Telangana is charting an ambitious course toward becoming a leader in India's economic landscape with transformative initiatives in infrastructure, sustainability, and connectivity. Speaking at the CII National Council meeting in Hyderabad, the state leadership announced its vision to position Hyderabad as a global service sector hub and a “Future City,” rivalling the likes of New York, London, and Tokyo. Plans include making the city net-zero, pollution-free, and equipped with 3,200 electric buses for public transport. Telangana also leads India in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, having waived registration and road tax for EVs. The state aims to establish itself as a manufacturing alternative to China by fostering hubs along the Regional Ring Road (RRR) corridor, focusing on pharmaceuticals, life sciences, aerospace, defence, EVs, and solar energy. Special solar power clusters, driven by women’s self-help groups, are set to produce 1,000 megawatts of solar energy, empowering rural communities and cementing Telangana's position in renewable energy. Hyderabad is being prepared for natural calamities with projects like the rejuvenation of the Musi River, enabling a 55-km stretch of fresh water flow, and long-term drinking water provisions beyond 2050. To enhance trade connectivity, the state plans to construct a dry port linked by rail and road to streamline exports and imports, bolstering Telangana's role in global logistics. In education and skill development, Telangana is bridging gaps with initiatives like a Skill University chaired by Anand Mahindra, supported by a Rs 6 billion corpus, and advanced training centres in partnership with the Tata Group. Producing over 1.1 lakh engineering graduates annually, the state is aligning education with industry needs. Women empowerment remains a cornerstone of Telangana’s development strategy, with 67 lakh women mobilised into self-help groups and employment opportunities created in government canteens and solar projects. The foundation stone for Green Business Centre Building-2 was also laid, marking another step in Telangana’s journey toward a sustainable and economically vibrant future. (Deccan chronicle)