Indian Economic Updates : India-France ink ₹61,000 cr jet engine pact; India advances hyperloop, hydrogen rail, eVTOLs, bullet trains, rare earth magnets as China tightens curbs; China’s CR450 sets 450 km/h commercial speed milestone
1. India’s ₹61,000 Cr Jet Engine Deal with Safran: A Landmark Leap in Aerospace Autonomy
India has approved a ₹61,000 crore agreement with France’s Safran to jointly develop a 120 kN-class fighter jet engine for the AMCA, marking a pivotal move toward aerospace independence. The partnership—key for future AMCA variants—promises complete technology transfer and deepens India–France defense collaboration. The deal follows the stalled Kaveri engine program, underscoring past propulsion hurdles. With AMCA prototypes expected by 2028, the project aims to secure a dependable indigenous engine, though questions remain about tech transfer depth and delivery timelines.
2. Hyperloop, Hydrogen Trains, eVTOLs & Bullet Trains Shape India’s Next-Gen Mobility Blueprint
India’s transport and logistics ecosystem is undergoing a major shift, merging frontier technologies with massive infrastructure upgrades to address congestion, inefficiency, and sustainability goals.
On the innovation front, India is pushing hyperloop research, with IIT Madras and Indian Railways launching a 422-metre test track and planning a 40–50 km corridor where pods could reach up to 1,100 km/h—cutting intercity journeys to under half an hour. Urban Air Mobility is also advancing, with eVTOL air taxis likely in Bengaluru by 2026 and in Gujarat by 2027.
In green rail tech, India has trialed its first hydrogen-powered coach under the Hydrogen for Heritage initiative, supporting 2030 emission targets.
Drone delivery networks are scaling across healthcare and e-commerce—especially in remote regions—under the liberalised Drone Rules 2021. Core transport upgrades continue too: the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train corridor has completed 300 km of viaducts and begun tunneling, aiming for a 2028 launch. The Dedicated Freight Corridors, nearing full readiness, now manage nearly 400 trains a day, while over ₹10 lakh crore is dedicated to modernising 25,000–30,000 km of highways.
Together, these initiatives form a unified multi-modal framework—positioning India to lead in clean, fast, and future-centric mobility.
3. India Ramps Up Rare Earth Magnet Production as China Narrows Exports
China’s April restrictions on rare earth elements and magnets—crucial for EVs and electronics—have unsettled global supply chains. With China commanding nearly 90% of production and blocking re-export to the U.S. or defense buyers, India faces potential shortages that could impact automobile output by mid-year.
In response, India is adopting a three-pronged approach: expanding domestic magnet manufacturing, building recycling systems, and securing alternate supply lines with nations such as Australia, Vietnam, Chile, and Peru. Indian Rare Earths Ltd has been directed to raise output to 450 tonnes of neodymium by FY2026, with plans to double that by 2030. Incentives and customs duty reductions are also being considered.
As global players like the U.S., Canada, and Australia diversify away from China, India is blending urgent diplomacy with long-term planning to fortify its supply chains.
4. World’s Fastest Commercial Train: China’s CR450 Reaches 450 km/h
China has introduced the CR450, poised to become the world’s fastest commercial train with operational speeds of 450 km/h. Evolved from the CR400 series, it incorporates cutting-edge aerodynamics, lighter structures, and high-efficiency traction systems, making it 10% lighter and 20% more energy-efficient.
Featuring four travel classes and upgraded comfort, the train is undergoing intensive trials following its November 2024 reveal. The CR450 reflects China’s intention to expand its high-speed rail network from 48,000 km to 60,000 km by 2030.
Combining velocity with sustainability, the CR450 enhances China’s dominance in high-speed rail and reshapes the global vision for eco-friendly rapid transit.
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