Manohar Lal reviews Chhattisgarh power, advocates cess-free hydro

11 Jul 2024 CW Team

In a recent review meeting in Raipur, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, urged the Chhattisgarh government to avoid imposing cess on hydro power projects and Pump Storage Projects. This appeal, part of his efforts to lighten financial obligations for consumers, coincided with his one-month anniversary in the new government. The meeting, attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, and senior officials from relevant ministries and state bodies, focused on various aspects of the power sector.

During his address, Manohar Lal noted advancements in the power sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, citing achievements like the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana and Saubhagya. He emphasized the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) as pivotal in enhancing DISCOMs' financial viability and reducing technical losses, aiming to ensure dependable, affordable electricity supply.

Discussions encompassed Chhattisgarh's progress under the RDSS, power sector reforms, electricity's role in enhancing quality of life, and issues related to NTPC and coal blocks. State officials provided updates, facilitating a comprehensive review of ongoing initiatives and challenges.

Manohar Lal specifically urged against imposing new financial burdens on hydro power and Pump Storage Projects, cautioning that such measures could escalate consumer tariffs. He recommended the state strive to lower AT&C losses below 10% to alleviate DISCOMs' financial strains.

Infrastructure Transport

19 Dec 2025

Tripura Rail Survey Approved For Jirania–Bodhjung Link

The Ministry of Railways has approved a Final Location Survey (FLS) for a proposed new railway line between Jirania and Bodhjung Nagar in Tripura. The planned section will span 14 km and is estimated to cost around Rs 4.2 million, with the entire alignment located within West Tripura district. The approval marks a key step towards strengthening railway infrastructure and supporting industrial growth in the state. Bodhjung Nagar is Tripura’s principal industrial and commercial hub, developed mainly for resource-based industries such as rubber, bamboo and food processing. The proposed Jirania..

MCF Raebareli Rolls Out Its 15,000th Passenger Coach

The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, has reached a major production milestone with the manufacture of its 15,000th passenger coach on December 15, the Ministry of Railways said. During the current financial year 2025–26, the unit has produced a total of 1,310 coaches so far. Established in 2007 at Lalganj in Raebareli, MCF is among India’s most advanced passenger coach manufacturing facilities. Built at a cost of around Rs 31.92 billion, the factory has an installed annual capacity of 1,000 coaches and is located about 3 km from Lalganj on the Kanpur–Raebareli Roa..

RVNL Wins Gandak River Rail Bridge Contract

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has received a Letter of Award from North Eastern Railway for a major railway infrastructure project valued at Rs 1.65 billion. The contract relates to the construction of the substructure for a key railway bridge over the Gandak River. The bridge will be constructed between Paniyahwa and Valmikinagar stations as part of the doubling of the Gorakhpur Cantt–Valmikinagar railway section. Designed to enhance capacity and operational efficiency, the structure will comprise 14 spans of 61 metres each and will be supported by double D-type well foundations. The des..