the airline’s inaugural flight and opened the skies for aviation in India. Today, Air India Group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries travellers to 60 domestic and 51 international destinations across five continents.

Returning to Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India Group is in the midst of a five-year transformation programme, Vihaan.AI. As part of the transformation, Air India has placed orders for 600 new aircraft. In addition to taking new aircraft deliveries, Air India is progressively retrofitting all its legacy aircraft.

The Air India Group operates South Asia’s largest aviation training academy in Gurugram, India. The construction of a new flying school and a greenfield maintenance base is in progress.

With transformation underway across all facets of the business and India’s rich legacy of hospitality, Air India is committed to being a world class global airline with an Indian heart.

For more news on Air India, visit http://www.airindia.com/newsroom     

RRoshani – A CSR Initiative By The RR Kabel Foundation Announces Successful Completion Of Road Safety Campaign In Maharashtra

RRoshani – a CSR initiative by the RR Kabel Foundation, in partnership with the Elixir Foundation, is proud to announce the successful completion of the "Traffic Awareness, Management & Road Safety Campaign". The initiative, which ran from January to September, 2025, aimed to enhance road safety awareness and improve the working conditions of traffic police across the Pune and Nashik districts of Maharashtra.

Setting up police booths can make a significant difference in improving road safety and protecting lives. When placed at critical locations such as busy junctions, accident-prone areas, schools, and hospitals, these booths serve as constant reminders for drivers to follow traffic rules, thereby reducing speeding, drunk driving, and other unsafe practices. They also enable the police to respond quickly in the event of accidents or emergencies, which can help save lives. In addition, police booths provide a point of assistance where people can seek help or guidance while traveling. By enhancing road safety, preventing accidents, and fostering a sense of security, police booths not only strengthen law enforcement but also deliver important benefits to society.

"At RR Kabel, we see road safety not just as a civic duty, but as a shared mission. Through this campaign, in collaboration with the Elixir Foundation, we were able to raise awareness, engage citizens meaningfully, and extend much-needed support to our traffic police who work tirelessly to keep our roads safe. The success of this initiative reflects our commitment to building safer, more responsible cities, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to drive positive change for the community," said Mrs. Kirti Kabra, Director, RR Global.

The campaign focused on a multi-pronged approach to create a safer environment for everyone on the road.

The project was concluded with a formal handover ceremony in Pune.
Key Achievements of the Campaign:

Educating the Community: The awareness campaign reached over 10,000 students and citizens, providing crucial awareness on traffic rules, pedestrian safety, and first aid practices

Wider Reach: Beyond this direct outreach, the campaign’s messaging was amplified through branded police booths, ensuring its impact extended to a much larger audience

Creativity for a Cause: A road safety–themed painting competition witnessed the participation of 1,000 individuals, fostering community-wide awareness through a creative and engaging platform

Enhancing Support for Traffic Police: Demonstrating commitment to road safety, 75 new traffic police booths were installed—55 in Pune and 20 in Nashik—significantly improving visibility, safety, and working conditions for the traffic police force

Together, these initiatives highlight the campaign’s holistic approach to building a culture of road safety and community responsibility. This collaboration between RR Kabel and the Elixir Foundation stands as a strong example of corporate social responsibility in action, reflecting their joint commitment to creating safer roads, supporting traffic authorities, and fostering a culture of responsibility among citizens.