Development Watch – Week #2 July’25

Development News

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Noida airport to be ready by November 2025

Noida International Airport, facing previous delays, is now slated to commence operations in November. Its foundation stone was laid in November 2021. The project, overcoming past stagnation, is nearing completion with significant progress in runway, terminal, and infrastructure development. While crucial approvals are pending, the government has imposed fines for delays, aiming to establish Asia’s largest airport. According to officials of Noida International Airport Ltd, the concessionaire presented a phased timeline during a review meeting last month. Cargo and domestic operations were expected by September 15, and full international services beginning in November. The airport project still needs crucial approvals, including security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and an aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

MCD to install rooftop panels on 989 buildings

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is likely to install rooftop solar power plants on 989 municipal buildings. It is a bid to reduce dependency on conventional power sources and lower electricity costs. The project will be executed in collaboration with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC. Under the RESCO model, the executing agency bears the cost of installation, operation, and maintenance. It is reimbursed over time through a fixed tariff per unit of solar energy generated, as agreed upon in a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The civic body has estimated a potential of 10 to 15 megawatt (MW) solar capacity across the proposed buildings. However, this is subject to the outcome of a detailed investment-grade energy audit. At present, the MCD has installed a total of 574 solar photovoltaic (PV) plants on its buildings, with a cumulative capacity of 13.25 MWp.

Renewable Energy to lift 193 million from poverty

A UNDP study reveals that integrating renewable energy goals with development policies could lift 193 million out of poverty by 2060. It would unlock $20.4 trillion in savings. An ambitious scenario, combining renewables with investments in health, education, and water, could achieve universal access to electricity and clean cooking. Global leaders must embrace these strategies to balance development with environmental protection. The study, conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), University of Denver’s Pardee Institute and Octopus Energy, was set up to explore how time-bound renewable energy targets. The report simulated three scenarios to assess outcomes for emissions, economic growth, and social progress. the third and most ambitious scenario – where renewables are accelerated alongside investments in health, education, water and food systems – that yields the most transformative outcomes. In this pathway, universal access to electricity and clean cooking is achieved. 142 million people are saved from malnutrition, and 550 million more people gain access to clean water and sanitation.

EV owners to get a “Battery Passport”

India is set to roll out a “Battery Passport” system to give electric vehicle (EV) owners detailed digital information about the batteries in use. The system will digitally record each battery’s specifications. It includes its source, composition, performance, lifecycle, and supply chain, and embed this data in a QR code. NITI Aayog has started deliberations with ministries and govt departments on the proposed framework. once the battery passport system is implemented, it will be possible to ensure that cells in any battery are manufactured in the same year. Through it, users will get to know about the lifecycle and performance of batteries, which is key considering they account for nearly 40% of the costs of EVs. The initiative is expected to enhance safety and quality benchmarks while also boosting India’s EV export potential. Notably, the government is providing incentives to global EV manufacturers to establish production units in the country for exports. The system will also play a key role in the upcoming battery swapping policy, enabling users to retrieve battery details by scanning the QR code printed on them.

Rs. 10,000 Crore budget for Bihar rail infra

Railway Minister said Rs. 10,000 crore has been sanctioned in this year’s Union Budget for strengthening rail infrastructure in Bihar. Speaking at the bhoomi pujan ceremony for a new level crossing gate near Karpoori Gram railway station in Samastipur district, the minister also inaugurated several upgraded passenger amenities at the station. Karpoori Gram is the native village of socialist icon Karpoori Thakur who was conferred Bharat Ratna last year. Earlier in the day in Patna, the railway minister inspected passenger facilities at Digha Bridge halt station and gave necessary instructions to officials. In the past 11 years, over 34,000 km of new railway tracks have been laid, and 1,300 stations are being redeveloped as modern Amrit Bharat stations.

Vision for Green Mobility

Union Transport Minister has unveiled an ambitious plan to overhaul India’s transport infrastructure with a strong emphasis on sustainable and high-tech mobility solutions. The Minister highlighted upcoming initiatives such as electric rapid mass transit, hyperloop corridors in urban areas, and ropeway and cable-car systems in remote regions. On the national road network, Transport Minister reiterated the target of constructing 100 km of highways daily and upgrading 25,000 km of two-lane roads to four lanes. National highways have increased from 91,287 km in 2013–14 to 1,46,204 km as of now, while high-speed corridors have expanded from 93 km in 2014 to 2,474 km. To enhance safety and efficiency, the ministry is introducing AI-based monitoring, precast construction methods, and 3-ft-high road barriers. A proposal to plant 20–25 crore trees along highways is also under review, with a “tree bank” plan currently being considered by the environment ministry. pilot projects like Metrino pod taxis, hyperloop transport, and elevated pillar-based networks are being planned for cities such as Delhi and Bengaluru.

Kaladan project between India and Myanmar

Union Minister of Shipping said that the ambitious Kaladan project between India and Myanmar is aimed at reducing the Northeast’s distance from the rest of the country. It will be operational by 2027. Distance between Aizawl and Kolkata will be shortened by 700 km once the project is ready. The Sittwe port (in Myanmar) is ready. Now work is going on to develop the road connectivity to Aizawl. The entire Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project will be operational by 2027. The Ministry of ports, shipping and waterways is investing Rs 1,000 crore in developing the waterways of the project. The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport project was jointly identified by the two countries to create a multi-modal mode of transport for the shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar, as well as to the Northeast, through the southeast Asian country.