Development Watch – Week #4 June’25

Development News

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Mandating use of pre-cast concrete for national highways

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has mandated the use of precast concrete elements for non-critical components in highway projects that exceed Rs. 300 Crores. Thi directive aims to reduce pollution and minimize delays. This also applies to new projects bid 90 days after the circular’s issue. Contractors must adhere to quality control and assurance protocols. This will follow Indian or International guidelines. Use of pre-cast concrete elements in built-up areas and urban municipal limits has several benefits such as reduced pollution. It will also minimize user time delay, etc.

Upcoming largest port to raise Rs. 30,000 Crore debt

The Vadhavan Port project is set to be India’s largest port. It plans to raise up to Rs. 300 billion in long-term debt. It will offer lenders a chance to invest in a key part of Prime Minister Modi’s infrastructure vision. Owned mainly by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority. Vadhavan Port Project is located few hours north of Mumbai. The owners of the port project are looking to raise debt with tenors in the range of 15-20 years. They are considering onshore and offshore markets to raise the funds. The process of raising debt will happen in 2 phases. The $9 billion port project will have the capacity to handle some 23 million container units. It will be one of the 10 largest ports in the world. Its natural depth of 20 metres would allow large ships to dock. India has proposed a Maritime Development Fund to support the sector through financial assistance via equity or debt securities.

Construction among 18 sectors to generate $2 Trillion in revenue

Urban construction, travel and tourism, auto components and renewables with storage systems are among 18 transformative sectors that could generate $1.7-2 trillion in revenues for India by 2030. In 2023, these sectors accounted for $690 billion un revenue. These sectors can contribute 30% of India’s incremental GDP by 2040. It will support the nation’s developed economy goal. Urban construction is projected to be the highest revenue0generating sector. By 2030, India is also set to become 4th largest manufacturer of EVs globally after China, Europe, and the US.

150% growth in wind capacity in 10 years

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs and Renewable Energy said that India has achieved 51.5 GW wind energy capacity. This is a 150% growth in a decade and is now exporting turbines, and components, globally. India is moving steadily towards the 100 GW wind target by 2030. This includes 30 GW from offshore projects, backed by strong policy reforms and a robust manufacturing ecosystem. India is the 4th largest wind power capacity in the world. It is the 3rd largest renewable energy producer. The government has approved Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for offshore wind energy projects at a total outlay of Rs. 7,453 Crores. Rs. 6,853 Crores are allocated for installation and commissioning of 1 GW of offshore wind energy projects.

DGCA surveillance at Mumbai and Delhi airports

DGCA initiated focused assessment of the aviation ecosystem, revealing critical safety lapses at major airport. Surveillance at Delhi and Mumbai uncovered recurring defects. Other problems included unserviceable equipment and procedural violations during aircraft maintenance. Other issues included faded runway markings, outdated aerodrome data and simulator discrepancies, prompting corrective actions from operators within seven days. The surveillance covered multiple critical areas like flight operations, airworthiness, ramp safety, air traffic control (ATC), communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) systems, and pre-flight medical evaluations.

Kolkata Metro using technology to reduce carbon emissions

Kolkata Metro Railway is implementing sustainable braking technology in new rakes to cut carbon emissions and save energy costs. The ‘Regenerative Braking’ system converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, saving approximately Rs. 8.2 Crores. It will also reduce carbon emissions by 13,500 tonnes in last fiscal year. The technology allows a train’s electric motors to operate in reverse like a generator during braking, leading to conversion of train’s kinetic energy back into electrical energy, rather than wasting in form of heating of wheels or brake shoes.

Odisha Vision with 105 projects worth Rs. 18,600 Crores

The Indian Prime Minister has launched 105 development projects worth over Rs. 18,600 Crores in Odisha. The PM unveiled the “Odisha Vision Document” to transform the state into a significant economy by 2047. The projects include drinking water, irrigation, health infrastructure, rural roads and bridges. He also inaugurated railway projects, flagged off 100 electric buses under Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system. He introduced the “Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana” to promote cultural tourism. It is an initiative to transform birthplaces of Odia icons into memorials, featuring museums, interpretation centres, statues and libraries. The PM also felicitated “Lakhpati Didis”. The Odisha Vision Document aims to transform the state into a $500 billion economy by 2036, and a trillion dollar economy by 2047.