Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: In a strong articulation of India’s evolving development paradigm, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi, today underscored that the country’s clean energy transition is no longer confined to climate commitments but is now central to shaping India’s industrial competitiveness, trade positioning, and long-term economic resilience.

Addressing the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 here today, the Minister highlighted that India’s journey towards 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity is simultaneously laying the foundation for a globally competitive, innovation-driven and Aatmanirbhar energy ecosystem.

Shri Joshi stated that the concept of Aatmanirbharta has evolved into a globally recognised framework for resilient and sustainable growth. He noted that India’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, demonstrated how domestic capability can complement global responsibility. He further highlighted that India’s digital public infrastructure, including UPI, has set global benchmarks, while defence manufacturing exports such as BrahMos missiles and LCA Tejas aircraft reflect growing technological self-reliance. “Aatmanirbharta is not about isolation; it is about confidence, capability and global competitiveness,” he emphasised.

The Minister noted that just days ago, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had made seven appeals to citizens, encouraging more responsible and Aatmanirbhar ways of living and working. He said this message reflects the direction in which both India and the world are moving, with sustainability and self-reliance becoming central to future growth pathways.

The Union Minister observed that in the current global context, energy policy has become synonymous with industrial and trade policy. He pointed out that evolving global frameworks such as carbon-linked trade regulations are reshaping international markets. Shri Joshi noted that for Indian industry, adoption of renewable energy is no longer optional but essential for maintaining export competitiveness and managing future cost pressures.

Highlighting India’s rapid progress, Shri Joshi stated that the country has recorded one of the fastest expansions in renewable energy capacity globally. He cited significant growth across non-fossil energy, solar and wind capacity, as well as major advancements in domestic manufacturing of solar modules and cells. He also noted that renewable energy played a critical role in meeting India’s record peak power demand, contributing nearly one-third of the highest-ever demand of 256 GW.

He further highlighted that at a time when global renewable energy investments declined by around 7 per cent, India continued to attract strong investment flows, underscoring growing global confidence in its clean energy trajectory. Shri Joshi emphasised that this progress reflects the deep and effective partnership between the government and industry, which has been instrumental in driving India’s renewable energy expansion.

Shri Joshi outlined key policy measures undertaken to strengthen the renewable energy sector, including notification of long-term Renewable Consumption Obligation trajectories, introduction of Carbon Credit Certificate Regulations, 2026, long-term green ammonia procurement agreements, a standardised warranty framework for solar PV modules, the Renewable Energy Equipment Import Monitoring System, and tax and duty reforms supporting domestic manufacturing. He stated that these measures aim to provide long-term policy stability, enhance investor confidence and promote domestic value addition.

The Minister highlighted that renewable energy is becoming a critical determinant of competitiveness in key industrial sectors such as steel, aluminium, chemicals, automotive and textiles. He emphasised the importance of emerging areas including green hydrogen, battery storage, pumped hydro, offshore wind and round-the-clock renewable energy solutions in the next phase of growth.

Shri Joshi expressed confidence that India is well on track to achieve its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. He stressed that the next phase will require deeper integration of generation, storage and transmission systems, along with enhanced grid resilience. He also underlined the importance of continued collaboration between government and industry to sustain the momentum of growth.

The Minister. said India’s non-fossil fuel capacity has increased from 81 GW in 2014 to 288 GW at present, registering a growth of over (256 %). Solar energy capacity has risen from 2.8 GW to 155 GW, while wind energy capacity has grown from 21 GW to 56.4 GW.

Acknowledging the role of industry stakeholders, Shri Joshi stated that the progress achieved in India’s renewable energy sector is a result of strong public-private partnership. “The shared commitment between government and industry will be even more critical as we move towards building a globally competitive, technologically advanced and inclusive energy system,” he said. He invited industry stakeholders and global investors to participate in the upcoming Renewable Energy Global Investors Meet scheduled later this year.

Shri Joshi concluded by expressing confidence that with continued focus on scale, speed, skill and Aatmanirbharta, India will not only achieve its clean energy targets but also emerge as a global benchmark for sustainable industrial transformation.

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: Amid the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India continues its efforts to keep citizens informed through regular updates. In this regard, a media briefing was held today at the National Media Centre, where officers from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, External Affairs, Information & Broadcasting provided updates on fuel availability, maritime operations, assistance to Indian nationals in the region, and measures being undertaken to maintain stability across key sectors. Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers also briefed the media about the fertilizer stock position and availability.

Fertilizer stock position and availability

Overall Stock Position of Fertilizers in the country (Lakh Tons)

• For Kharif 2026, the fertiliser requirement has been assessed by DA&FW at 390.54 LMT, against this stock as on today is around 199.65 LMT (more than 51%), significantly higher than the usual level of about 33%. This reflects improved planning, advance stocking, and efficient logistics management by the Government.

Domestic production and import of fertilizers after crisis;- (Lakh Tons)

Sale of Fertilizers (Lakh Tons)

Energy Supply and Fuel Availability

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided an update on the current fuel supply situation, outlining measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG in the context of the evolving situation in West Asia. It was noted that:

Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness

• Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG as the Govt is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG.
• Beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information.
• LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors.
• Citizens are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops.
• All citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily use during the current situation.

Government Preparedness and Supply Management Measures

• Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the Government has ensured that 100% supply is being made to Domestic LPG, Domestic PNG and CNG (Transport).
• For commercial LPG, priority has been given to hospitals, educational institutions. Besides this, priority has also been given to pharma, steel, automobile, seed, agriculture, etc. In addition to this, supply of 5 Kg FTL to migrant labour is also doubled based on avg. daily supply on 2nd and 3rd March 2026.
• The Government has already implemented several rationalisation measures on both the supply and demand side, including enhancing refinery production, increasing the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritising sectors for supply.
• Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available to ease pressure on LPG demand.
• The Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to supply additional coal to States for distribution to small and medium consumers.
• States have been advised to facilitate new PNG connections for domestic and commercial consumers.

Coordinated Efforts with States/UTs and Institutional Mechanisms

• State Governments are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000 to monitor supply and act against hoarding and black marketing.
• Govt. of States/UTs have to play a primary role in monitoring and regulating supply situation of essential commodities including Petrol, Diesel and LPG. Govt. of India has reiterated the same via multiple letters and VCs to all States/UTs.
• The Government of India vide letters dated 27.03.2026 and 02.04.2026 have stressed the need for proactive public communication to reassure citizens regarding adequate fuel availability. Regular review meetings are being held with States/UTs. In this context, meetings were convened on 02.04.2026 (Chaired by Secretary, MoPNG) and on 06.04.2026 (Chaired by Secretary, MoPNG along with Secretaries of I&B and Consumer Affairs), wherein the following was emphasized:
  • To issue daily press briefings and issue regular public advisories.
  • To actively monitor and counter fake news / misinformation on social media.
  • To intensify daily enforcement drives by District admin and to continue raids and inspections in coordination with OMCs
  • To issue Commercial LPG allocation orders within their States/UTs
  • To issue SKO allocation orders for additional SKO allotted to the States/UTs.
  • To promote PNG adoptions and alternate fuels.
  • To prioritize LPG supply, especially for domestic needs, and adopt targeted distribution of 5 kg FTL cylinders to ensure supply stability.
• All States/UTs have established control rooms and district monitoring committees to curb hoarding and black marketing.
• Many states/UTs are issuing/carrying out press briefs.

Enforcement and Monitoring Actions

• Enforcement actions continue across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG. Yesterday, more than 1500 raids were conducted across the country.
• PSU OMCs have strengthened and continued surprise inspections and imposed penalties on 382 LPG distributorships, and 76 LPG distributorships have been suspended till yesterday.

LPG Supply

Domestic LPG Supply Status:

• LPG supply continues to be affected by the prevailing geopolitical situation.
• Supply of LPG to domestic households has been prioritized.
• No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships.
• Online LPG cylinder bookings increased to 98% on industry basis yesterday.

• Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to around 94% to prevent diversion. DAC is received on the registered mobile number of the consumer.
• Most of the LPG distributorships were operating on Sunday to ensure delivery of domestic LPG cylinders to households.

• During last 3 days, more than 1.26 Crore Domestic LPG cylinders for cooking were delivered against bookings of around 1.14 Crore cylinders.

Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures:

• Total commercial LPG allocation has been increased to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, including 10% reform-linked allocation.
• The Government of India vide letter dated 06.04.2026 has conveyed that daily quantity of 5 Kg FTL cylinders in each State available for disbursal to migrant labourers is being doubled based on the average daily supply (Number of cylinders) to migrant labourers during 2nd-3rd March 2026 beyond the limit of 20% mentioned in letter dated 21.03.2026. These 5 Kg FTL cylinders are at disposal of the State Government for supplying only to migrant labourers in their State with assistance of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

• During last 3 days, more than 1.4 Lakh 5 Kg FTL cylinders were sold.

• Since 3rd April 2026, PSU OMCs have organised around 11,300 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders, wherein more than 2 Lakh – 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold. 
• Yesterday, around 2100 – 5kg FTL cylinders were sold through about 93 camps.
• A three-member committee of Executive Directors of IOCL, HPCL and BPCL, in consultation with State authorities and industry bodies finalises the plan for the sale of Commercial LPG in the States/UTs.

• During last 3 days, total of 17044 MT (Equivalent to more than 8.97 Lakh of 19 Kg LPG Cylinders) of Commercial LPG has been sold.

• During last 3 days, total of 762 MT of Auto LPG has been sold by PSU OMCs.

Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives

• Consumers have been prioritised with 100% supplies to D-PNG and CNG-Transport.

• Supply to operating urea plants is currently at around 98% of their average consumption over the preceding six months.
• Additionally, gas supply to other industrial and commercial sectors, including supplies through CGD networks, is enhanced up to 80%.
• CGD entities have been advised to prioritize PNG connections for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants and canteens across all their GAs, to address concerns regarding the availability of commercial LPG.
• CGD companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections.
• States/UTs and Central Ministries have been requested to expedite approvals required for expansion of CGD networks.
• The Government of India vide letter dated 18.03.2026 has offered all States/UTs additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG to States provided they can help in long term transition from LPG to PNG.
• 22 States/UTs are receiving additional commercial LPG allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms.
• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways vide letter dated 24.03.26 has adopted an ‘Accelerated Approval Framework for CGD infrastructure with reduced timelines’ as a special for 3 months to process applications pertaining to CGD infrastructure on priority.
• The Government of India vide Gazette dated 24.03.2026 has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The Order provides a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, addressing delays in approvals and access to land, and enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas. It is expected to accelerate PNG network growth, enhance last-mile connectivity, and support the transition to cleaner fuels, thereby strengthening energy security and advancing India’s gas-based economy.
• PNGRB has directed CGD entities to expedite D-PNG connections. Also, the National PNG Drive 2.0 has been extended till 30.06.2026 to sustain momentum in PNG expansion.
• To encourage a cleaner, more secure and self-reliant energy future, the Government of India has developed a model draft State CBG Policy. The model policy is intended to serve as a comprehensive flexible guiding framework to enable States to create their own investor-friendly and implementation-oriented ecosystem for CBG development. Those States which opt for this, will be prioritized for the next tranche of additional allocation of commercial LPG.
• MoEFCC vide order dated 07.04.2026 has directed CPCB to issue necessary directions to SPCB/PCCs for granting consent to establish or consent to operate within 15 days for CGD network/infrastructure.

• Since March 2026, about 6.79 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified and infrastructure has been created for additional 2.68 Lakh connections, taking the total to 9.47 lakh connections. Further, about 7.29 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections.

• Till 10.05.2026, more than 52,300 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in website.

Crude Position and Refinery Operations

• All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained.
• Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption.
• An inter-ministerial Joint Working Group (JWG) has been set up to ensure availability of petrochemical feedstock supply for the domestic market. Subsequently, Govt. of India vide order dated 01.04.2026 has permitted Oil Refinery companies including Petrochemical Complexes to make certain minimum quantities of C3 & C4 streams available for critical sectors as determined by Centre for High Technology (CHT).
• Based on the requests received from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Chemicals & Petro Chemicals (DCPC), Dept. for Promotion of Industry and internal trade (DPIIT), the provision for 1120 MT/day, from LPG pool, has been made for Pharma and Chemical sector companies.
• Since 1st May 2026, about 4600 MT of propylene and about 1700 MT of Butyl Acrylate has been sold by Mumbai, Kochi, Vizag, Chennai, Mathura and Gujarat refineries to Chemical, Pharma and Paint Industry.

Retail Fuel Availability and pricing Measures

• All Retail outlets are operating normally across the country.
• The Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude prices; however, to protect consumers, the Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre.
• There are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all Petrol Pumps in the country. Regular Retail Prices for Petrol and Diesel are unchanged and there is no price increase at PSU OMCs Retail Outlets.

Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways provided an update on the prevailing maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, detailing the measures being undertaken to ensure the safety and security of Indian vessels and crew in the region. It was stated that:

• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations.
• All Indian seafarers in the region are safe. No incidents involving Indian Flag Merchant vessels or Indian seafarers on foreign flag Merchant vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours.
• DG Shipping Control Room has handled 8,889 calls and more than 19,758 emails since activation. In the past 72 hours, a total of 152 calls and 444 emails have been received.
• The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 3,096 Indian seafarers so far, including 77 in the last 72 hours from various locations across the Gulf region.
• Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported

Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region

The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with focused efforts on ensuring safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region. It was informed that:

• The Ministry of External Affairs is in regular contact with State Governments and Union Territories for sharing of information and better alignment of efforts.
• The dedicated special control room in the Ministry is operational to respond to queries from Indian nationals and their families.
• Indian embassies and consulates continue to operate round-the-clock helplines to provide timely assistance and are proactively assisting our citizens. They are also in close contact with the local Governments.
• Regular advisories are being issued including information related to local government guidelines, flight and travel situations, consular services and various welfare measures being undertaken for the community.
• Indian Missions are actively engaged with the resident Indian community. They are regularly interacting with the Indian community associations, organizations, professional groups, and Indian companies to address their concerns.
• Government is according high priority to the welfare of Indian seafarers in the region. Indian Missions are extending all assistance to them including coordination with the local authorities and agencies, extending consular assistance, and assisting for requests to return to India.
• The overall flight situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region to various destinations in India.
• UAE airspace is open. Indian and UAE carriers are operating flights from UAE to various destinations in India.
• Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to various destinations in India.
• Qatar airspace is partially open. Air India, Air India Express, Indigo and Qatar Airways are operating flights from Qatar to various destinations in India.
• Kuwait airspace is open. Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways are operating flights from Kuwait to India.
• Bahrain airspace is open. Air India Express, Indigo and Gulf Air are operating flights from Bahrain to various destinations in India.
• Iraq airspace is open with limited flight operations to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India.
• Iran airspace is partially open. Ministry has advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Iran and urged those already there to leave with Indian embassy’s support. So far, Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated movement of 2,549 Indian nationals out of Iran through land border routes.
• Israel airspace is open and limited flight operations have resumed to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India.

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: The Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw today virtually flagged off  Dohrighat – Aunrihar Passenger Train via video conferencing. The launch ceremony was held in the presence of the Cabinet Minister of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Arvind Kumar Sharma; Member of Parliament, Rajeev Rai along with other dignitaries and senior railway officials.

This marks a significant step towards enhancing rail connectivity and passenger convenience in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh. The new train service has been introduced keeping in view the convenience of rail passengers and the long-standing demand for direct daily connectivity for the people of Mau and Ghazipur districts.

Aunrihar–Dohrighat–Aunrihar Passenger Train

The train will halt at Sadat, Jakhanian, Dullahapur, Mau, Indara, Kopaganj, Ghosi, Amila and Muradpur stations. The train will be extended upto Varanasi soon.

The train will operate with an 8-coach rake comprising passenger coaches designed to provide comfortable and convenient travel for daily commuters and other passengers on the route.

Passenger Train Service to be Extended up to Varanasi

Making a significant announcement, Shri Vaishnaw stated that the newly introduced Aunrihar–Dohrighat–Aunrihar passenger service would be extended up to Varanasi. The extension will provide direct connectivity to the cultural and commercial hub of Varanasi, benefiting daily commuters, students, traders and pilgrims, while further strengthening rail access across eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Benefits of the New Train Service

The new train service will provide direct, affordable, safe, and comfortable daily rail travel to passengers of Mau, Ghazipur and surrounding areas. The train will directly benefit residents of towns and villages along the Aunrihar–Dohrighat corridor. The service will support tourism, local trade, education and employment, and is expected to fulfil a long-pending demand of the people of the region.

Addressing a public gathering at Dohrighat virtually, Shri Vaishnaw described Dohrighat as a place of deep religious and cultural significance, associated with Lord Shri Ram and revered as the meeting place of Lord Shri Parashuramji.

New Express Train connecting Purvanchal & Delhi

Responding to a long-standing demand for better Delhi connectivity from the Purvanchal region, Shri Vaishnaw announced a new express train to be introduced through the northern Ganga corridor. The train will connect Chhapra – Ballia – Mau – Azamgarh – Shahganj – Jaunpur – Sultanpur – Lucknow – Kanpur – Aligarh – Ghaziabad – Anand Vihar. He assured the gathering that this service would be started soon.

Gauge Conversion of Historic Rail

Shri Vaishnaw noted that the Indara–Dohrighat metre gauge line was built in 1904, over 100 years ago but that its gauge conversion had to wait until Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took office. He said that after 2014, many long-pending railway projects across the country were taken up, including gauge conversion works, doubling works, and several incomplete projects. The Indara-Dohrighat line was converted to broad gauge, bringing new rail facilities to eastern Uttar Pradesh. The Railway Minister stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had flagged off train services on this newly converted line in December 2023.

Railway Investment in Uttar Pradesh Multiplied

The Union Minister highlighted that the railway budget allocation for Uttar Pradesh in 2014 stood at merely ₹1,109 crore. After 2014, the allocation had grown to approximately ₹20,012 crore. He added that railway projects worth around ₹1.2 lakh crore are currently underway across Uttar Pradesh, a scale of railway development unprecedented in the state’s history.

Key Infrastructure Projects Underway

Shri Vaishnaw outlined a series of major railway infrastructure projects progressing in Uttar Pradesh. He said that south of the Ganga, a major four-line corridor had been developed along the Prayagraj–Kanpur–Agra–Delhi route. Similarly, a massive four-line railway corridor is being developed north of the Ganga, connecting Delhi via Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Bareilly, Sitapur, Gonda and Gorakhpur towards Bihar and the Northeast.

The Minister listed the following new line and doubling projects currently in progress in the region:

Chitauni–Tamkuhi Road new line; Anand Nagar–Ghughli new line; Sahjanwa–Dohrighat new line; Bahraich–Khalilabad New Line; Gorakhpur–Valmiki Nagar doubling; Burhwal–Gonda third line; Katra–Ayodhya doubling; Aunrihar-Varanasi 3rd Line; Mathura–Jhansi third line; Agra Fort–Bandikui doubling; Chopan–Chunar doubling; and Prayagraj–Manikpur third line.

Shri Vaishnaw also informed that the old Malviya Bridge at Varanasi is ageing, and therefore a new bridge is being constructed alongside it, carrying four railway lines on the lower deck and a six-lane highway above. The under-construction bridge is located near Namo Ghat over the Ganga. Shri Vaishnaw said these projects would completely transform Uttar Pradesh’s railway map and enable the operation of at least 500 new trains in the future.

Amrit Bharat Stations

The Union Minister said 157 Amrit Bharat stations are being developed in Uttar Pradesh, with work already completed at 28 stations. In the Purvanchal region, redevelopment work is underway at Mau, Ghazipur City and Dildarnagar stations.

New Trains and Services

Shri Vaishnaw said that around 58 new train services have started in Uttar Pradesh after COVID and 568 services have been extended. He noted that 40 Amrit Bharat Express services and 32 Vande Bharat services are currently operating in Uttar Pradesh. The Anand Vihar–Mau train service commenced in February 2021, and in December 2023 new services from Mau towards Mumbai also began.

Underpasses at Three Locations

The Minister also announced that construction of underpasses at locations 14C, 25C and 27C would be taken up at a fast pace. He directed railway officials to complete the work in record time.

Bullet Train for Uttar Pradesh

Shri Vaishnaw said that Prime Minister Modi has announced a Bullet Train Corridor for Uttar Pradesh in this year’s Budget, with work progressing rapidly. He shared the proposed travel times on the corridor:

Delhi–Agra: 58 minutes; Delhi–Lucknow: 2 hours 12 minutes; Delhi–Varanasi: 3 hours 33 minutes; Delhi–Ayodhya: 2 hours 47 minutes; Lucknow–Prayagraj: 48 minutes; Lucknow–Varanasi: 1 hour 21 minutes; Lucknow–Ayodhya: 35 minutes.

The Minister said the proposed bullet train network connecting Delhi – Lucknow – Varanasi – Patna – Siliguri would strengthen connectivity with the Ashta Lakshmi states of the Northeast and fulfil the vision of a Viksit Uttar Pradesh and Viksit Bharat. He assured that the bullet train would remain affordable to the middle class and ordinary citizens, and would serve as a strong foundation for a developed India.