UP Plans Privatisation of Two Power Distribution Companies

14 Jan 2025 CW Team

Uttar Pradesh is considering the privatisation of two of its four power distribution companies, according to a state government tender. This move comes as the country's most populous state faces challenges with power losses and insufficient transmission infrastructure.

The state government has invited private companies to either form partnerships with or fully privatise the state-owned Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam, as indicated in the tender issued on January 12.

Many state power distribution companies across India are experiencing financial losses due to outdated power transmission systems and frequent power failures. As a result, the government is seeking to involve private players in the sector.

Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam are each responsible for power distribution in 21 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

In response to the increasing investment demand in the power sector and the need to upgrade the transmission infrastructure to accommodate more renewable energy, the country's power minister urged states last year to identify and list their profit-making power utilities on the stock exchange.

Delhi, the capital of India, and the eastern state of Odisha already have public-private partnerships for power distribution.

Tata Power, a prominent private company in the Indian power distribution sector, operates in Odisha, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Infrastructure Transport

30 May 2026

Chembur Metro to Boost East Mumbai Links

MMRDA is advancing eastern Mumbai’s urban mobility network, with the upcoming Chembur Metro Station set to emerge as a key interchange and the Mumbai Monorail preparing for relaunch.Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, conducted a site visit to Chembur Metro Station along with Kanhuraj Bagate, Managing Director, MMMOCL. He also visited the nearby VN Purav Monorail Station to review system preparedness and ease of interconnectivity.Once operational, the interchange is expected to offer commuters across the eastern suburbs quicker access, smoother transfers and seamless conne..

Herrenknecht TBMs Drive Thane–Borivali Tunnel Progress

Herrenknecht India has supplied two of the four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) required for the 11-km Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel Project being developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The project is expected to reduce travel time between Thane and Borivali from 60–90 minutes to around 15 minutes while easing congestion across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.The first two Single Shield TBMs, named Nayak and Arjuna, feature 13.34-m cutterhead diameters and are designed for hard-rock excavation. They will be deployed to tunnel through the challenging geological..

KBL Launches Smart Skid Mounted Fire Pump Set

Kirloskar Brothers (KBL) has launched its Smart Skid Mounted Fire Pump Set, an integrated fire protection solution designed to improve operational efficiency, remote monitoring and installation flexibility. The system was inaugurated by Ms Madhuritai Misal, Hon. Minister of State for Urban Development, Government of Maharashtra.The Smart Skid Mounted Fire Pump Set is a factory-tested, pre-packaged solution that combines FM/UL-certified motor and engine pump sets with IoT-enabled remote monitoring. Designed to deliver a flow rate of 170 m³/hr at a head of 100 metres, the system aims to provide..