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Economic Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Economic Times
India launches first field trial using waste plastic geocells to build roads in difficult terrains
In a new initiative to tackle end-of-life plastic waste, the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have developed Geocells—three-dimensional, block-shaped modules made using waste plastic, reported TOI. These modules can be filled with soil or construction debris and used for building roads, particularly in challenging innovation, jointly patented by CSIR-CRRI and BPCL, is slated for field trials with the Military Engineering Services starting in August. The teams aim to showcase its application in high-stress, difficult-to-access regions. Pilot demonstration on DND-Faridabad expressway As part of the initial deployment, CRRI and BPCL used Geocells to pave a stretch near the DND-Faridabad-KMP Expressway. According to Ankita Behl, principal scientist at CSIR-CRRI, 'CRRI and BPCL developed a plastic-based module or sheet and a technical textile called Geocell, using end-of-life and mixed waste plastics. Recycling such plastics is particularly challenging due to the wide variation in material quality.'Behl added that the material was processed through mechanical recycling, producing modules with a thickness of 4–8 mm. Plant trials in collaboration with TATA Projects and a 160-metre road section, supported by the National Highways Authority of India, helped validate the concept. Lab results show promising performance CRRI stated that the Geocells were filled with non-plastic, granular base materials and tested for load-bearing strength. 'During the laboratory test and plant trial, no signs of cracks... were detected during or after the test. The overall shape of the cells remained intact.' The trial, involving 20–25 tonnes of waste plastic, is the first in the country to use technical textiles made entirely from end-of-life plastic. The method also addresses the issue of multi-layered plastics, which are currently not included in Indian Roads Congress (IRC) said the technology could help improve plastic waste management and road durability. (With inputs from TOI)
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
India launches first field trial using waste plastic geocells to build roads in difficult terrains
In a new initiative to tackle end-of-life plastic waste, the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have developed Geocells—three-dimensional, block-shaped modules made using waste plastic, reported TOI. These modules can be filled with soil or construction debris and used for building roads, particularly in challenging terrain. The innovation, jointly patented by CSIR-CRRI and BPCL, is slated for field trials with the Military Engineering Services starting in August. The teams aim to showcase its application in high-stress, difficult-to-access regions. Pilot demonstration on DND-Faridabad expressway As part of the initial deployment, CRRI and BPCL used Geocells to pave a stretch near the DND-Faridabad-KMP Expressway. According to Ankita Behl, principal scientist at CSIR-CRRI, 'CRRI and BPCL developed a plastic-based module or sheet and a technical textile called Geocell, using end-of-life and mixed waste plastics. Recycling such plastics is particularly challenging due to the wide variation in material quality.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Beautiful Female Athletes in the World Click Here Undo Behl added that the material was processed through mechanical recycling, producing modules with a thickness of 4–8 mm. Plant trials in collaboration with TATA Projects and a 160-metre road section, supported by the National Highways Authority of India, helped validate the concept. Lab results show promising performance CRRI stated that the Geocells were filled with non-plastic, granular base materials and tested for load-bearing strength. 'During the laboratory test and plant trial, no signs of cracks... were detected during or after the test. The overall shape of the cells remained intact.' Live Events The trial, involving 20–25 tonnes of waste plastic, is the first in the country to use technical textiles made entirely from end-of-life plastic. The method also addresses the issue of multi-layered plastics, which are currently not included in Indian Roads Congress (IRC) specifications. CRRI said the technology could help improve plastic waste management and road durability.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Honda Cars India reports sales of 5,124 units in June 2025, 4,618 units sold domestically
The Honda City Sport Edition gets a blacked-out grille, metallic grey alloy wheels, gloss-black ORVMs, shark-fin antenna, and the boot spoiler Notify me Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) reported total sales of 5,124 units in June 2025, comprising 4,618 units sold in the domestic market and 506 units exported. The premium carmaker continued to take a cautious approach in its dispatch strategy amid subdued market conditions. Commenting on the sales performance, Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd., stated that given the ongoing market conditions and cautious consumer sentiment, the company has continued to strategically moderate its dispatches this month to maintain optimal inventory levels across our network. Also Read : Honda City Sport Edition launched with sporty upgrades, prices start at ₹ 14.89 lakh While the company did not specify model-wise contributions, the Honda Amaze and Elevate continue to be the brand's key volume drivers in the Indian market. The automaker has been adjusting its production and distribution strategy to align with current market demand and dealer stock levels. Looking ahead, HCIL remains hopeful for a demand revival. 'We remain optimistic about gradual improvement in demand in the coming months, supported by encouraging monsoon and upcoming festive period," Behl added. Honda City Sport Earlier in the month, the Honda City Sport Edition was launched at ₹ 14.89 lakh, ex-showroom. The City Sport Edition spruces up the exterior of the sedan with new upgrades. The chrome grille is finished in black, and so is the rear spoiler. The ORVMs get the crystal black finish, while the multi-spoke alloy wheels are finished in metallic grey. The shark-fin antenna is also finished in gloss-black, and there's a 'Sport' emblem on the boot of the sedan. The cabin sports an all-black interior with red garnish on the dashboard. The seats are upholstered in black leatherette with contrast red stitching, while there are new soft-touch door inserts. The AC vents and steering wheel are also finished in black, with the latter getting red stitching. Also Read : Honda Cars India stays the course with EVs and hybrids amid global strategy shifts On the feature front, the City Sport Edition comes with all the familiar bits, including the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice command, a four-speaker sound system, automatic climate control, a dual-pod instrument console with an MID unit, Level 2 ADAS, and lots more. Power on the Honda City Sport Edition comes from the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine tuned for 119 bhp and 145 Nm of peak torque, and is exclusively available with the 7-speed CVT automatic gearbox. The automaker claims a fuel efficiency of 18.40 kmpl (ARAI certified) on the City automatic. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 02 Jul 2025, 09:08 AM IST
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Honda Cars India stays the course with EVs and Hybrids amid global strategy shifts
Honda Cars India's current portfolio includes models like the City, Elevate and the Amaze along with the City eHEV. Notify me Even as Honda Motor globally fine-tunes its clean mobility strategy with a renewed emphasis on hybrids alongside electric vehicles, its Indian subsidiary is charting a steady, no-panic course to 2030. For Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL), the goal is clear- to move towards cleaner fuel. The roadmap is practical—a balanced mix of petrol, hybrid, and battery-electric powertrains. In a recent interaction with HT Auto, Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales at Honda Cars India, emphasized that despite evolving global priorities, the company's commitments in India remain firmly on track. 'We always planned a phased transition, starting with the discontinuation of diesel, followed by introducing strong hybrids, and now gearing up for a full EV rollout," he added. Global winds, local anchors The global narrative may be swinging between battery electric and hybrid models as automakers grapple with demand fluctuations, charging infra gaps, and raw material costs. Yet for HCIL, the path forward remains rooted in consistency. The Elevate-based EV project announced earlier is evolving into a standalone SUV over four metres in length, set to debut in FY26. This will mark Honda's first play in India's mass-market EV segment. Also Read : Honda scales back EV goals, shifts focus to hybrids amid global EV slowdown What's driving this multi-pronged approach is realism. 'Customer preference depends on convenience—charging station availability, taxation benefits, and daily usage patterns," Behl pointed out. In metros with a decent charging ecosystem, an EV makes sense. In other cities, hybrids remain a pragmatic choice. 'Our aim is to offer three clear solutions—petrol, hybrid, and electric—so every customer finds what works best for their lifestyle," he explained. Strong hybrids, stronger legacy Honda, of course, is no stranger to hybrids. From the Civic and Accord to the current City e:HEV, the Japanese carmaker was among the early evangelists of this technology in India. 'We've seen hybrid sales account for up to 30 per cent in markets like Uttar Pradesh, where tax benefits are similar to BEVs," says Behl. Nationwide, strong hybrids contribute around 11 per cent to sales. Also watch: Honda City e:HEV Hybrid: First Drive Review Going forward, Honda plans to broaden its hybrid offerings beyond sedans. The larger SUV strategy—five models by 2030—is already in motion. The Elevate was the first, the upcoming EV SUV is the second, while details of the next three remain under wraps for now. However, it is anticipated that the upcoming three SUVs will feature either an electric or a hybrid powertrain. CNG: An opportunistic play, not a strategic pivot Interestingly, Honda has also dipped a cautious toe into the CNG pool—albeit through third-party retrofitted kits. Starting with the Amaze and now extended to the Elevate, the move seems more reactive than strategic. 'The response to the retrofit kits has been good in specific markets," Behl admits, 'but this isn't a long-term powertrain direction for us." Unlike rivals who have factory-fitted CNG models as portfolio mainstays, Honda is resisting that detour. 'Factory-fit CNG requires a shift in production strategy. Our focus right now is on launching our battery-electric vehicle on time. We don't want to lose sight of that," he added. The message is clear- while CNG may offer incremental sales in select regions, it's not part of Honda's clean-fuel blueprint. Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales at Honda Cars India, has stated that the company is on course to move towards cleaner fuel with a balanced mix of hybrids, EVs, and petrol models CBUs: Low volume, high value Completely built units (CBUs) are also part of the larger equation—but here again, Honda is realistic. These imported models aren't about sales volumes. They serve a different purpose, explained Behl. 'CBUs showcase our global technology and premium brand value to Indian consumers." From earlier imports like the Honda Accord Hybrid to potential future launches, Honda's CBU strategy is brand-led. However, India's steep import duties remain a deterrent. 'The current taxation structure makes CBUs aspirational, not accessible," Behl noted. Still, they play a crucial role in positioning—offering a halo effect that supports the brand's premium aspirations. Exports: Strategic, not central If there's one model that has quietly expanded Honda Cars India's global footprint, it's the Honda Elevate. Developed primarily for the domestic market, it has unexpectedly found appeal in international territories—Japan, Latin America, and, more recently, select Caribbean nations. 'Our core idea has always been 'local production for local consumption'. But when a product performs well at home and fits the needs of international markets, it makes sense to extend its reach," Bhel explained. That's precisely what Elevate has enabled. Built at Honda's Tapukara facility in Rajasthan, the SUV now anchors the brand's growing export portfolio. However, Behl is careful to set expectations. 'Export is a valuable piece of the business puzzle—it improves the overall business constitution—but it remains supplementary. Our core focus is still the domestic market." Also Read : Honda Elevate exports surge, Amaze strengthens as FY25 sales hit 1.26 lakh units This approach is deliberate. Honda isn't chasing volumes abroad for the sake of boosting numbers. Instead, it's strategically evaluating which India-developed products can find resonance globally. The success of Elevate may open the door for other SUVs in the upcoming five-model lineup to be considered for export, but not at the cost of Indian market prioritization. It's encouraging, but not defining, Behl sums up. 'We don't design in India just for the world. We design for India—and if the world wants in, we welcome that." Growth Regions: Going deeper, not just wider At the heart of Honda Cars India's growth ambition lies a textbook yet tailored approach—Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. But it's not strategy for strategy's sake. It's being used to reposition the brand within a more premium orbit. 'In terms of place, we already have a footprint across 170 Tier-III towns with over 300 outlets," says Behl. Expansion is being driven by targeted market analysis, identifying towns and cities where Honda's physical presence and after-sales infrastructure need bolstering. On the product front, the immediate focus is to fill the EV void. 'That's why we're working aggressively to bring our battery electric vehicle in the next fiscal," Behl explained. Simultaneously, Honda has committed to rolling out five SUVs by 2030, with Elevate and the upcoming EV leading the charge. Pricing strategy, meanwhile, is aligned with delivering value through advanced safety features and technologies—without diluting brand equity. Promotion, too, has evolved. Rather than leaning solely on volume-focused campaigns, Honda is betting big on digital-first, consultative experiences. Its 'Honda Expert Connect'—a live, one-on-one virtual showroom experience—underscores the company's commitment to offering a premium customer journey even before a foot is set inside a dealership. Also Read : Honda Amaze: The sedan that refuses to shout, but quietly delivers This multi-pronged strategy is underpinned by a clear identity shift. 'We discontinued some mass-market models because our intent is to be seen as a premium brand," Behl noted. That means not just refining the product lineup, but also elevating everything around it—from showroom ambience and digital tools to variant packaging and after-sales experience. The result- in models like Elevate and Amaze, a majority of buyers are now opting for ADAS-equipped top trims, validating Honda's move up the value chain. Customers see value in safety and tech. That aligns perfectly with where we want the Honda brand to be, Behl explained. Looking ahead In a sluggish passenger vehicle market where discounts and flashy launches often mask tepid consumer sentiment, Honda's approach stands out for its restraint—and resilience. The company's strategy is neither aggressive nor defensive—it's deliberate. Focus on hybrids and EVs continues. CNG is observed, not embraced. CBUs are leveraged for image, not impact. And exports are important, but domestic remains sacrosanct. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 12 Jun 2025, 09:16 AM IST
NDTV
07-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
India's Covid-19 Cases Near 6,000 Mark, Kerala Remains Worst-Hit
New Delhi: India's active coronavirus cases have climbed to 5,755, with Kerala fighting the latest resurgence of infections - followed by Gujarat and Delhi. According to the data available on the official website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 391 new cases were added to the active case count since Friday. Kerala has recorded 1,806 cases, Gujarat 717, Delhi 665, and West Bengal 622. Maharashtra has recorded a total of 577 cases so far, while Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh have reported 444 and 208 cases, respectively. Tamil Nadu has reported 194 cases, Puducherry 13, Haryana 87, Andhra Pradesh 72, Madhya Pradesh 32, and Goa nine. Official data shows a total of 59 deaths in the past few weeks due to the deadly virus so far, which began in 2020. In the last 24 hours, 4 people died - two of whom (a 45-year-old woman from Madhya Pradesh, and a 79-year-old man from Tamil Nadu) were diagnosed with Covid-19. However, it is not yet clear whether others died due to the infection. While states are on alert, officials have said that the coronavirus cases are mild in nature and there is no need to panic. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said the genome sequencing of samples in the west and south has shown that the new variants are sub-variants of Omicron, a strain that was behind the big Covid wave in India in 2022. These are LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB.1.8.1, ICMR chief Dr Rajiv Behl said. However, he added that the severity of infections as of now is generally mild, and there is no cause for worry. "Whenever cases increase, we look at three things. It's dependent on three factors, with the first being how transmissible it is, conversely, how fast the cases are increasing. Previously, we saw Covid-19 cases double in two days, but this time it is not that cases are increasing rapidly," Dr Behl said.
