+
Engineers express opposition to Amarkantak power project JV in MP
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Engineers express opposition to Amarkantak power project JV in MP

The All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF), an organisation representing engineers working with state utilities, has expressed opposition to the decision made by the Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company (MPPGCL) to construct replacement units for the Amarkantak power project in collaboration with the South Eastern Coalfields. They cited previous unsuccessful joint ventures as the basis for their objection.

In a letter addressed to Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Chief Minister and Shailendra Dubey, Chairman of the federation, stated that the responsibility for building the two 660 megawatt coal-fired units should be given to the state generation company, as recommended by a committee formed by the state government.

Dubey highlighted that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) fails to address crucial aspects such as the operation and maintenance of the thermal unit, as well as the working conditions of employees and engineers. He expressed the disappointment of MP power employees who feel deceived by the actions of the state government.

V K Gupta, the spokesperson for the federation, questioned the financial viability of the joint venture. He pointed out that 70% of the project's cost, amounting to Rs 4,665 crore, will be financed through loans obtained from financial institutions. The remaining 30% will be split equally between MPPGCL and SECL.

Gupta further argued that instead of granting SECL a 50% stake in the project, the state generation company could secure 15% equity from lenders. This would allow them to seek the required funds without compromising their ownership.

The federation also emphasised that constructing the new units within the state sector would facilitate the procurement of personnel and spare parts from similar units at Singaji and Satpura thermal projects.

Also read:
WIPPA urges government action for wind energy growth
Tata Power subsidiary wins 966 MW hybrid project for Tata Steel


The All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF), an organisation representing engineers working with state utilities, has expressed opposition to the decision made by the Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company (MPPGCL) to construct replacement units for the Amarkantak power project in collaboration with the South Eastern Coalfields. They cited previous unsuccessful joint ventures as the basis for their objection. In a letter addressed to Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Chief Minister and Shailendra Dubey, Chairman of the federation, stated that the responsibility for building the two 660 megawatt coal-fired units should be given to the state generation company, as recommended by a committee formed by the state government. Dubey highlighted that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) fails to address crucial aspects such as the operation and maintenance of the thermal unit, as well as the working conditions of employees and engineers. He expressed the disappointment of MP power employees who feel deceived by the actions of the state government. V K Gupta, the spokesperson for the federation, questioned the financial viability of the joint venture. He pointed out that 70% of the project's cost, amounting to Rs 4,665 crore, will be financed through loans obtained from financial institutions. The remaining 30% will be split equally between MPPGCL and SECL. Gupta further argued that instead of granting SECL a 50% stake in the project, the state generation company could secure 15% equity from lenders. This would allow them to seek the required funds without compromising their ownership. The federation also emphasised that constructing the new units within the state sector would facilitate the procurement of personnel and spare parts from similar units at Singaji and Satpura thermal projects. Also read: WIPPA urges government action for wind energy growthTata Power subsidiary wins 966 MW hybrid project for Tata Steel

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Andhra Plans Rs 15-Bn Road Network Upgrade

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced a Rs 15-billion plan to revamp the state’s road infrastructure, including the construction of 2,000 kilometres of new roads and repairs to damaged ones. Of the total, Rs 10 billion is allocated for new construction and Rs 5 billon for road repairs, according to a report by The Hindu.At a review meeting with the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department at the State Secretariat, the Chief Minister instructed officials to expedite cost assessments and initiate the tendering process.Highlighting the poor condition of roads due to pr..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Telangana Clears Rs 4.30-Bn for Iconic Mir Alam Bridge

The Government of Telangana has revised the administrative sanction for the construction of the bridge across Mir Alam Tank, increasing the outlay from Rs 363 crore to Rs 430 crore.The project will be executed by the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Lt(MRDCL) under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode. The bridge will connect the Bengaluru National Highway at Shastripuram with Chintalmet, and is envisioned as an iconic infrastructure addition to the city.The new order supersedes the earlier sanction issued in March 2024, which had outlined plans for a four-lane, hig..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Centre Approves Rs 3.25 Bn Highway Linking South Haryana to Rajasthan

The central government has sanctioned a Rs 3.25-billion four-lane highway project to connect Nuh in south Haryana with Ferozepur Jhirka and Alwar in Rajasthan, marking a significant step toward improving regional connectivity and road safety.The 45-kilometre stretch, part of National Highway 248A, will feature nine flyovers, six underpasses, and bypasses at Malab and Bhadas. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has already released tenders, with project completion targeted within two years.The corridor is expected to enhance safety along a stretch known for high accident rates, having r..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?