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Task force set up to monitor DPC revival

BS Corporate Bureau in Mumbai

The Union government has set up a task force under power secretary R V Shahi to track the revival and development of the Dabhol power project.

This was disclosed by Union Power Minister Anant Geete recently.

"The task force has been appointed following discussions between the power and finance ministries. We are hopeful that the Dabhol project would start soon," Geete said.

He, however, did not elaborate on the timeframe required to start the project.

The power ministry has requested the finance ministry to reduce the interest rates on loans given by the domestic financial institutions.

Talks are also on with the ministry of petroleum and natural gas for a reduction in the price of naphtha.

"We are confident that the Dabhol plant, which is in good condition can be revived. The National Thermal Power Corporation, which will be appointed O&M contractor, has been asked to submit a report on the future course of action," Geete said.

"MSEB and IDBI have also been asked to file within two weeks the necessary proposal with regard to the resumption of the project and the PPA before the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission for its approval," Geete added.

Geete said the state was reeling under a severe power shortage, and had to frequently resort to load-shedding.

He hoped that the revival of the Dhabol power project would help address the problem.

Union Minister of State for Power Jayawanti Mehta said under the Accelerated Power Development & Reforms Programme nearly 287 cities have been selected, and an expenditure of Rs 13,692 crore (Rs 136.92 billion) has been envisaged.

She added that BEST had already received Rs 44 crore (Rs 440 million) under this programme.

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