Development Watch – Week #1 Sept’25
Development News
Delhi govt subsidies to EV owners
The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi government to promptly release electric vehicle subsidies. The court emphasized that procedural delays are unacceptable. It instructed the transport department to establish a dedicated bank account for subsidy disbursement. This action follows a PIL filed by Jan Seva Welfare Society. The PIL highlighted the non-payment of subsidies affecting EV buyers.
Coal India issues tenders for renewable power capacity
Coal India, facing a production dip of 3.5% in the initial five months of this fiscal year, is diversifying its energy portfolio. The state-run mining giant has issued tenders for 3 GW of solar and 2 GW of wind power projects. This move aims to boost revenue sources and expand its renewable energy capacity to 9.5 GW by 2030. Production by Coal India, which accounts for about three-quarters of the country’s coal output, fell 3.5% during the first five months of this fiscal year ending March 2026.
Round the clock RE supply in India
India excels among G20 nations in sustainability. India aims for 500 GW renewable energy by 2030, using Make in India products. The government urges startups to innovate in water harvesting and energy efficiency. He notes India’s resilient supply chains and commitment to sustainability. India is achieving renewable energy goals well ahead of schedule, with 50% renewable energy capacity already installed. Renewable power is now available in India at globally unmatched prices, around Rs. 4.60 to Rs. 5.00 per kWh for 24-hour clean energy supply.
GST relief to building materials
The GST Council’s decision to lower tax rates on essential construction materials like cement, marble, and granite is poised to benefit the real estate sector. This move is expected to reduce project costs for developers and homebuyers, potentially leading to increased housing affordability and accelerated project launches. At its 56th meeting, the government slashed the GST on cement, one of the most critical inputs for housing and infrastructure, from 28% to 18%.
RVNL-Texmaco JV to boost rail infrastructure
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and Texmaco Rail & Engineering Limited will form a joint venture. The aim is to develop India’s railway sector. A new company will be incorporated by November. The company will focus on railway projects in India and abroad. The total investment for the JV is Rs 200 crore. Following the signing of the JV agreement the immediate next step, working towards finalising the incorporation of the new company by completing the statutory formalities and regulatory approvals. RVNL, a Navratna central public sector enterprises under the railway ministry, and Texmaco, part of the Adventz Group and a leader in rail manufacturing, will jointly design, manufacture, and maintain freight wagons, passenger coaches, locomotives, metro coaches, and trainsets.
Road ministry seeks views on urban development along NHs
In a consultative meeting with all states and UTs on Wednesday the ministry of road transport and highways briefed the states on the upcoming Urban Decongestion Policy and the State Road Development Policy. The ministry elaborated on its initiatives like using of municipal waste in the construction of highway embankments and proposed amendments to the National Highways Act, 1956, to simplify land acquisition procedures.
Small town growth insulated from US tariffs
Indian firms focus on rural areas for growth amidst US tariff concerns. Rural consumption exceeds urban for six quarters. Low inflation and good harvests boost spending in villages. Companies like Britannia and Pidilite expand in smaller towns. Government tax cuts aim to protect the economy. Rural-focused stocks outperform, showing investor confidence. Archian Foods provides chill boxes to rural sellers. India’s gross domestic production in the three months through June expanded at the fastest pace in more than a year. Private consumption grew 7% on the back of strong rural demand and improvement in agriculture wages.
Local Feedback
LocalFeedback.org aims to track and document actionable parameters that help improve urban and rural infrastructure. The founder, Susmita, has juggled diverse roles in real estate, project budgeting, valuation and execution on construction sites. Having traveled to more than 20 countries, she has worked across 4 regions in India. Her areas of interest include sustainable buildings, electric mobility and urban development. She visited top-ranking cities on livability indices and has presented published papers at international conferences.