Development Watch – Week #3 Oct’25
Development News
National Building Codes limit EV charging
India’s target of increasing the share of electric vehicles (EVs) to 30% by 2030 may face hindrances. Proposed amendments to the National Building Code (NBC) include restrictions on parking and charging of electric and hybrid vehicles at basement levels of residential and commercial complexes, citing fire safety concerns. Draft provisions permit EV charging only at the ground level or, if allowed, within the first basement and that too in compartmentalised spaces not exceeding 200 square metres. India’s EV market has grown rapidly in recent years, with annual sales increasing to more than 2 million units in 2024 from 50,000 units in 2016. The country now accounts for 5.45 million EVs—around 9% of the global total. Nonetheless, the share of EVs in total vehicles in the country remains modest at 7.66%, well below the global average of 16.5%.
High Rise rules for fast redevelopment in Mumbai
Mumbai’s high-rise approval norms have been eased for buildings up to 180 meters, shifting oversight to the civic administration. This change aims to streamline approvals and accelerate urban renewal, with developers now needing expert certification for structural and geotechnical designs. Taller structures and those with specific slenderness ratios will still undergo multi-agency review. The Municipal Commissioner can now approve projects up to 180 metres in height without referring them to the High-Rise Committee, provided the plot size is 2,000 sq m or more. Developers must submit structural and geotechnical designs certified by two qualified experts from recognised institutions such as IIT Bombay, VJTI or Sardar Patel College of Engineering.
US trade talks and GM crops
India is reconsidering its long-standing ban on genetically modified food crops. This shift could open doors for agricultural trade with the United States. A Supreme Court ruling on GM rapeseed is anticipated. Proponents believe this technology can boost farm productivity and reduce import reliance. Opposition from farmer groups remains a significant factor. Among the pivotal moments due over the coming months is a Supreme Court ruling on the future of a locally developed rapeseed, engineered to produce more oil and to resist certain pests. The case stalled after a two-judge bench delivered conflicting opinions last year, requiring a three-judge bench to resolve the matter.
More than 17,000 solar plants installed in Delhi
Rooftop solar adoption in Delhi is accelerating under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna, with over 17,000 plants installed. The scheme offers significant subsidies and incentives, leading to reduced electricity bills and emissions for residents. Discoms are actively promoting solar installations through various outreach programs. Under this scheme, the Delhi government is providing a capital subsidy of Rs 30,000 for solar plants up to 3 KW capacity. The banks offer loans for solar panel installation at the rates of 6.50-7 per cent. If someone installs a solar rooftop plant up to 3 KW, they will receive a total subsidy of Rs 1.08 lakh, Rs 78,000 from the Centre and Rs 30,000 from the Delhi government. BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) have energised 11,100 solar rooftop connections, including individuals, educational institutions, industries and commercial consumers till September 2025.
Solid waste to be used for road construction
Union Minister for Road Transport announced that all solid waste will be utilized for road construction by the end of 2027, with 80 lakh tons already segregated. He also projected India’s automobile industry to become the world’s largest within five years, driven by alternative fuels and EVs. Ethanol production from corn has already boosted farmer income by Rs 45,000 crore.
New transport authority to fix infrastructure flaws
India plans to set up a federal Transport Planning Authority to coordinate infrastructure projects and curb wasteful spending. Despite ongoing investments in India’s highways, airports, rail lines and ports, departments have operated in silos, resulting in disconnected systems. The new body, which will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office, will oversee development across aviation, highways, shipping, rail and urban planning, aligning various ministries to improve project viability and avoid delays, said the people who asked not to be identified citing rules. The Cabinet clearance for the proposal may take three to six months. The new body, drawing inspiration from countries like South Korea and the UK that rely on transport authorities — Seoul’s Metropolitan Transport Commission and London’s Transport for London — to align projects, cut duplication and match infrastructure to actual demand.
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.