Development Watch – Week #5 Oct’25

Development News

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US corn for Indian cars

US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil may have finally succeeded in weaning India off Russian crude oil, a trade the Trump administration has blamed repeatedly for financing Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. US sanctions may have pushed India away from Russian oil, but Washington now seeks access to India’s energy market, including LPG and potentially bioenergy, as a trade deal precondition. While India is willing to make some concessions, opening its bioenergy sector faces strong opposition from farmers who benefit from the current program. As a precondition for slashing its 50% import tax on the world’s most-populous nation, the White House may insist on access to its energy market. India’s state-owned refiners intend to buy more liquefied petroleum gas from the US at the expense of Middle Eastern suppliers. In order to secure a trade deal, New Delhi is also prepared to make US LPG purchases duty free. India blends 10 billion liters (2.6 billion gallons) of ethanol with gasoline annually — enough to absorb a hefty chunk of the corn grown in the Midwest. The majority of US bioethanol comes from corn.

NHAI builders to post updates on YouTube Channels

The road transport ministry has mandated NHAI and highway developers to launch YouTube channels for uploading project videos and seeking public feedback. This initiative aims to leverage citizen insights and ensure accountability, with plans to integrate video uploads into project contracts. Since builders already submit drone-shot videos during construction, uploading them for public access will not be an issue. Officials are to install hoardings with QR codes along highways, allowing commuters to scan and view details of contractors and officials in charge, including their contact information

Coastal economy a priority for 25 years

India will focus on the blue economy and sustainable coastal development for the next 25 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted plans for green logistics, port connectivity, and shipbuilding. Indian ports are now among the most efficient globally. Reduced turnaround and dwell times are making them more attractive for international shipping. India aims to strengthen global supply chain resilience. Reduced turnaround time and container dwell time have made Indian ports more attractive for global shipping lines. Large ships have been accorded infrastructure status, easing the availability of funds for the industry. In terms of enhancing efficiencies, the average container dwell time in India has reduced to less than three days, which is better than in several developed nations. He also highlighted that the average vessel turnaround time has dropped from ninety-six hours to just forty-eight hours.

Surat recycled 1,800 tonnes of firecracker waste

Surat Municipal Corporation is the cleanest city in the country, a perfect example of which was evident this Diwali. Around 600 tonnes of waste was generated daily in Surat during the three days of Diwali festivities, amounting to nearly 1,800 tonnes of firecracker waste. Despite the high volume, the city’s sanitation workers swiftly cleaned up roads and localities, maintaining Surat’s reputation as India’s cleanest city.

Della group to develop 412 acres townships

Della Group is launching five integrated townships across India. This marks their entry into an asset-light model, collaborating with landowners for development. The projects span 412 acres with a GDV of Rs 5,800 crore. Further alliances are in advanced talks for an additional Rs 14,000 crore portfolio. This strategy focuses on design and execution expertise. Five integrated townships spread over 412 acres across Pune, Goa, Nagpur and Raipur with a gross development value (GDV) of Rs 5,800 crore. The group will develop projects under its CDDMO model, covering conceptualization, design, development, marketing and operations, across multiple cities. Instead of the traditional, capital-heavy route of land acquisition, our asset-light framework allows us to focus on design excellence, innovation and speed of execution. Capital-light real estate development minimizes a developer’s capital investment by partnering with landowners or investors instead of buying land.

HAL + Russia to make passenger jets

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will produce Russian SJ-100 commercial jets in India. This collaboration aims to boost short-haul flight connectivity under the UDAN Scheme. HAL expects significant demand for these aircraft over the next decade. The company’s order book is substantial, primarily for defense aircraft. This move marks HAL’s re-entry into commercial jet manufacturing. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Moscow with Public Joint Stock Company-United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) for the production of civil commuter aircraft SJ-100, over 200 of which have already been produced in Russia.