The Hindu : National : Manmohan Singh ‘unhappy’ at delay in power reforms

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 28, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

National

National

Manmohan Singh ‘unhappy’ at delay in power reforms

Special Correspondent

‘Things must move to achieve targets’

Poor progress in power sector will hit economic growth
Reforms in the transmission system slow

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed concern over the delays in implementing power reforms, awarding mega transmission projects and commissioning of Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPPs) and continued shortfall.

Dr. Singh’s remarks came at a recent meeting, called to review the pace of reforms and execution of power projects. Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia and senior Power Ministry officials were present.

The Prime Minister made it clear that things have to move fast to achieve the targets in the 11th Plan period. He warned that “poor progress” in the power sector could have an adverse impact on economic growth.

It was pointed out that 14 mega power transmission projects were pending though they had been given the go-ahead 15 months ago.

Only two projects had been awarded till date to the Reliance Energy Limited — the 800-MW Kol Dam and the 1,500-MW Prabati Valley projects in Himachal Pradesh in joint venture with the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL).

Planning Commission Member (Power) Kirit Parekh said the UMPP developers were concerned about the timely implementation of transmission system projects by the PGCIL for evacuation of power. “The participation of private sector in transmission segment should be allowed liberally, besides encouraging joint ventures,” Dr. Ahluwalia said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National