Development Watch – Week #2 Jan’26

Development News

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Tata Power solaroof attains 1 GWp capacity

Tata Power Solaroof has achieved a significant milestone, installing 1 GWp of rooftop solar capacity in the first nine months of FY26. This impressive growth, with over 1.7 lakh new customers, marks a 345% year-on-year increase in installations. The company’s ‘Ghar Ghar Solar’ campaign is driving widespread adoption across residential and C&I segments. According to the statement, Tata Power Solaroof rooftop solar solutions provider and a division of Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Ltd (Tata Power), has achieved a significant milestone of 1 GWp installed rooftop solar capacity within the first nine months of FY26, spanning residential as well as commercial & industrial (C&I) segments.

India’s Data Centre capacity to reach 1.7 GW

India’s data centre market is likely to add 220 MW in 2026, taking total installed capacity to approximately 1.7 GW by year-end. According to Cushman & Wakefield, the National Data Centre Policy, which is still in the draft stage, though several states have implemented dedicated data centre policies, will further boost demand. India closed 2025 with installed colocation (colo) capacity of 1.5 GW across the top seven cities — Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has been proactive through initiatives such as IndiaAI, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, and the proposed National Data Centre Policy, aimed at driving digital adoption, strengthening data governance, and creating a supportive environment for next-generation infrastructure.

India’s first hydrogen train to debut in Haryana

Haryana is set to witness the launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered train. It is Northern Railway’s ambitious project, which will operate between Jind and Sonipat, is in its final stages of preparation, as per a Haryana government statement. A stable and uninterrupted 11 kV power supply has been ensured for the hydrogen plant established in Jind, which will provide fuel for the train during its final commissioning and regular operations. The hydrogen plant established for this project has a storage capacity of 3,000 kilograms and is now in its final commissioning phase. It will produce hydrogen using an electrolysis process. The planned operation is according to specifications framed by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO) to demonstrate the use of hydrogen-powered train technology.

First Vande Bharat sleeper train on Kolkata-Guwahati route

The launch is expected to take place on either January 18 or 19 after testing and certification of the trains would be fully completed by then. The fare is expected to be around Rs. 2,300 for 3rd AC including meals, for 2nd AC about Rs. 3,000 and roughly Rs. 3,600. the Vande Bharat Sleeper has been built with advanced safety systems, improved suspension, energy-efficient traction, and a more aerodynamic design. The train has also been equipped with upgraded passenger facilities aimed at making long-distance travel more comfortable and reliable. Passengers travelling from Guwahati will be served Assamese cuisine, while those departing from Kolkata will be offered Bengali dishes, giving travellers a taste of local culture along with the journey. The 16-coach sleeper configuration has been built with modern passenger amenities such as comfortable berths, advanced suspension, automatic doors, improved toilets, fire detection systems, CCTV surveillance, digital passenger displays and energy-efficient equipment.

Slowdown in highways construction

National highways construction has slowed to its weakest pace in a decade, with daily road building dropping to 17.06 km in the current fiscal year through November, as per the road transport ministry’s year-end review. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways constructed 4,612 km of national highways during the period, as against 29.21 km a day in 2024-25 and a record 36.5 km a day in 2020-21. Even as construction activity has moderated, the government continues to push asset monetisation and private participation to fund highway development. The Ministry said that it has cumulatively raised ₹1.52 lakh crore through various monetisation routes until November 2025 and is targeting ₹30,000 crore in FY26. User-fee collections rose with the introduction of a FASTag-based annual pass for non-commercial vehicles. About 3.61 million users opted for the ₹3,000 pass, generating a revenue of ₹1,084 crore for the National Highways Authority of India through November. The pass is valid for a year or 200 trips, whichever is earlier.

India’s Coast Guard commissions indigenous pollution control vessel

The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap, was commissioned on 5th January by India’s Defence Minister in the presence of the Chief Minister of Goa, the Defence Secretary and the Director General of Indian Coast Guard. ICG Samudra Pratap is the first of two Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). The commissioning marks a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of Atma-nirbhar Bharat in shipbuilding and maritime capability development. Samudra Pratap, meaning “Majesty of the Seas,” reflects the Indian Coast Guard’s resolve to ensure safe, secure, and clean seas while safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. The ship represents a major advancement in indigenous ship design and construction. ICGS Samudra Pratap has been conceived, designed, and built entirely in India, with over 60 per cent indigenous content.