18 August,2025:
In a significant boost to India’s innovation and infrastructure landscape, Ola Electric has announced the readiness of its indigenously developed lithium-ion battery cells, while Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has officially joined the elite global cohort of airports capable of handling over 100 million passengers annually. These parallel developments mark major strides in sustainable technology and aviation infrastructure.
Ola Electric’s Breakthrough in EV Battery Technology
At its annual ‘Sankalp’ event held at its Gigafactory in Tamil Nadu, Ola Electric unveiled its first indigenously developed 4680 Bharat cell battery along with a rare earth metal-free motor. The public showcase at the 107-acre lithium-ion cell facility signals a transformative moment for the country’s electric vehicle (EV) sector.
Ola Electric has been steadily expanding its research and manufacturing capabilities, with earlier milestones including the NMC 2170 lithium-ion cell. Mass production of the new cells is expected to commence soon from its upcoming Gigafactory. The company is also investing heavily in research and development, setting up a Battery Innovation Centre and onboarding global talent to strengthen vertical integration in EV technology.
By developing battery technology locally, Ola aims to significantly reduce India’s dependence on imports, potentially cutting costs by nearly half. This move is expected to accelerate EV adoption across the country, while also supporting the government’s vision of energy self-reliance and sustainable mobility.
Delhi Airport’s Infrastructure Milestone
Meanwhile, Delhi Airport has joined the prestigious “100 million passengers per annum” club following the expansion of Terminal 1, which now has the capacity to handle 40 million passengers annually—double its earlier limit. With this expansion, the combined capacity of Terminals 1, 2, and 3 has reached 109 million passengers per year, placing IGIA among the busiest airports in the world.
The airport has introduced advanced systems to enhance passenger experience, including DigiYatra facial recognition, automated baggage systems, self-baggage drop counters, and common-use kiosks. These features aim to streamline operations while providing faster and more efficient services to travelers.
In addition to handling record passenger volumes, IGIA has been working towards its goal of becoming a net-zero carbon emission airport by 2030. Phase 3A of its expansion plan includes sustainability initiatives, such as energy-efficient infrastructure and increased use of renewable energy sources.
Recent figures show that the airport handled over 79 million passengers in the last fiscal year, highlighting its role as a critical hub in global aviation. The expansion ensures Delhi Airport is equipped to meet rising demand while strengthening India’s position as an international travel hub.
Conclusion
Together, Ola Electric’s launch of indigenous lithium-ion batteries and Delhi Airport’s entry into the 100-million club highlight India’s growing technological and infrastructural capabilities. While Ola’s innovation paves the way for affordable and sustainable EV adoption, IGIA’s expansion cements the country’s standing in the global aviation sector. These milestones reflect India’s forward momentum in building both self-reliant industries and world-class infrastructure.
