NALCO to Invest Rs 300 Billion in Smelter, Power Plant

01 Sep 2025 CW Team

State-run National Aluminium Company (NALCO) will invest Rs 300 billion over the next five years to develop a new aluminium smelter and a coal-based power plant, Chairman and Managing Director Brijendra Pratap Singh announced on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Singh said approximately Rs 180 billion has been earmarked for setting up a greenfield smelter project in Odisha. The investment will be financed through a combination of internal accruals and debt. The remaining Rs 120 billion will go towards establishing a coal power plant, for which NALCO is currently in discussions with Coal India and NTPC.

Singh also shared that NALCO is actively exploring new coal and bauxite mining opportunities within India to secure long-term raw material supply. The company already operates integrated bauxite mining and alumina refining operations in Odisha.

Beyond domestic expansion, NALCO is eyeing global resources to support India’s growing electric vehicle ecosystem. The company is conducting eligibility assessments at five lithium mines in Argentina, a key source of the critical mineral used in battery manufacturing.

Through its joint venture, Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)—a collaboration with Hindustan Copper and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited—NALCO is also pursuing equity investments in Australian lithium assets. These efforts align with India’s broader strategy to secure access to critical minerals and build a resilient supply chain for green technologies.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Sep 2025

Rs 2.82 Billion Approved for NH-48 Flyovers, Footbridges

Gurugram’s section of National Highway 48 is set for a significant infrastructure upgrade, with the Central Government approving Rs 2.82 billion for the construction of four flyovers and nine foot overbridges along the Gurgaon–Kotputli–Jaipur corridor. This initiative aims to ease congestion, improve commuter safety, and boost regional connectivity, according to officials.The planned flyovers will be built at Panchgaon Chowk, Rathiwas, near the Hero Company, and Sahlawas. The nine foot overbridges will be constructed at Shikhopur, Manesar, Binola, Rathiwas, Malpura, Jaisinghpurkhera, Sid..

VSL Wins Rs 810-Cr O&M Deal for 810 MWp NGEL Solar Assets

VSL Renewable Services has secured a Rs 810 crore operation and maintenance (O&M) contract for 810 MWp of NTPC Green Energy’s (NGEL) solar power projects spread across Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The contract duration is 36 months.The tender, issued in January 2025, was divided into two lots: Lot 1 for 1,054 MWp and Lot 2 for 810 MWp. VSL emerged as the lowest bidder in both categories, but was awarded only Lot 2 in accordance with NTPC’s tender guidelines.Advanced Monitoring and Tailored StrategiesThe O&M scope will employ artificial intelligence and Internet of..

AP Issues Bid for Rs 34.9 Billion Battery Storage Project

The Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (APTRANSCO) has invited bids for the development of 1,000 MW/2,000 MWh battery energy storage systems (BESS) across seven substations in the state. The project, with an estimated viability gap funding of up to Rs 34.9 billion, will be executed under a build, own, and operate (BOO) model through tariff-based competitive bidding.Bid Timeline and StructureBids must be submitted by 29 September 2025 and will be opened on 6 October. The VGF support per project is capped at Rs 1.8 million per MWh and will be released in three instalments—20 per cent u..