India’s Solar Power Capacity Crosses 9 GW With Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat As Leading States
India’s solar power generation capacity has crossed 9 GW as on December 31, 2016 and Tamil Nadu is the leading state with largest solar capacity (1.6 GW) followed by Rajasthan (1.32 GW) and Gujarat (1.16 GW), Union power minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday. India’s total solar power generation capacity stood at 9,012 MW as on December 31, 2016. Tamil Nadu led the chart followed by Rajasthan and Gujarat, Goyal informed the Rajya Sabha. “As on December 31, 2016, Gujarat (1.16 GW), Rajasthan (1.32 GW), and Tamil Nadu (1.6 GW) have crossed 1 GW solar installations…, while Andhra Pradesh (0.98 GW), Telangana (0.97 GW) and Madhya Pradesh (0.84 GW) are close to these states,” he said in written statement. The minister said solar power development varies from state to state depending on solar irradiance, availability of conducive state policy for the sector, availability of land, cost of financing and business environment such as willingness of DISCOMS to purchase the solar power, power evacuation infrastructure, etc. On falling solar tariff, the minster stated in another statement to the Rajya Sabha that the tariff determined by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) in case of solar photovoltaic projects is Rs 5.68 per kWh and Rs 5.09 per kWh without and with accelerated depreciation benefit, respectively. He further said that in Rajasthan, the tariff after bidding came to Rs 4.34 per kWh. The government is promoting solar energy through fiscal and promotional incentives such as capital and/or interest subsidy, tax holiday on the earnings for 10 years, generation- based incentive, accelerated depreciation, viability gap funding (VGF), financing solar rooftop systems as part of home loan, concessional excise and custom duties, preferential tariff for power generation from renewables, and foreign investment up to 100 per cent under the automatic route, etc. Cordrea Tankersley Authentic Jersey
GoAP urged to maintain Aalo to Bam road under TAH
Frustrated with inordinate delay in proper execution and maintenance of the road from Bam to Aalo section of Tai to Gabu (a part of Potin-Pangin Road), the Memo Ao Youth Association (MAYA) and Pushi Bango Welfare Society (PBWS) has appealed to the state government to start early execution and maintenance of Aalo to Bam road of Tai to Gabu section of the Trans-Arunachal Highway. Addressing reporters at the Press Club here on Tuesday, MAYA Chairman, Kenbom Bagra said that the MAYA and PBWS have submitted numerous memorandums to the GoAP for early execution and maintenance of the said road, but there has been no response from the state government. They had on February 1 last, also initiated a democratic movement in the form of 12 hours chakka bandh. He said that ever since the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) handed over the project to the MoRTH in 2012, the said stretch of road is in a poor condition, especially at Pushi Bango area, making vehicular movement difficult. “The concession agreement of Potin-Pangin Road was signed on August 14, 2012, in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway (MoRTH), New Delhi with M/s Potin Pangin Pvt Ltd, represented by ECi Engineering and Consortium for widening and upgrade of the said project, while the BRO handed over the Tai to Pangin road project to MoRTH on September 4, 2014 to facilitate the executing agency to carry out construction work. However, Bagra claimed that “the executing agency has not been carrying out proper maintenance work, causing much hardship to the commuters, while the maintenance of Aalo to Bam road has also been halted after the construction of a temporary by-pass road of Nyorak-Nikte due to reasons best known to the executing agency.” Further, stating that Aalo to Mechuka is a place of strategic importance, with hundreds of army and para military forces vehicles plying despite terrible road conditions, Bagra said that it was a matter of grave concern and urged the state government to accord priority to proper road connectivity in the said area. He also appealed to the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju to address the said issues at the earliest. PBWS President, Kirnya Bagra said that ever since the BRTF handed over the road construction work to other agencies in 2012, the condition of road has only been deteriorating. The PBWS president further said that the MAYA and PBWS, along with 17 organizations, including Ato Paktu Ao Welfare Society, PAYWA, KKSU and BASU from Basar area and ABSWA from Mechuka and Nyiko Bango area, Mother’s Vision Aalo, AAPWWS and Galo Ane Aalo and other organizations will launch the second phase of agitation in the form of 24 hours West Siang bandh, followed by 36, 48 hours and indefinite period bandh, if their demands are not met with within the next 10 days. Curtis Samuel Authentic Jersey
Naidu asks officials to fast-track road projects
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday asked officials to speed up the process for declaration of the Amarvati-Anantapur expressway and Outer Ring Road (ORR) of Amaravati as national highways. If this was done, it would be easy to obtain permissions from the Ministry of Forests and also acquire lands. At a review meeting on roads and buildings held at the interim Secretariat near here, Mr. Naidu said that land acquisition for the expressway should be completed in three months so as to complete the project by 2019. The expressway of 598.83 km length passes through the districts of Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Kadapa, Kurnool and Anantapur. He asked the Collectors of the five districts to form separate teams for land acquisition. The government would provide necessary staff. A thorough coordination among forest officials and RDOs was required, he said. Railway officials present at the meeting suggested that speed train track could be constructed along the express way. The track could be parallel to the expressway. Earlier, project consultants gave a presentation on the designs of the proposed expressway to connect Amaravati to Bengaluru. They made changes in the alignment following a suggestion from the Chief Minister. The connecting Kadapa-Kurnool roads were designed to prevent passage through the forest area. AP Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) Commissioner Ch. Sridhar, making a presentation on the new alignment of the Amaravati ORR, said that the distance had increased by two km taking the total distance to197.5 km. Alignment change Likewise, the length of a tunnel proposed near Mylavaram has come down to 4.5 km from 7.5 km. A change in alignment of 200 metres was made near Guntur, he said. Mr. Naidu, responding to it, suggested that an eight-lane ORR be thought of to meet future requirements instead of a six-lane road. The three proposed ORRs—Tirupati-Vaikuntamala, Visakha-Soundaryamala and Amaravati-Boudhamala—should be connected to the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor road, he said. A sum of ?1,202 crore would be allotted for developing interior and connecting roads. An agency would be floated and a retired police officer appointed as a director to speed up the project. Benz Circle flyover The Kanaka Durga flyover under construction and the proposed flyover near the Benz Circle also came up for discussion. Mr. Naidu set a deadline of August 15 for the Kanaka Durga project. On the Benz Circle flyover, he said the government wanted it to be constructed duly following international standards. A separate meeting would be convened in two days to take a final decision on the flyover, he said. Demarcus Robinson Womens Jersey
16 KEY BRIDGES BUILT IN 2016-17: MUNAT
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Rajesh Munat on Tuesday said that Rs53 crore had been spent in constructing 16 important bridges in 2016-17. Many crucial big and small bridges had been built providing an easy access to the remote areas of the State, he said. The PWD has also built 18 Railways over and under bridges in high density traffic areas in the State involving a cost of Rs300 crore during the past 13 years, officials informed. Munat informed that currently, five key Railway over and under bridges are under construction at a cost of Rs222 crores in Raipur, Bilaspur and Janjgir-Champa districts.The bridges are coming up at Shankar Nagar, Kashiram Nagar, Lal Kadan, Khoksa and Champa. Notably, the Chhattisgarh Government in May last year also announced that it will take up construction of 63 long-span bridges under ‘Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana’ (PMGSY) in different districts of the State, officials informed. On the other hand, as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary ‘Setu Bharatam Yojana’, the State Public Work Department (PWD) has initiated efforts for construction of over-bridges and under-bridge at railway crossing across the State for ensuring smooth and accident-free vehicular movement, officials stated. In the State Budget 2016-17, Chief Minister Raman Singh has included the proposal of as many as five railway over-bridges in ‘Setu Bharatam Yojana’ for reconstruction of railway level-crossings, old and narrow-bridges falling on national highways, informed officials, adding that of five bridges, two over-bridges will be constructed between Manendragarh and Ambikapur, two between Mahasamund and Kharir Road (Odisha) and one railway over-bridge at village Keshloor in Bastar district. For construction of four railway under-bridges and four railway over-bridges, the Chief Minister has made a financial provision of Rs13.16 crore from the Department’s general expenditure head in this budget, said Munat. He said that the construction of these eight railway bridges will be costing Rs54.71 crore, of which Rs36.55 crore would be the estimated expenditure for construction of four over-bridges while Rs18.16 crore will be required in construction of four under-bridges. Similarly, the Chief Minister had announced to carry out a survey for construction of over and under-bridges at 41 railway level-crossings on Raigarh-Dongargarh route. The survey work is going to cost Rs1.05 crore. Notably, the project aims to make all national highways free from railway level crossing by 2019 to ensure road safety. Under the project, 208 bridges will be built at a cost of Rs20,800 crore. Also, 1500 old bridges will be reconstructed, which will cost Rs30,000 crore. As many as 29 Road Over Bridges (RoBs) have also been sanctioned by the Central government during the current financial year under South East Central Railway (SECR) division. At present, there are 1,156 sanctioned works for construction of 1,399 ROBs across the country, officials stated. Fund for construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs)/Road Under Bridges (RUBs)/Subways; elimination of level crossings and other safety works related to level crossings come from Central Road Fund (CRF) as a percentage of cess collected on petrol and diesel by Union Ministry of Finance. A provision of Rs4180.87 crore has been made for South East Central Railway (SECR) in the Union Railway budget to provide a further boost to its development activities. Boston Red Sox Authentic Jersey
Andhra Pradesh:All decks cleared for laying 64-km long national highway
The Detailed Project Report for the 64-km long national highway road connecting Anakapalle and Anandapuram was finalised. National Highway Authority of India will a lay six-lane road with two bi-pass roads at a cost of ` 2,392 crore. The state government has to acquire 900 acres of land for the project and already 350 acres are acquired and the Revenue department has geared up to complete the entire land acquisition process. However, the state government has not finalised the compensation to the land losers. According to the DPR, `2,392 crore was only for construction of the road and the state government will foot the land acquisition bill. Once the collector sends his recommendations to the government, the cabinet will discuss the issue and announce compensation to the land losers. However, the government is yet to take a decision on the issue, the officials said. In fact, the Central government sanctioned only six-lane road, keeping in view future challenges, the DPR was prepared for 8-lane road and land is also being acquired for the 8-lane road. In the first phase 6-lane road will be constructed and later it will be widened to eight lanes. Meanwhile, a review meeting was held on the project on Sunday in which Anakapalle MP M Srinivasa Rao, NHAI and revenue officials were present. Speaking in the meeting, the special grade deputy collector, land acquisition, N Subba Raju, said that once 60 per cent of land acquisition (540 acres) is completed, tenders will be invited for the project. Srinivasa Rao asked the officials to complete the land acquisition by April-end and call the tenders in May. He stressed the need of the national highway stretch between Anakapalle and Anandapuram since many fatal accidents were being reported. Joe Haden Authentic Jersey
Shabby roads in Kashmir| Govt fails to rebuild damaged roads; of 4000kms, only 1400 kms repaired since 2014
Despite passing of two years since the floods wreaked havoc in Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir government has failed to undertake macadamization of 2600 kms of road stretches, which were damaged by September 2014 deluge adding to already shabby roads links which are causing inconvenience to populace. Senior Roads and Building department officials informed Greater Kashmir that the vast road stretches in Kashmir were already in dilapidated conditions, the floods left further 4,000 Kms dilapidated. Of which only 1400 Kms have been repaired so far while remaining 2600 Kms are yet to be repaired despite passing of two years post-floods. To add to it, only 33 kms were blacktopped in 2016 with government blaming unrest for failing to undertake construction works in Kashmir. Minister for Roads and Buildings, A. R Veeri acknowledged that vast portion of damaged roads in 2014 flood are yet to be macadamized. “ It is a fact that of 4000 kms road stretch damaged by deluge only 1400 kms have been repaired,” he said adding that “ We had planned to take up blacktopping of remaining portion of road stretches in 2016, however the situation didn’t allow us.” The Minister said that government will take up the macadamization of roads in the coming season. Deteriorating roads While 2600 kms of roads are already in bad conditions, the few inches of snowfall in Kashmir over past few days has brought to fore the messy road conditions across Kashmir, even the newly developed roads are in shambles and have developed potholes much to the dismay of the commuters. Experts blame the “defunct drainage system, ill-planning during construction of roads in Kashmir for causing damage to already macadamized roads”. As per officials, for construction of 1 km of macadamized road link, the government spends upto estimated Rs 30 lakh rupees. However, it has been observed that most of the roads doesn’t last more than 2 year after being blacktopped. The Greater Kashmir spoke to civil engineers and contractors to know the reasons apart from government apathy about the dilapidated conditions of road links despite government claiming of spending huge amount of money on road constructions. “The main problem which affects the life of roads in Kashmir are defunct drainage system,” said Ghulam Muhammad, a retired PWD Engineer. He said that earlier roads lasted long due to slopes kept in design to allow outflow of water, while now on most roads there is no outflow channels neither are drainage network functional. Chairman, JK, Contractors Coordination Committee (JKCCC) Ghulam Jeelani Purza blamed water logging for roads getting damaged. “Despite using high and rich quality material our roads get damaged due to water logging because macadamized roads are like carpets if a thread gets damaged it slowly starts damaging other parts as well, same thing happens when water gets logged on any road it starts damaging the bitumen and affects its life,” he said. Purza said further the failure of government to undertake repairs of flood ravaged roads is another reason why our roads are in a mess. “ The government has even failed to clear our pending bills of Rs 311 crore for works undertaken to repair 1400 kms of roads damaged by floods.” To this, the Minister R&B, Veeri said that government has already put in clause by virtue of which contractors have to give three years warranty on roads they construct. “If any road link has been damaged within the guaranteed period, the government will ensure that contractor undertakes the repair works as per the contract agreement,” he added. Breshad Perriman Authentic Jersey
Hybrid model roads projects suffer financial commitment hit; NHAI cancels 2
Over a dozen road projects conceived under the hybrid annuity model are stuck for want of financial commitments while a couple have been cancelled by the NHAI. Although nearly 30 such projects were awarded till end July, some of these could lapse since the financial commitments need to be in place within 150 days of the concession agreement being signed. Smaller firms in particular are unable to secure the funds for projects. Spokespersons for Eagle Infra and DRA confirmed to FE they were yet to close out the funding for their projects won in April and May, respectively. Interestingly, a handful of builders appear to have most of the projects awarded so far. While as many as six projects have been bagged by the MEP Infra- San Jose alliance, five have been picked up by Sadbhav Infrastructure. These developers have either managed to arrange the finances for most of their projects or are in an advanced stage of doing so. Among others Ashoka Buildcon and Welspun have won a project each and have tied up the finances while Dilip Buildcon and PNC Infratech are expected to do so soon. The pace of HAM projects awarded has gone up in recent months with a total of 39 projects worth Rs 34,800 crore having been bid out across 2,170 km crore till January 12, 2017. However, bankers remain somewhat cautious of lending to the roads sector despite the fact that the HAM structure entails lower risks for the developer because NHAI assumes the responsibilities of acquiring the land, estimating the traffic and collecting the toll and the concessionaire takes on virtually no risk. Fe had reported on November 21 that two projects—with Gawar Infrastructure and Overseas Infrastructure Alliance (OIA)—had been terminated. At that time, former NHAI chairman Raghav Chandra had denied that bankers’ were uncomfortable with lending to the two projects or to the winning bidders. Given their mixed experience with the BOT model, banks and financial institutions are being choosy about funding HAM projects. The concerns of lenders stem from the very small equity risk that the concessionaire is taking. Given that 40% of the project cost comes as a grant from NHAI, the concenssionaire’s equity contribution is reduced to just 15% of the remaining 60% of the project cost or effectively a mere 9%. Lenders have pointed out the promoter has virtually no skin in the game. A senior public sector bank executive told FE, several large banks have indicated their reluctance to lend to hybrid projects if the promoters’ equity is effectively just 9%. “This is too small a commitment on the part of the promoter and none of the proposals from developers has been closed yet,” the executive added. To assuage their concerns it has been decided that NHAI’s grant of 40% which was to have been milestone-based with most of the payments coming at a later date, will now given at the early stages of construction. Nevertheless unlisted companies and even contractors who have won HAM projects are finding it tough to secure funds. Alok Deora, analyst at IIFL Wealth says HAM projects have attracted the interest of a clutch of little-known, relatively small, unlisted companies. “Such companies may find it difficult to raise funds for projects and there could be a couple of cancellations. This could mean fewer kilometers awarded compared to targets,” Deora said. Devam Modi, analyst at Equirus Securities points out the discomfort of lenders with the balance sheets of smaller companies coupled with their caution on lending to roads could hold up projects. Demetri Goodson Jersey
Rs 900 crore extra toll collected on Mumbai-Pune Expressway?
While activists have earlier claimed that toll operator IRB has collected the projected toll revenue on the 94-km-long Mumbai Pune Expressway, the official toll collection data of the Expressway maintained by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has indicated that the toll operator, IRB, allegedly collected over the last 10 years around Rs 900 crore more than the anticipated toll. As per the contract between MSRDC and the IRB, the anticipated toll during 2007-2008 and 2016-2017 was supposed to be around Rs 1,800 crore, but the latter pocketed around Rs 2,700 crore by December 2016. When contacted, IRB claimed that the toll collection does not involve only the construction cost and one should understand the whole economic calculation behind it. Activists have alleged that the surplus toll collection is due to the faulty traffic study conducted by MSRDC that anticipated wrong escalation in traffic resulting into surplus toll revenue, turning into profit for the toll operator. The MSRDC sold the rights to collect toll to IRB in 2004 for 15 years for upfront payment of Rs 918 crore. In an email response, IRB said, “It needs to be understood that the traffic study is done by project developer before bidding for the project by assuming the likely traffic growth for concession period. One needs to appreciate that the recovery of only project cost does not mean recovery of only construction costs. It needs to consider initial investments of upfront payment by concessionaire to the nodal agencies concerned, servicing debts.” Vivek Velankar, toll activist, said, “As per the contract between MSRDC and the IRB there is no clause of sharing or shutting of toll collection in case of the targeted toll Rs 2,869 crore is met before the termination of contract in 2019. We have also highlighted that.” Mr Velankar, added, “MSRDC had anticipated that Rs 2,869 crore in terms of toll revenue would be collected by 2019 and after meeting the target the contract will be terminated. However, despite collecting revenue of Rs 2,923 crore till the end of November 2016, the toll operator has been allowed to charge toll on the expressway.” On the other hand, IRB said, “The road developer takes a huge risk on the traffic assumptions over the fixed concession period during the bidding process.” Mr Velankar said, “MSRDC’s assumption while signing the contract was that the traffic growth would be five per cent on per annum basis but the traffic growth is not increasing at the rate of five per cent. Around 50,000 vehicles use the Expressway daily against the anticipation of 20-25,000 by MSRDC. Post 2007, every year the toll operator is collection more than anticipated” MSRDC has claimed that there is no clause to stop tolling in the contract signed between MSRDC and IRB. “To stop tolling in case of early recovery and whatever surplus the toll operator collects should be considered as his/her profit considering the risks involved in such huge projects. Also, the matter is now going to be referred to the state advocate general for his legal opinion,” Kiran Kurundkar, joint managing director, MSRDC. Will Richardson Womens Jersey
24% more funds to drive India onto super highway
In line with the government’s thrust on expanding the highway network, the allocation for the sector has been increased by 24% over 2016-17 to Rs 64,900 crore. In addition, Rs 27,000 crore will be spent on building roads in rural areas under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) over the next two years. The additional provision in the Budget for National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to raise nearly Rs 59,300 crore through borrowings would mean that both the ministry and NHAI can undertake projects worth over Rs 1 lakh crore during 2017-18. The tax exemption on ‘masala’ bonds (bonds through which Indian companies can raise funds from global markets in rupees at cheaper rate) is likely to help the NHAI fund projects. While the NHAI executes its own projects, the ministry implements programmes through state public work departments. FM Jaitley said 2,000km of coastal roads had been identified for construction and development to facilitate better connectivity with ports and remote villages. “Besides government investment, we also expect substantial private investment in the highways sector. There is ample scope to continue and take up works worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore,” said a government official. Highways minister Nitin Gadkari termed the Budget revolutionary on account of its focus on infrastructure. However, what remains a matter of concern is the inadequate allocation for highway maintenance, which is almost unchanged at Rs 3,000 crore. Jarran Reed Jersey
HARYANA CABINET NOD TO ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION ACT
Haryana Cabinet on Thursday approved the draft of the Road Infrastructure Protection Act, 2017 for protection of roads constructed and maintained by Haryana Public Works (Building and Roads) Department, except National Highways declared under National Highway Act, 1956. At present, to protect the National Highways from deliberate damage, the National Highway Act, 1956 exists. Under the new Act, the roads constructed by the Public Works (Building and Roads) Department would be protected from illegal encroachments and damaged by individuals or community, said an official spokesman. He said that it has been observed that the State Government is spending a good part of its budget to improve the road infrastructure, but the same was negated by illegal encroachments and damaging activities carried out on the roads, which was a matter of serious concern. The issue was worsening day by day and remains unabated. The Act would provide clearly defined rules and regulations to be followed by competent authority and would help in implementation of a systematic approach for better utilisation and management of road infrastructure and enhancement of security, said he. The roads to be covered under the Act would include state highways, major district roads, ther district roads, any other road, paths and streets for transport or communication. It will not only include all types of roads, but also their structures. Vontaze Burfict Jersey