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The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0. The scheme aims to provide credit guarantee coverage of 100% for MSMEs and 90% for non-MSMEs, as well as the airline sector, to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) for the amount in default under the additional credit facility extended to the eligible borrowers to tide over any short-term liquidity mismatches in view of the West Asia Crisis.
The total outlay of the scheme is expected to be ₹18,100 crore, and it is expected to generate additional credit flows worth ₹2.25 lakh crore. The scheme is open to MSMEs, non-MSMEs with existing working capital limits, and scheduled passenger airlines that have outstanding credit facilities as of March 31, 2026, as long as their loan accounts are not overdue.
Under the scheme, the government will provide 100% coverage to MSMEs and 90% to non-MSMEs and airlines for loans they take for additional credit up to 20% of the peak working capital utilised during the fourth quarter of 2025-26, capped at Rs. 100 crore. For airlines, the loans can be for up to 100% of their peak working capital, but this is capped at ₹1,500 crore per borrower, subject to satisfying certain specific conditions.
However, the scheme would apply to all loans sanctioned during the period from the date of issue of these guidelines by NCGTC up to 31 March 2027, and the maximum period of guarantee cover shall be co-terminus with the tenor of the loan.
The scheme aims to enable businesses to tide over the challenges arising from the West Asia conflict. Additionally, this is expected to help businesses maintain their operations, protect jobs, and sustain supply chains.
Overall, the proposed credit guarantee scheme is a major step to help businesses, particularly MSMEs and the airline sector, to ensure their additional working capital needs are catered to by the banks & financial institutions. By providing timely liquidity, the scheme will sustain the businesses and prevent job losses. It will also promote uninterrupted domestic production and maintain the resilience of the ecosystem.
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DP World’s Shipping Solutions AMEA business is expanding its partnership with VisionSpring Foundation to provide free eye screenings and prescription glasses to approximately 12,000 commercial drivers and transport workers across India, supporting driver wellbeing and safer goods movement along the country’s trade corridors. The expanded programme builds on a 2025 initiative in Gujarat, which screened 9,000 drivers and transport workers and distributed more than 5,200 pairs of prescription glasses. Of those screened, 61% were identified as requiring vision correction, while 94% of those who received glasses were first-time wearers—highlighting the unmet need for accessible eyecare among transport workers. The programme was launched at Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai, with further screenings planned in Kochi, Delhi and Kolkata. Commercial drivers connect ports, factories, businesses and consumers across India, often working long hours and under demanding schedules that can make routine eye examinations difficult to access. Through screenings at ports, logistics hubs and transport centres, DP World’s Shipping Solutions and VisionSpring Foundation aim to make essential eyecare available without disrupting drivers’ work. Participants will receive eye examinations from trained healthcare professionals. Those requiring vision correction will be provided prescription glasses free of charge, while individuals showing signs of conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma will be referred to local charitable or government healthcare providers for further diagnosis and treatment. The programme will also offer guidance on eye health and recognising early signs of vision deterioration. CM Muraleedharan, Regional Director, Shipping Solutions AMEA, DP World, said the initiative recognises the critical role commercial drivers play in keeping trade moving. He added that improving access to eyecare can support safer road movement and supply-chain reliability, emphasising that investment in people is as important as investment in infrastructure. Anshu Taneja, Managing Director, VisionSpring Foundation, said clear vision is essential for safe driving, while avoidable vision impairment continues to affect professional drivers. He noted that the expanded partnership would help reach more drivers with eyecare, supporting road safety, livelihoods and the transport networks relied upon by communities and businesses. The initiative forms part of DP World’s broader commitment to supporting the people and communities underpinning global trade, with a focus on driver wellbeing, safer transport operations and more resilient supply chains across India.
GMR Aero Technic (GAT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with France-based UUDS Aero to develop advanced aircraft cabin interiors capabilities in India, with plans to establish an Integrated Cabin Excellence Centre at GAT’s Hyderabad facility. The partnership will bring together GMR Aero Technic’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure and operational capabilities with UUDS Aero’s expertise in cabin interior design, engineering, certification and production. The proposed centre will focus on a comprehensive range of services, spanning cabin design and modification to certification, repair, retrofit, refurbishment, manufacturing and installation. The collaboration aims to provide airlines and aircraft operators with integrated cabin interior solutions, while expanding the scope of specialised aviation services available through India’s growing MRO ecosystem. UUDS Aero brings European design and production credentials to the partnership, holding EASA Part 21J Design Organisation Approval (DOA) and Part 21G Production Organisation Approval (POA). Combined with GMR Aero Technic’s established MRO capabilities, these competencies are expected to support the development of end-to-end cabin solutions for customers in India and international markets. Ashok Gopinath, President and Accountable Manager, GMR Aero Technic, described the agreement as an important milestone in strengthening the company’s aircraft cabin interior capabilities. “The partnership would combine UUDS Aero’s design and certification expertise with GMR Aero Technic’s MRO strengths to deliver integrated cabin solutions across domestic and international markets,” he said. Ashane Gunaratne, Group Chief Technology Officer and Managing Director – Middle East, UUDS Aero, said the collaboration reflected the company’s long-term commitment to the Indian aviation market. “The complementary technical capabilities of both organisations across cabin design, engineering, certification, manufacturing and MRO, with a shared focus on innovation, stronger technical capabilities and sustainable growth,” he highlighted. The proposed Integrated Cabin Excellence Centre marks a step towards broadening GMR Aero Technic’s specialised service portfolio and deepening technical collaboration with an international aerospace partner. Its development is intended to strengthen the availability of integrated aircraft cabin interior capabilities in India, serving the evolving requirements of airlines and aircraft operators.
SAL (Saudi Logistics Services) has signed a conditional agreement to acquire 100% shares of Aviapartner Liège from Aviapartner Belgium NV and Aviapartner Holding NV, marking a strategic step in the Saudi logistics company’s international expansion ambitions. The proposed acquisition, valued at an enterprise value of EUR 28 million, will provide SAL with an operational foothold at Liège Airport, one of Europe’s key air cargo gateways. The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The move is expected to strengthen SAL’s cargo handling and logistics capabilities beyond the Kingdom while expanding connectivity across global trade corridors. By integrating Aviapartner Liège’s operations into its network, the company aims to enhance operational efficiency, deepen airline and customer partnerships, and reinforce its international logistics platform. Commenting on the development, Omar Hariri said the acquisition represents a strategic milestone in SAL’s global growth journey and reflects the company’s ambition to build an integrated logistics ecosystem aligned with Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030 objectives. The acquisition is also expected to support revenue diversification and operational integration while positioning SAL as an increasingly significant player in the international cargo and logistics landscape.
