Astec Industries company, unveils the 120 mtph Voyager plant, which offers a compact and highly portable design. Unique for a plant in this class is the ability to run up to 30 per cent RAP. It is built around a counter flow drum featuring ASTEC v-fights, which provide greater uniformity of the aggregate veil during the drying process resulting in better heat transfer, a reduction of fuel use and increased productivity.

The Indian construction equipment industry has sought cut in excise duty from the Government due to a severe drop in demand amid slow execution of infrastructure projects. Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association (ICEMA) has sought relief measures from the Government as the industry has already witnessed a negative growth of over 30 per cent during the past two years.

Atlas Copco has inaugurated a distribution and training centre at Bijaynagar, Rajasthan. This facility was inaugurated jointly by Markku Terasvasara, President, Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation Service Division; David Shellhammer, President, Atlas Copco Underground Rock Excavation Division; and Laxman Singh Shekhawat, Vice President and Unit Head, Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL).

Astec Industries company recently reported the sale of its 600th warm mix system since its first production in 2007. The system will be installed at Delta Contracting in Humboldt, Tennessee. This will enable worldwide network of existing and new plant owners, who are experiencing rising fuel and liquid asphalt prices, to lower their overall operating costs without sacrificing on quality.

Srei BNP Paribas, which specialises in infrastructure and construction equipment financing, has announced a hike in its benchmark rate by 25 basis points, from 17.75 per cent to 18 per cent. The Company's Asset Liability Management Committee took this decision after reviewing the cost of borrowing. This has been necessitated because of the continuing increase in borrowing cost due to market and regulatory factors.

AMW Motors has conducted road shows in Uttar Pradesh for 25 tonne and 31 tonne haulage vehicles 2516HL and 3116HL for long distance applications. With this, the company is confident that these vehicles will be able to make inroads into the large market in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states due to their superior performance and advantages. The road show campaign covered the major transportation hubs in the entire state and lasted for over two months.

Nuclear Power Corporation of India has proposed to build a 1,400 MW nuclear power project at Chutka in Madhya Pradesh. However, the project is on hold as two earlier attempts to hold a public hearing by the administration have failed due to protests by locals. The Mandla district administration is taking initiatives to solve the disputes between both the parties.

Tata Power had planned to set up a power plant at Naraj Marthapur near Cuttack, Odisha. However, following environmental concerns, it has been forced to change the location.The site is in the vicinity of the Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary. State Level Single Window Clearance Authority has approved the change in project site of Tata Power's 2,000 MW coal fired plant to Begunia in Khurda district.

The government, which was unable to achieve the previous plan period (2007-12) target of 78,577 MW due to fuel scarcity issues, aims to add 118,000 MW power generation capacity by March 2017. The target includes the spill-over of the previous Plan's shortfall, Planning Commission's current target of over 88,000 MW and nuclear as well as renewable power capacities.