Category: Business

Mumbai, India Apr 03:  The Indian real estate landscape is undergoing a monumental structural shift, transitioning from traditional family-funded models to a globally integrated, institutionalized asset class. This was the central theme at EXCELERATE 2026, a premier international conclave organized by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen in Mumbai. 

The event brought together over 750 delegates, including global investors, policymakers, and industry titans, to deliberate on the rapid evolution of the sector driven by urbanization, regulatory transparency, and innovative financing vehicles like REITs and Small & Medium REITs (SM REITs). 

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman Emeritus of NAREDCO Maharashtra, “India’s real estate sector is at an inflection point, with urbanization set to rise from 35% to nearly 50% by 2047, fundamentally reshaping demand and development patterns. The industry has already transitioned from reliance on family funding to more institutionalized capital through private equity and REITs and is steadily evolving into a global asset class. However, persistent challenges around land availability, pricing and financing need to be addressed,” he said. 

He further emphasised that ESG considerations, transparency, and compliance will be critical, adding that the sector must evolve from constructing buildings to developing integrated platforms and asset classes. Emerging segments such as senior living, warehousing, and asset management platforms are expected to drive the next growth cycle, with infrastructure acting as the key catalyst. 

Mr Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra, said, “India’s real estate sector is experiencing strong growth driven by a decade of reforms, including the RERA, GST rationalization and supportive RBI policies, which have improved transparency, governance and investor confidence. These changes have led to record property sales and a steady rise in institutional investment.” 

Mr Vikas Jain, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, said, “India’s real estate sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Investor confidence, both domestic and international, is at an all-time high. The platforms like ‘EXCELERATE 2026’ play a critical role in bringing together global and domestic stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore capital partnerships and accelerate the next phase of growth for Indian real estate. The avenues like investments from the family offices and private equity have found new dimensions and asset classes in the sector in the form of branded residences, REITs and INVITs.” 

The Panel discussion on ‘Family Offices – The Emerging Capital Pool for Indian Real Estate’ observed that the family offices were increasingly pivoting toward branded residences and hospitality assets as ‘core holdings’ to ensure long-term wealth preservation and generational legacy. Despite complex legal structuring and regulatory hurdles like RERA, the strategic alignment of premium lifestyle services with tangible real estate assets offered superior capital appreciation and a prestigious, liquid investment. 

In the session “REITs and Invits Unlocking Institutional & Retail Capital”, the panellists focused on how India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market was witnessing robust growth, emerging as a compelling investment alternative not only domestically; but also, against its Asian peers. 

On the sidelines, a Report by ANAROCK titled ‘India REITS: Taking a Stride – Building Momentum with Scale & Performance’, was launched wherein it was observed that the real estate sector was rapidly evolving into a mature and high-performing asset class driven by strong fundamentals, regulatory support and increasing investor confidence. The report further stated that the introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 further enabled real estate investment, facilitating retail participation through fractional ownership model and expected to unlock a monetisation opportunity of Rs 67,000 to Rs 71,000 crore. 

The Panel on ‘Sustainability in Real Estate – Finance, Incentives & ROI’, emphasized on the financial implications of green development and the necessity of measurable returns on sustainable investments and also explored the growth of data centres, mixed-use developments, and organized rental housing. 

The event also featured a special session, “Legacy Builders of Indian Real Estate,” celebrating first-generation entrepreneurs who laid the foundation for the industry. This session was preceded by addresses from Ashok Mohanani (Advisory Committee), Sandeep Runwal (Vice Chairman, NAREDCO Maharashtra) and Rajan Bandelkar (Former Vice Chairman, NAREDCO India). 

The event included special addresses by Mr Rajan Bandelkar, Former Vice Chairman, NAREDCO India, Mr Kamlesh Thakur, Vice President, NAREDCO Maharashtra and other dignitaries. 

EXCELERATE 2026 concluded that with rising household incomes and deeper global integration, India is well-positioned for a decade of sustained expansion. The shift toward transparency bolstered by RERA and GST has ensured that foreign capital now accounts for more than half of institutional investments in the sector.

fäm Properties analysis shows transactions rose 23.4% YoY in value, 5.5% in volume to 47,996 deals as off-plan growth continued in March

 

Dubai, UAE, 3^rd April, 2026: The Dubai real estate market recorded 47,996 sales transactions worth AED176.7 billion in Q1 2026, a 5.5% year-on-year increase in volume and a 23.4% rise in value, as the property sector showed strong resilience in March.

 

A market report issued by fäm Properties today reveals that the off-plan segment dominated in Q1, accounting for 70% of sales transaction volume and 71% of total value, reflecting Dubai’s ongoing pipeline of new launches from major developers.

Data from DXBinteract showed that the off-plan market remained strong in March, with 10,303 sales transactions amounting to AED31.2 billion, representing YoY increases of 5.4% in volume and 8.9% in value.

“The market continues to show clear resilience even against a backdrop of regional uncertainty,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties. “The investor confidence we’re seeing now is built on strong fundamentals, transparency and long-term growth drivers that remain firmly in place.”

Apartments led the way in Q1, with 36,428 sales transactions worth AED75.2 billion, a 10.5% increase in value. Villa sales transactions were up 17.9% in volume YoY to 8,261 deals amounting to AED59.1 billion, while commercial sales transactions, including offices and shops, soared by 69.1% to AED10.2 billion in value, despite a marginal 0.6% fall in volume to 2,048.

Meanwhile, sales transactions for plots rose 3.2% in volume YoY to 1,193, and by 14.3% in value to AED31.9 billion. The volume of Q1 mortgage transactions increased by 7.5% to 11,829.

In the primary market, the median price for villas climbed 35.3% YoY to AED4.1 million, while off-plan apartments were up by 3.1% YoY to AED1.4 million. Meanwhile, plots fell 23.6%, likely reflecting a shift in buyer preferences towards ready property.

A similar trend was seen in the resale market, where median prices for villas climbed 16.2% to AED4.3 million over 2025, and are now 35.1% above 2014 levels. Apartment resale prices rose 6.3% YoY to AED4.3 million, while plot resale prices dropped by 38.3% to AED4.8 million.

Mortgage transactions totalled 11,829 in Q1, up 7.5% year-on-year, with an overall value of AED59.8 billion, a 46% increase. In the resale segment, cash transactions accounted for 67% of activity, compared to 33% for mortgage-backed purchases.

The most expensive properties sold during Q1 went for AED 422 million at Aman Residences Tower 2, while the most expensive villa was sold for AED350 million at Jumeirah First. Led by Al Barsha South Fourth, the highest transaction volumes were concentrated in emerging communities attracting buyers with competitive pricing and new off-plan launches. 

Top 5 Performing Areas by Volume in Q1

Area	Transactions	Value AED
Al Barsha South Fourth	3,162	4.0B
Dubai South	2,889	5.4B
Al Yelayiss 1	2,885	12.9B
Wadi Al Safa 5	2,694	4.5B
Wadi Al Safa 3	2,273	5.3B

 

Apartment Average Prices in Top 5 Areas

Area	Avg. Price	Price/sqft
Dubai Creek Harbour	2,940,888	2,559
Dubai Islands	2,677,091	2,782
Business Bay	2,265,000	2,595
Nad Al Sheba First	1,405,000	3,567
Dubai South	1,290,000	1,533

 

Villa Average Prices in Top 5 Areas

Area	Avg. Price	Price/sqft
Me’Aisem Second	15,831,888	1,784
Me’Aisem First	12,213,000	2,016
Al Yelayiss 5	7,890,888	1,482
Nad Al Sheba First	6,906,000	2,301
Dubai South	4,250,000	1,327

 

Best Selling Projects in Q1 2026 

Primary Market Apartments

 

Project	Volume	Value	Median Price
Binghatti Vintage	539	412.4M	699.0K
Maybach 6 – Tower B	403	689.6M	1.4M
Sierra By Iman	338	483.2M	1.3M
Binghatti Cullinan	326	393.0M	880.0K
Samana Boulevard Heights	281	250.6M	757.8K

 

Primary Market Villas

Project	Volume	Value	Median Price
DAMAC Islands 2 – Bahamas 2	376	1.2B	2.8M
DAMAC Islands 2 – Cuba	371	1.2B	2.9M
DAMAC Islands 2 – Bahamas 1	357	1.2B	2.9M
DAMAC Islands 2 – Tahiti 2	331	1.1B	2.9M
DAMAC Islands 2 – Bermuda	323	1.0B	2.9M

 

Resale Apartments 

Project	Volume	Value	Median Price
Peninsula Four	62	151.7M	2.2M
The Holland Gardens	54	81.1M	1.5M
Peninsula Three	48	87.9M	1.8M
Ashjar	47	94.8M	2.0M
The Neighbourhood C1	46	92.8M	1.9M

 

Resale Villas 

Project	Volume	Value	Median Price
Rukan 3	46	65.4M	1.2M
Jumeirah Village Triangle	41	203.2M	5.0M
The Valley-Nara	36	111.8M	2.9M
The Valley-Orania	34	103.1M	2.8M
Aura	33	176.5M	5.2M

 

 

ndia’s experience in agricultural technology could help Southeast Asia tap into a $90 billion growth opportunity in the AgriTech sector by 2033. The region, home to a large farming population, stands to benefit significantly from digital innovations that improve productivity, market access, and value chain efficiency.

Agriculture remains a backbone of Southeast Asia’s economy, yet many countries still rely on traditional farming practices and face fragmented supply chains. Experts say that wider adoption of AgriTech solutions—such as digital marketplaces, precision farming tools, agri-finance platforms, and crop innovation technologies—can transform the sector and drive both economic and social benefits.

India’s journey in fostering a supportive ecosystem for AgriTech startups offers a practical blueprint for Southeast Asian nations. From creating digital infrastructure for farmers to enabling specialized financing and innovative value chains, India’s approach demonstrates how technology can empower farmers while boosting rural economies.

The study highlights several areas with strong growth potential, including digital platforms connecting producers to markets, agri-fintech solutions providing easier access to credit, life sciences innovations to enhance crop yields, and sustainable consumer brands aligned with changing consumption patterns.

Realizing this potential could not only increase agricultural productivity and farmer incomes but also strengthen rural livelihoods, modernize food systems, and reinforce Southeast Asia’s position in global AgriTech innovation.

The Indian government is set to roll out a range of measures to support exporters affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Rising freight costs, higher insurance premiums, and logistical challenges have disrupted trade, prompting authorities to step in to ensure the country’s export sector remains robust.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the initiatives aim to reduce the burden on exporters while maintaining India’s competitiveness in global markets. Planned support includes financial assistance to offset rising shipping and logistics costs, along with expanded insurance coverage to help businesses manage risk in uncertain times.

The Gulf region conflict has disrupted shipping routes, making deliveries more expensive and unpredictable. Exporters, particularly those serving Middle Eastern markets, have faced delays and higher operational costs. The government’s measures seek to stabilize the sector and reinforce confidence among businesses navigating this volatile environment.

Officials emphasized that these steps will not only ease immediate challenges but also help sustain export volumes and secure employment in export-oriented industries. By strengthening the export ecosystem, India aims to safeguard its position in global trade and ensure continued growth despite geopolitical uncertainties.

NMDC Limited, India’s largest state-run iron ore producer, has achieved a historic milestone by producing a record 53 million tonnes (MT) of iron ore in the 2025-26 fiscal year, becoming the first mining company in the country to surpass the 50 MT mark. This represents a significant increase over the previous year and reflects strong operational efficiency across its mining sites.

Driving Growth in Steel and Infrastructure

Iron ore is a key raw material for steel production, which fuels construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. NMDC’s record output ensures a steady supply for domestic steelmakers, helping to stabilize costs and meet the growing demand for steel across the country. This supports India’s ongoing urban development and infrastructure expansion.

Reliable iron ore supply also enables steel producers to fulfill orders for housing, transportation, and industrial projects, creating jobs and stimulating investment throughout the value chain.

Strengthening Economic Resilience

By increasing domestic production, NMDC reduces reliance on imported minerals, enhancing supply security and contributing to stable commodity markets. The company’s expansion plans aim to further increase output in the coming years, potentially exceeding 100 MT by the end of the decade, which would strengthen both the mining and downstream industrial sectors.

Looking Ahead

NMDC’s record production is not just a company achievement—it is a significant step for India’s economy. By securing raw materials for key industries, supporting infrastructure development, and fostering job creation, this milestone demonstrates how robust resource management can drive national growth and industrial self-reliance.

Kishangarh : Walk into a home that has lived with marble for a decade, and the difference is immediate.
Not in how it looks at first glance, but in how it feels.

The surface is no longer just installed. It has settled into the rhythm of the space. Certain areas appear softer, almost quieter. Corners that see more movement carry a faint polish that no factory finish can replicate. The material has not remained unchanged. It has responded.

Marble, unlike most contemporary surfaces, does not resist time. It absorbs it.

At Tilak Marbles, this understanding begins long before the material enters a home. Each marble block is assessed not only for its present appearance, but for how it will behave years later. Subtle differences in density, structure, and mineral composition determine whether a surface will age harshly or gracefully.

“Marble is not a static material. It changes with the space and the people who use it. That is where its true beauty lies,” says Mr. Praveen Gangwal.

What is often misunderstood as ageing is, in reality, a form of quiet transformation.

In high-use areas, the change is most visible. A living room floor begins to mirror movement. Pathways emerge not through design, but through use. The finish softens slightly under repeated contact. Light reflects differently across the same surface as the day progresses. None of this is damage. It is an accumulation.

This is precisely why materials like the Pigus White collection hold particular relevance in contemporary homes. With its restrained veining and calm tonality, Pigus White does not exaggerate change. Instead, it absorbs it evenly, allowing the space to evolve without visual disruption.

There is a composure to such surfaces. Even as they are used daily, they retain clarity.

“People often expect marble to look untouched forever. But the real value lies in how it continues to look right, even as it changes,” says Mr. Praveen Gangwal.

This shift in perspective is becoming more visible in how architects and designers approach material selection. The focus is no longer on preserving a flawless finish, but on choosing materials that remain relevant over time.

In this context, perfection becomes less important than continuity.

The role of selection becomes critical here. The way a block is chosen directly influences how the marble will perform in the years to come. Variations that may seem minor at the beginning often define whether the material will age with balance or with contrast. At Tilak Marbles, this process is guided by decades of on-ground experience in Kishangarh, where understanding marble goes beyond appearance and into behaviour.

Because in the end, longevity is not about keeping a surface unchanged.
It is about allowing it to evolve without losing its sense of place.

And that is where marble, quietly and consistently, proves its worth.

INDIANAPOLIS — An internationally recognized supportive oncology expert has joined the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Christian “Chris” Nelson, PhD, a clinical psychologist, has been named the director of the Walther Center for Supportive Oncology at the cancer center, effective April 1. He will also be the Walther Senior Professor in Supportive Oncology and professor of psychiatry and medicine at IU School of Medicine. In addition, he’ll serve as chief resilience officer at the cancer center.
As Walther Center director, Nelson plans to build a national example of compassionate, research-based supportive care for people with cancer. He explained that the Walther Center’s focus areas, which will work together and often overlap, are:

“Supportive oncology is anything that’s not direct cancer treatment,” Nelson said. “It’s essentially organizing those three buckets — palliative care, psycho-oncology, and integrative medicine — to help patients.”

He pointed out that palliative care, which is often thought of as end-of-life care, is about helping treat symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and sleep disorders. Research shows that the sooner palliative care is introduced, the better the outcome for the patient, according to Nelson. 

During his career, Nelson has specialized in improving the quality of life of patients treated for genitourinary malignancies and older adults with cancer. His research focuses on the impact of cancer on quality of life in prostate and geriatric cancer patients, and the development of new talk therapies for these patients. His research also includes sexual dysfunction after treatments, cognitive effects of hormonal therapy in prostate cancer patients, and emotional well-being in Black men with prostate cancer.

Nelson was most recently the chief of the psychiatry service and attending psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He was also a professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. 

As a researcher, his work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, and he has launched independent research programs in male sexual medicine in prostate cancer and in the psycho-oncology of aging and cancer. He has published more than 180 research articles.  

He earned his bachelor’s degree in speech communication from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree from the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. He earned a master’s and doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Long Island University.  

“Dr. Nelson brings tremendous supportive oncology experience to IU,” Kelvin Lee, MD, director of the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, said. “Under his leadership, the Walther Center will help patients and their families and transform how we approach supportive oncology by uniting research and clinical care.” 

The Walther Center for Supportive Oncology stems from a transformative $14 million gift from the Walther Cancer Foundation to IU in 2018. It encompasses both research and clinical care. Cancer center investigators Shelley Johns, PsyD, ABPP, and Sheri Robb, PhD, previously named Walther Scholar in Psycho-Oncology and Walther Professor of Supportive Oncology, respectively, bring research expertise that includes improving the physical health and psychological well-being of adults with cancer as well as the impact of music therapy on children and adolescents with cancer. Tarah Ballinger, MD, the Vera Bradley Foundation Scholar in Breast Cancer Research at IU School of Medicine and a cancer center physician-scientist, is the medical director of the Walther Center. The clinical component was developed in partnership with IU Health. As such, Dr. Nelson’s recruitment was additionally supported in 2025 by a $2.25 million gift from Walther Cancer Foundation to the IU Health Foundation that was matched by IU Health.  

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Nelson to his new leadership role at the Walther Center,” said Thomas W. Grein, president and CEO of the Walther Cancer Foundation, Inc. “He brings a clear and compelling vision for the center — one that we share and fully support.” 

Mumbai,  April  3 : India’s trade directions, including merchandise exports and imports, remain steady despite steep tariff challenges and escalating geopolitical conflicts in the last financial year 2025-26 (April-February), states the industry body ASSOCHAM in a press statement released here today.

The last financial year, 2025-26, was an extremely challenging year for India’s trade trajectory, and we have demonstrated our resilience in a significant way, said Mr Nirmal Kumar Minda, President, ASSOCHAM.

India’s top ten trade partners showed no significant change in their composition compared to 2024-25. 

Our top export destination, the USA, surprisingly remained in the same position and share from April to February 2026 compared to FY 2025-26, while the UAE, China, the Netherlands, and the UK maintained their places in the top five.

Furthermore, the trade trend indicates an increase in exports to the USA in April-February 2026 ($79.3 billion) compared to the same period last year, which was $76.3 billion.

Apart from Hong Kong at tenth position (replacing Australia), there are no other changes in India’s top export destinations for April-February 2026 compared to the previous year.

India’s Trade Resilience so far

Indicators	2024-25 (Apr-Mar)	2025-26 (Apr-Feb)	Remarks
Top Export Destination	USA (20%)	USA (20%)	Remain Same
Top 10 Export Destination	USA, UAE, Netherlands, UK, China, Singapore, Saudi Arab, Bangladesh, Germany, Australia	USA, UAE, China, Netherlands, UK, Germany, Saudi Arab, Bangladesh, Singapore, Hong Kong	Hongkong entered in top 10 from 19th position in 2024-25
Top Import Source	China (16%)	China (17%)	Up by 1%
Top 10 Import Source	China, Russia, UAE, USA, Saudi Arab, Iraq, Indonesia, Switzerland, Singapore, Korea	China, UAE, Russia, USA, Saudi Arab, Iraq, Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan	Entry of Hong Kong and Japan in top 10 from 11th and 13th position in 2024-25.

Source: ASSOCHAM Global Research

China remained India’s top source country for imports, surpassing last year’s figures during the 11-month period of fiscal 2025-26. Additionally, the top ten source countries remained the same, except that Hong Kong and Japan replaced Indonesia and Korea.

This supply chain trajectory reflects India’s strong resilience, supported by the government’s trade facilitation measures and our traders’ efforts to mitigate the worst impacts and turn adversities into opportunities, said the industry body ASSOCHAM.

We are confident that India’s export resilience will grow stronger with the support of recent policy actions and reforms, such as the RoDTEP scheme extension until 30th September 2026, approval of the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) Scheme for plug-and-play industrial parks, and the extension of the Export Obligation (EO) period for specific Advance Authorisations and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Authorisations until 31 August 2026, among others.

We believe that India’s total merchandise exports will be between USD 440 billion and USD 450 billion for 2025-26, compared with USD 437 billion in 2024-25.

Going forward, we expect our exports to grow this financial year strongly, supported by the resilience we built last year and our strategic diversification into key alternative markets.

DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong will mark the company’s entry into the scenic hill station of Shillong, Meghalaya representing a prestigious addition into the Northeastern state of India.

 

Shillong, Apr 3: Atmosphere Core and Shri Rocky Dhar join hands to launch a boutique hotel – DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong in Meghalaya.

Atmosphere Core, a leading name in global hospitality, is pleased to announce its strategic collaboration with Shri Rocky Dhar to launch an upper up-scale boutique hotel in the picturesque northeastern hill station of Shillong, Meghalaya. Slated to open in 2027, DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong will be ideally located in the Meghalaya’s capital city, only an hour from Shillong Airport and right beside the prestigious 18-hole Golf Link Arena.

Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Atmosphere Core stated, “As part of our dynamic expansion across India, a key focus is our approach towards developing premium experiences in hill station destinations particularly in the beautiful northeastern region. This upcoming boutique property at Shillong, Meghalaya is being thoughtfully designed to cater to a diverse range of travellers—from leisure seekers and corporate guests to curated events and social get-togethers”.

Operating under the distinguished Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand, the property will feature 75 keys of upper up-scale accommodation, including deluxe rooms, suites, and presidential suites. Panoramic views of the Golf Course, mountain valleys, surrounding greenery and stunning city views will create a serene and immersive ambience.

DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong promises an exceptional culinary journey. Guests will enjoy a vibrant all-day dining venue with outdoor seating, a themed sports pub, and a specialty roof top Resto bar celebrating local and multi-cuisine flavours, while serving best of the spirits and wine from across the globe. The wellness offerings will be anchored by the award-winning ELE|NA Ayur spa, offering tranquil therapy rooms with experienced therapists—the perfect setting for rejuvenation and peace. Additional facilities will include a main swimming pool with an outdoor deck overlooking the golf course, a golf simulation pavilion, a kids’ play area, and an indoor games room.

At an elevation of 1,496 metres, Shillong seamlessly blends colonial charm with natural splendour. Ward’s Lake offers serene boating amid gardens, while Elephant Falls’ cascading tiers and Shillong Peak’s panoramic views thrill visitors. Umiam Lake sparkles for watersports, and the Don Bosco Museum unveils Khasi tribal heritage through artifacts and exhibits. As India’s “Rock Capital,” Shillong vibrates with live music at cafes and festivals like the Shillong Autumn Festival, featuring folk dances and local cuisine. Formerly Assam’s capital until 1972, it beckons eco-tourists to caves, waterfalls, and reserves year-round. Shillong’s harmonious mix of history, adventure, and melody invites discovery of Meghalaya’s soul.

Speaking on this latest venture destination, Mr. Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director Atmosphere Core India, Bhutan, Nepal & Sri Lanka, added, “The Northeastern state’s hill stations have always been central to our vision of creating iconic luxury experiences. Shillong the capital city of Meghalaya, with its awe-inspiring cultural heritage backdrop and timeless appeal, is a natural choice for our expansion. As plans to enter this extraordinary destination unfold, I am confident that this collaboration will redefine hospitality in the region”.

Shri Rocky Dhar, owner of DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere, concluded, “Atmosphere Core’s distinguished legacy of excellence aligns perfectly with our vision to unveil a transcendent world-class hotel in Shillong. With our vision and focused approach, we are committed to manifesting inspiring, bespoke hotels and resorts that embody the pinnacle of sophistication. This illustrious partnership will not only elevate Shillong’s hospitality landscape but will also set an unrivalled benchmark for elegance and impeccable service in this breathtaking and scenic Northeastern state of India.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 3, 2026) – Master’s Transportation™, a leading provider of commercial buses and vans, has been ranked No. 66 in the sixth annual Inc. Regionals: Midwest list – the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the Midwest. The region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. 

An extension of the national Inc. 5000 list, the Inc. Regionals ranking measures revenue and employee growth over a two-year period, making it one of the most credible benchmarks of sustained business performance in the country. Master’s Transportation earned its placement based on significant growth across its 12 locations nationwide, where the company employs 250 team members and serves customers across multiple commercial vehicle segments.

“Being named to the Inc. Regionals: Midwest list is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of every single person on our team,” said John Goodbrake, CEO, Master’s Transportation. “This recognition validates what we have been building for years, a company with the infrastructure, the talent, and the drive to grow without losing sight of what matters most, which is moving our customers and our people forward.”

Master’s Transportation’s growth is fueled by a business model that spans commercial shuttle buses and vans, school buses, multi-functional school activity buses, motor coaches, and used commercial buses. The company also operates seven service departments and a centralized parts department, giving it the capacity to serve customers nationwide. Its continued investment in people, facilities, and fleet has positioned it as one of the most comprehensive commercial vehicle providers in the Midwest.

“Landing on this list is significant because it reflects the trust our customers place in us and the commitment our team brings every single day,” said Rita Luukkonen, General Counsel at Master’s Transportation. “It is a reminder that when you invest in people and stay committed to your mission, the results speak for themselves.”

The 2026 Inc. Regionals recognition adds to a growing list of achievements for Master’s Transportation, which has earned multiple regional and national honors in recent years. The company continues to invest in its workforce and infrastructure, with plans to triple its team as it expands its footprint. As one of the few commercial vehicle companies operating at this scale in the Midwest, Master’s Transportation remains committed to creating opportunities for its employees and delivering reliable transportation solutions.

“The honorees on this year’s Inc. Regionals list achieved exceptional growth at a time when the odds were against them. Amid inflation, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing economic uncertainty, they didn’t just persevere – they innovated, adapted, and thrived. Their resilience made them standouts in their industries and true growth engines in their regions,” said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc.

Between 2022 and 2024, the 144 private companies listed for this year’s Inc. Regionals: Midwest had a median growth rate of 69 percent; by 2024, they’d also added 8,171 jobs and $5.2 billion to the region’s economy. Complete results of the Inc. Regionals: Midwest, including company profiles and an interactive database sortable by industry and metro area, visit: https://www.inc.com/regionals/midwest.