Development Watch – July ’22 Week #2

Development News

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E-Auto Service by Delhi Metro

The first batch of 50 e-autos will be launched from Dwarka Sector-9 station in New Delhi. A total of 136 such autos will serve the sub-city. This will boost last mile connectivity for metro commuters. Another 663 e-autos would gradually be rolled out in different areas later. DMRC chief Mr. Vikas Kumar said that running the present DMRC feeder buses in inner areas is less viable due to under-utilization. For e-autos, charging points and other arrangements are being made at the station.

Zoho Offices in 100 Rural districts to tap Local Talent

Zoho Corporation plans to emulate Tenkasi district model in Tamil Nadu and transform 100 rural districts across India, by setting up offices. The potential 1,000-2,000 jobs will transform the entire district. Tenkasi office opened in 2011 with 6 employees. It now has 500 people working out of the location. Incomes rose over 50-60% over a seven year period. It also helped in rural development such as schools, shopping malls, movie theatres and establishment of new highways. Contrary to popular belief, it is easy to find talent in rural areas, as soon as job requisition is put up.

Logistics sector to see up to 9% rise in revenues

Accelerated pace of business activities and lower post-lockdown restrictions have aided faster revenue recovery in FY22. The growth momentum is likely to continue with an estimated 7-9% uptick in top line in FY-23 as well. Operating profitability of the logistics sector is supported by pricing premia mainly due to rise in fuel prices. Margins however will continue to depend on overall consumer demand, diesel prices and the competitive intensity. Demand from varied segments like e-commerce, FMCG, retail, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and industrial goods, especially post GST and e-way bill implementation, will continue to drive revenue growth in the medium term.

New Coastal routes for moving coal produced in Eastern India

As per shipping ministry officials, certain coastal routes have been proposed to ease the congestion on railway lines and rake shortages during peak demand seasons. The central government is evaluating alternative routes for moving coal produced in eastern India. These are primarily from the fields of South Eastern Coalfields Ltd. (SECL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL). The discussions on rationalizing the coal movement have been taking place over the last 2 weeks.

9 Water aerodromes planned in Karnataka

The Karnataka state govt has identified Kali river, Byndur, Malpe, Mangaluru, Tungabhadra, KRS, Linganamakki, Almatti and Hidkal reservoirs as potential areas. These new water aerodromes will establish better connectivity and promote tourism at the said places. The infrastructure can be developed at a small cost, as per the government.

10-Lakh potential jobs in India’s Renewable Energy Sector

By 2030, 10 lakh individuals can be employed by the renewable energy sector in India. This would be approximately 10 times more than the existing workforce of 1.1 lakh employed currently. More than 90% of the RE projects have come up in rural areas. This has resulted in development of the rural economy. Mr. Pradip Das, IREDA Chairman & MD, said that e-mobility, green hydrogen, and offshore wind would be game changers in the clean energy transition in India for the next 5-7 years.

Electric Highway Planned between Delhi and Mumbai

The government is planning to construct an electric highway between Delhi and Mumbai. An electric highway refers to a road which supplies power to vehicles travelling on it, including through overhead power lines. A trolleybus is an electric bus that draws power from overhead wires.