GoM Discusses Power Distribution Viability

28 Feb 2025 CW Team

The second meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on the viability of electricity distribution utilities was held in Mumbai, attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, who chaired the meeting. Ministers from Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, along with officials from central and state governments, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Ltd., and REC Ltd., participated in the discussions. Naik emphasised the need for collective efforts to strengthen the power distribution sector, highlighting key performance indicators such as Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, the ACS-ARR gap, accumulated losses, and outstanding debts. He pointed out that every 1% increase in AT&C loss results in losses exceeding Rs 100 billion and called for leveraging renewable energy, adopting advanced technologies like AI for demand forecasting, and expediting projects under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Fadnavis praised the Centre’s initiatives and stressed the importance of expanding renewable energy with storage solutions to meet future energy demands. He showcased Maharashtra’s efforts under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana, which provides daytime power to farmers, reducing costs and subsidy burdens. He also sought support from the Centre for faster release of Gross Budgetary Support under RDSS and called for lower interest rates on loans and regulatory relaxations. Gujarat, invited as a special participant, shared best practices that made its DISCOMs profitable. Member states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan, presented their reform efforts and suggestions for improving the financial health of DISCOMs. The PRAYAS group also proposed reforms for a financially viable distribution sector. The GoM reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the financial viability of DISCOMs and agreed to hold its third meeting in Uttar Pradesh in March. (PIB)

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..