Union Ministry Extends Scheme for Solar Parks, Mega Projects until FY26

23 Jun 2023 CW Team

The scheme for 'Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Park Projects' has been extended by the union ministry of new and renewable energy until FY26. According to a notification from the ministry, this extension will not result in any additional financial implications. The original schedule had set the scheme to end in March 2024.

Introduced in December 2014, the scheme aims to assist states and union territories in establishing solar parks across the country, providing the necessary infrastructure for solar power projects. A solar park is a large area of land developed with shared infrastructure facilities such as transmission infrastructure, roads, water, drainage, and communication networks, along with all the required statutory clearances.

Under this scheme, the ministry offers central financial assistance (CFA) of up to Rs 25 lakh per solar park for the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR). Additionally, CFA of up to Rs 20 lakh per MW or 30 per cent of the project cost, including grid-connectivity expenses, whichever is lower, is provided upon achieving the milestones outlined in the scheme.

The decision to extend the scheme comes in light of the slow progress observed in the development of solar parks. In a response to a question in the Lok Sabha in March, RK Singh, the union minister for new and renewable energy (MNRE), revealed that out of the 57 solar parks with a total capacity of 39.28 GW, only nine were fully completed, and another eight were partially completed as of February 2023.

Singh attributed the delay in establishing solar parks to various factors, including challenges related to acquiring suitable land, discrepancies in timelines between solar projects and power evacuation infrastructure, environmental concerns such as the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) issue, and regulatory obstacles like the non-approval of solar tariffs by State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs).

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..