Federal Pulse: The Monthly Wrap from Across the Country

Biogas Powers New Gains

Amul is establishing a ₹70-crore biofuel plant to produce 50,000 litres per day, joining Gujarat’s ₹3,300-crore ecosystem of ethanol and dung-based biogas investments by companies like Chiripal and Grainspan. Spurred by the Central government’s ethanol blending policy, the plant marks a shift towards alternative energy sources. Amul anticipates a ₹700-crore increase in farmer income. The expansion strengthens the circular economy, reduces fossil dependence and places Gujarat as a frontrunner in this renewable energy transition.

Electric Dreams on Track

Uttar Pradesh has announced a ₹700-crore investment to build a 500-acre EV-manufacturing hub in Kanpur. The park, aligned with the state’s vision plan for 2030, will be built along a dedicated freight corridor under a public-private partnership. The initiative aims to establish Kanpur as a leading EV-manufacturing cluster and generate employment.

Expressway to Prosperity

The Central government has approved tenders for a high-speed corridor linking Bengaluru to Mangaluru. The project aims to enhance logistics, promote industrial development and improve interior-coastal connectivity. The road is also expected to uplift regional economies and integrate coastal Karnataka more efficiently with central hubs.

Tracking from Space

The Andhra Pradesh government has signed a five-year MoU with Isro’s National Remote Sensing Centre to harness space technology for improving citizen services. The collaboration will use satellite-based data for land and water resource management, infrastructure planning and environmental monitoring. This move will help monitor land use, disaster zones and development projects with greater precision.

Roads to the Future

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled a ₹2-lakh crore plan to expand Telangana’s highway network to 5,000km over the next four years. The plan includes green and smart technologies to improve logistics efficiency, road safety and environmental sustainability. The project also supports last-mile connectivity and freight mobility across industrial clusters. National highways in the state have doubled over the last decade.

Satellite Dreams

The Assam government is in talks with Bharat Freight Group and Bellatrix Aerospace to discuss setting up an assembly, integration and testing plant for satellite and propulsion systems. The proposed facility will feature high-tech laboratories, cleanrooms and testing areas. A joint venture under the public-private partnership model was also considered, with Bellatrix Aerospace proposing a ₹50-crore Phase 1 investment.

Bidding Hits New High

A record-breaking ₹1.65 lakh per square yard was secured in an industrial land auction held by Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation. This is Punjab’s highest-ever price for an industrial plot. While demand soared in Mohali, interest in other cities was lukewarm. Analysts attribute the surge to infrastructure upgrades and proximity to Chandigarh.

Rail Push Grows

Mizoram is now fully integrated into India’s railway network with the completion of the 51.3km Bairabi–Sairang broad-gauge line. The final stretch from Hortoki to Sairang has been cleared by the railway safety commissioner. With 32 tunnels and 35 bridges, the engineering feat connects Aizawl to the national grid, making Mizoram the fourth northeastern capital to gain railway access. The project is expected to boost trade, tourism and regional development.

Cosmic New Chapter

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has laid the foundation stone for a mini planetarium at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve on a four-day Ladakh visit. The initiative includes a ₹50-lakh grant under CSR funding for nomadic tent facilities. The planetarium will boost science outreach and astro-tourism in the region. Located near the Indian Astronomical Observatory, it aims to promote scientific education, generate employment and engage local communities and tourists.

Culture Crosses Borders

Madhya Pradesh and France have signed a three-year MoU to foster cultural and tourism ties. The partnership will include art residencies, French language training, culinary workshops and artist exchanges. The agreement seeks to create a French–Indian cultural corridor in central India.

(Compiled by Devabrata Dutta, Tarunya Sanjay and Vikash Tripathi)