India Sets SAF Blending Targets for International Flights

20 Aug 2025 CW Team

The Union Government has approved indicative blending targets for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for international flights, though it has yet to designate any airport for the development of blending infrastructure.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, told Parliament that India is aiming for a 1 per cent SAF blend in ATF by 2027. The target will increase to 2 per cent in 2028 and reach 5 per cent by 2030.

The initiative aligns with India’s commitment to the mandatory phase of the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) from 2027. Under the scheme, airlines are required to offset carbon emissions above a specified baseline.

Mohol confirmed that public sector oil companies are establishing both pilot and commercial-scale plants to produce SAF, using standalone as well as co-processing facilities.

However, despite the 2026 deadline, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has not yet identified airports for the installation of SAF blending facilities.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Sep 2025

Indian Railways Marks New Milestone with 4.5 km Long ‘Rudrastra’ Trial

Indian Railways has successfully conducted the trial run of Asia’s longest freight train, named ‘Rudrastra’, achieving a new milestone in cargo transportation, as per news reports. The 4.5 km-long train began its trial from Ganjkhwaja railway station in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, and travelled to Garhwa in Jharkhand. Covering a distance of 209 km in 5 hours and 10 minutes, it maintained an average speed of 40.5 km per hour. The train was formed by combining three long-haul racks, with ..

UltraTech Launches India’s First On-Site Hybrid RTC Renewable Energy Project

UltraTech Cement has operationalised a 7.5 MW round-the-clock (RTC) hybrid renewable energy project at its Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The first-of-its-kind solution combines bifacial solar modules with trackers, wind energy and battery storage, co-located on-site, to ensure uninterrupted power for cement manufacturing without grid reliance. The project was executed in collaboration with clean energy solutions provider Gentari. Installed as a behind-the-meter system, it is the country..

Patna Metro Trials Successful, Red Line Priority Corridor to Launch This Month

Patna is set to roll out its first metro rail service later this month, with successful trial runs conducted on the Red Line priority corridor, the Patna Metro Rail Corporation announced.On 7 September, a metro train completed a test run between the Patna depot and Bhootnath station. Officials said the trials involved rigorous checks of rolling stock fitness, overhead electrification (OHE), and track alignment and stability to ensure operational safety and performance.The corridor from the New Pataliputra Bus Terminal to Bhoothnath has been designated as the priority stretch and will be the fi..