Waste Foundry Sand, a by-product of the metal casting industry, is generated in substantial quantities, particularly from the Coimbatore foundry cluster, which is home to approximately 800–1000 foundry units. The collaboration between CSIR-CRRI and the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) aims to develop practical solutions for repurposing this waste material. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, a prominent figure in this initiative, emphasized, “The utilization of industrial by-products like Waste Foundry Sand in road construction reflects CSIR’s commitment to sustainable development and circular economy.” This project is poised to convert waste into a valuable infrastructure resource, thereby reducing dependency on natural aggregates.

In addition to sustainable road construction, CSIR is also advancing drone technology through its partnership with KRR Aerospace. The CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) has successfully transferred technology for the QPlane eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drone, designed for diverse applications including defense, agriculture, and logistics. This drone features fully electric propulsion and boasts an operational range of around 20 km, marking a significant leap in environmentally friendly aerial technology.

The QPlane eVTOL drone represents a critical advancement in the integration of technology and sustainability. With its multi-sector applications, it is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiencies across various industries. Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar noted, “CSIR-CRRI has been at the forefront of developing sustainable and innovative road technologies,” highlighting the institute’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation in infrastructure development.

The collaboration between CSIR-CRRI and IIF is designed not only to provide technical expertise but also to facilitate industry outreach, ensuring that these sustainable practices are adopted widely. Sushil Sharma, a key contributor to the project, stated, “This project aims to address these challenges by enabling the scientific reuse of foundry sand in road construction, thereby converting waste into a valuable infrastructure resource.” This reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable practices in the construction industry.

As these initiatives unfold, they are expected to significantly impact the landscape of infrastructure development in India. The integration of waste management and advanced technology could lead to a paradigm shift in how resources are utilized, promoting a more sustainable future. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of these projects’ implementation and their long-term effects on the industry.

Overall, CSIR’s initiatives in sustainable infrastructure and drone technology are not only innovative but also necessary in the context of India’s rapid urbanization and environmental challenges. The potential to transform waste into valuable resources while enhancing technological capabilities presents a compelling case for future investments and research in these areas.

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“The Green Infrastructure Bond issue marks a significant milestone for Bank of Baroda and a defining moment for India’s domestic ESG bond market,” said Debadatta Chand, underscoring the importance of this financial initiative.

On March 6, 2026, Bank of Baroda announced that it raised ₹100 billion through the issuance of green infrastructure bonds, aimed at supporting renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure projects. This issuance is noteworthy as it positions the bank as the first Indian bank to issue long-term green infrastructure bonds locally.

The bonds, which will run for seven years, were issued through the National Stock Exchange’s Electronic Book Platform. Investors showed strong interest, with total bids reaching ₹164.15 billion, significantly exceeding the base issue size of ₹50 billion.

Chand further elaborated, “The funds raised through the bond issue will support India’s infrastructure needs and green energy transition goals.” The bank will pay an interest rate of 7.1% per year on these bonds, making them an attractive investment option.

These Series I Long-Term Green Infrastructure Bonds have been assigned ‘AAA’ ratings with a stable outlook by CARE Ratings and ICRA Limited, indicating strong confidence in the bonds’ reliability.

The proceeds from this bond issuance will be directed towards financing eligible green projects under the bank’s green financing framework. This initiative aligns with the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability in investment strategies.

Additionally, Bank of Baroda has introduced the bob Green Hydrogen Financing Scheme, which aims to support green hydrogen production facilities for captive usage, further enhancing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

The overwhelming response from investors, with bids worth ₹16,415 crore, reflects a robust demand for green financing options in the Indian market. The bonds’ success is anticipated to pave the way for more such initiatives in the future.

As the green infrastructure bond market continues to evolve, Bank of Baroda’s leadership in this space may inspire other financial institutions to explore similar avenues for funding sustainable projects.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential impact of these bonds on the broader financial landscape in India, but the initial reception indicates a positive trend towards green investments.

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