Chennai: NLC-Tamil Nadu Power Ltd has entered into an Rs 937-crore loan agreement with a Bank of India-led consortium to part fund a 1,000 MW power project, according to a press release from Neyveli Lignite.
The agreement was signed today with the consortium which includes Indian Bank and Central Bank of India.
The NLC-Tamil Nadu Power is a joint venture between Neyveli Lignite Corporation and the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd (Tangedco) for the 2x500 MW power plant in Tuticorin. NLC holds an 89 per cent stake in the project with Tangedco holding the balance 11 per cent.
The Government of India sanctioned the Rs 4,909.54-crore project in May 2008. In 2010, a bank consortium led by Bank of Baroda lent Rs 2,500 crore.
The coal linkage is being tied up with Mahanadhi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd.
Land for the project is taken from VOC Port Trust, Tuticorin, on long-term lease basis.
The power generated from this project will cater to the states in the Southern Region. Power purchase agreements have been signed with Tangedco and other SEBs.
All the major package contracts are awarded and the project under implementation has reached the physical progress of around 70 per cent. The first unit is expected to be commissioned in December 2013, followed by another unit in March 2014.
Success in my Habit
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
TCS sets up new facility in Liverpool
Mumbai: Tata Consultancy Services, the country’s largest software exporter, has set up a new delivery centre in Liverpool, expanding its operations in the UK.
The new facility, which is dedicated to delivering government services, will be fully operational in July and will house over 300 employees, the Tata group company said in a statement.
TCS plans to use the facility to deliver services to the Home Office, following a multi-million, multi-year contract that was awarded in November 2012, to manage the technology needs and support services of the newly-formed Disclosure and Barring Service.
The new facility will provide a secure applications development and maintenance centre for business applications and operational delivery centre for outsourced business process and IT services.
“Our work in the public sector is focused on improving services for the UK citizens and driving greater value for the UK Government. Our investment in a new, secure delivery centre in Liverpool will allow us to effectively meet the business objectives of DBS to modernise and transform its business while supporting our longer term strategy for increased participation in transformation programmes for the U.K. public sector,” said TCS Country Head (UK and Ireland) Shankar Narayanan.
The two organisations, DBS and TCS, will also collaborate to update the organisation’s business processes to help improve decision making, reduce processing times and improve information gathering between disclosures and barring services.
TCS combines government specific domain expertise with a world-class set of delivery capabilities to enable service transformation for some of its key government clients in the UK, such as, National Employment Savings Trust (NEST), Cardiff City Council, Child Maintenance Group (CMG is a division of DWP) and The Big Lottery Fund, amongst others.
The new facility, which is dedicated to delivering government services, will be fully operational in July and will house over 300 employees, the Tata group company said in a statement.
TCS plans to use the facility to deliver services to the Home Office, following a multi-million, multi-year contract that was awarded in November 2012, to manage the technology needs and support services of the newly-formed Disclosure and Barring Service.
The new facility will provide a secure applications development and maintenance centre for business applications and operational delivery centre for outsourced business process and IT services.
“Our work in the public sector is focused on improving services for the UK citizens and driving greater value for the UK Government. Our investment in a new, secure delivery centre in Liverpool will allow us to effectively meet the business objectives of DBS to modernise and transform its business while supporting our longer term strategy for increased participation in transformation programmes for the U.K. public sector,” said TCS Country Head (UK and Ireland) Shankar Narayanan.
The two organisations, DBS and TCS, will also collaborate to update the organisation’s business processes to help improve decision making, reduce processing times and improve information gathering between disclosures and barring services.
TCS combines government specific domain expertise with a world-class set of delivery capabilities to enable service transformation for some of its key government clients in the UK, such as, National Employment Savings Trust (NEST), Cardiff City Council, Child Maintenance Group (CMG is a division of DWP) and The Big Lottery Fund, amongst others.
Samsung SDS gets Rs 220 crore ticketing contract from L&T Metro
Hyderabad: Korean technology firm Samsung SDS Company secured Rs 220 crore order from L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad), an arm of infrastructure firm L&T, for setting up automatic fare collection (AFC) system for the Hyderabad metro rail project coming up at Rs 14,132 crore.
Samsung has implemented similar AFC projects across several countries including three in India at Delhi metro, Bangalore metro and Jaipur metro.
The contract awarded by L&T Metrorail includes setting up of smart card based ticketing system, automatic gates, cash and card based payment system, ticket vending machines, near field communication technology that enables usage of mobile phones as fare media, among others.
BV Gadgil, chief executive and MD of L&T Metrorail, said, ""We have chosen Sansumg Data Systems based on their technical expertise, international presence and most importantly for their experience of working and implementing AFC projects in the Indian environment.""
Samsung has implemented similar AFC projects across several countries including three in India at Delhi metro, Bangalore metro and Jaipur metro.
The contract awarded by L&T Metrorail includes setting up of smart card based ticketing system, automatic gates, cash and card based payment system, ticket vending machines, near field communication technology that enables usage of mobile phones as fare media, among others.
BV Gadgil, chief executive and MD of L&T Metrorail, said, ""We have chosen Sansumg Data Systems based on their technical expertise, international presence and most importantly for their experience of working and implementing AFC projects in the Indian environment.""
MIAL partners Wipro for terminal
Mumbai: Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), operator of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) here, has entered into a 10-year contract with Wipro Infotech, the India and West Asia IT business unit of Wipro, for the new integrated terminal T2. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
Wipro will be responsible for providing managed services across the entire IT landscape at MIAL and deliver high availability and operational efficiency across all critical processes.
Though initially envisaged for T2, Wipro will begin the transition with a takeover of the IT services in the current terminals at CSIA, expected to commence from April 1. As regards to T2, Wipro will assist in the preparation of IT-related standard operating procedures and also work closely with MIAL during the testing and trial phase of the IT systems before managing all the IT services for the iconic new terminal.
MIAL is currently implementing a master plan to build an integrated terminal, T2, designed to cater to 40 million passengers annually. When completed, it will be a state-of-the-art, four-level integrated terminal, with an area of 439,000 sq mt and will include new taxiways and apron areas for aircraft parking.
Rajeev Jain, CEO, MIAL said, “Our vision is to make T2 a global showcase and IT will play the role of a significant business driver. In line with this vision of making CSIA a world-class airport, and T2 an iconic terminal, we plan to invest in best-in-the-class technology and systems and have accordingly decided to partner with an IT company like Wipro to provide the best services.”
IT is a key driver for critical airport operations, including flight and terminal management, ground handling and property management.
The total outsourcing engagement will deliver business IT alignment for T2 by combining airport solutions.
Anand Sankaran, Sr. Vice President - Wipro Infotech and Global Infrastructure Services said, “We are excited that Mumbai International Airport has chosen Wipro as a strategic partner for their IT transformation project. Wipro will leverage its global expertise and strong understanding of the business domain, to deliver a best-in-class experience to MIAL’s stakeholders including customers, employees and airlines. This engagement with MIAL adds strength to our existing Airport and Infrastructure Practice.”
Wipro will be responsible for providing managed services across the entire IT landscape at MIAL and deliver high availability and operational efficiency across all critical processes.
Though initially envisaged for T2, Wipro will begin the transition with a takeover of the IT services in the current terminals at CSIA, expected to commence from April 1. As regards to T2, Wipro will assist in the preparation of IT-related standard operating procedures and also work closely with MIAL during the testing and trial phase of the IT systems before managing all the IT services for the iconic new terminal.
MIAL is currently implementing a master plan to build an integrated terminal, T2, designed to cater to 40 million passengers annually. When completed, it will be a state-of-the-art, four-level integrated terminal, with an area of 439,000 sq mt and will include new taxiways and apron areas for aircraft parking.
Rajeev Jain, CEO, MIAL said, “Our vision is to make T2 a global showcase and IT will play the role of a significant business driver. In line with this vision of making CSIA a world-class airport, and T2 an iconic terminal, we plan to invest in best-in-the-class technology and systems and have accordingly decided to partner with an IT company like Wipro to provide the best services.”
IT is a key driver for critical airport operations, including flight and terminal management, ground handling and property management.
The total outsourcing engagement will deliver business IT alignment for T2 by combining airport solutions.
Anand Sankaran, Sr. Vice President - Wipro Infotech and Global Infrastructure Services said, “We are excited that Mumbai International Airport has chosen Wipro as a strategic partner for their IT transformation project. Wipro will leverage its global expertise and strong understanding of the business domain, to deliver a best-in-class experience to MIAL’s stakeholders including customers, employees and airlines. This engagement with MIAL adds strength to our existing Airport and Infrastructure Practice.”
First meeting of India-UAE high level task force on investments held in Abu Dhabi
New Delhi: The inaugural meeting of the India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments was held today at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. More than 50 government and private sector representatives from India and the UAE were present.
The high-level taskforce, co-chaired by the Union Minister for Commerce, Industry & Textiles Shri Anand Sharma and HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, was established in April 2012 as a platform to address mutual issues associated with existing investments between the two countries and to promote and facilitate investments between the two countries.
India and UAE are significant trading partners and bilateral trade between the two countries is expected to reach new record levels in years to come.
The meeting of the India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments included a wide-ranging discussion on priority sectors of engagement for channeling investments in the two countries, areas of shared interest including the agreement in principle to put in place an Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPA) and expedite its conclusion, as well as assistance and support of Governments of both countries for expediting the resolution of issues associated with existing investments and opportunities for new cross-border investments across a range of sectors.
In order to progress these efforts, it was decided that working groups will be created to strengthen and develop bilateral relations in the investment fields and an agreement was reached between the two countries on the format and structure of future discussions, including the allocation of USD 2 billion for investments in infrastructure projects in India and support the establishment of a strategic oil reserve in India.
“Today we have laid the groundwork for what I am confident will be a fruitful series of discussions around issues of significant interest and importance to both the UAE and India,” said HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Shri Sharma underlined India’s status as a major destination for foreign investments and the opportunities that exist for UAE, especially in infrastructure areas such as roads and highways, power and utilities, civil aviation, ports, urban infrastructure etc. and participation through the Infrastructure Debt Funds. He also highlighted India’s desire to participate in the cooperation in the oil and gas sector of UAE.
The next meeting of the India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments will be held on a mutually agreed date and location.
The high-level taskforce, co-chaired by the Union Minister for Commerce, Industry & Textiles Shri Anand Sharma and HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, was established in April 2012 as a platform to address mutual issues associated with existing investments between the two countries and to promote and facilitate investments between the two countries.
India and UAE are significant trading partners and bilateral trade between the two countries is expected to reach new record levels in years to come.
The meeting of the India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments included a wide-ranging discussion on priority sectors of engagement for channeling investments in the two countries, areas of shared interest including the agreement in principle to put in place an Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPA) and expedite its conclusion, as well as assistance and support of Governments of both countries for expediting the resolution of issues associated with existing investments and opportunities for new cross-border investments across a range of sectors.
In order to progress these efforts, it was decided that working groups will be created to strengthen and develop bilateral relations in the investment fields and an agreement was reached between the two countries on the format and structure of future discussions, including the allocation of USD 2 billion for investments in infrastructure projects in India and support the establishment of a strategic oil reserve in India.
“Today we have laid the groundwork for what I am confident will be a fruitful series of discussions around issues of significant interest and importance to both the UAE and India,” said HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Shri Sharma underlined India’s status as a major destination for foreign investments and the opportunities that exist for UAE, especially in infrastructure areas such as roads and highways, power and utilities, civil aviation, ports, urban infrastructure etc. and participation through the Infrastructure Debt Funds. He also highlighted India’s desire to participate in the cooperation in the oil and gas sector of UAE.
The next meeting of the India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments will be held on a mutually agreed date and location.
Monday, February 18, 2013
India to have 18 mt crude stock by 2020
New Delhi: The government is looking to build storage capacity for about 18 million tonnes (mt) of crude by 2020 in a bid to insulate India, which is heavily dependent on imports for its energy needs, from supply disturbances. The first phase of this strategic stockpile--5.33 mt--will be commissioned by April 2014.
Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL), a special purpose vehicle owned by the Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB), is now building storages in underground rock caverns at Visakhapatnam (1.33 mt), Mangalore (1.5 mt) and Padur, Kerala (2.5 mt).
While the Visakhapatnam project will be commissioned by December this year, the other two will be on track before April 2014, say people aware of the development. OIDB is a statutory body set up by the government in 1975 to provide financial assistance for the development of the oil industry. The strategic stockpile the government is building excludes the 22.04-mt buffer stock that oil companies are required to keep.
“Once the first phase is commissioned, we will have crude inventory worth about Rs 24,000 crore for 13 days. Almost 90 per cent of the work is completed there. The detailed feasibility report of an additional 12.5 mt is before the Cabinet for clearance,” said a petroleum ministry official, who did not want to be named. As per government estimates, the country will have a total net import of 179 mt by 2019-20. Keeping in mind strategic and buffer stocks for 90 days, India needs a total storage capacity of 44 mt.
At present, India is meeting almost 80 per cent of its energy needs through imports.
“The government wants to take the lead and have a strategic stocks of 17.83 mt, while public sector undertakings and other companies may add more than 4 mt to their buffer stocks of 22.04 mt. This is calculated on the basis of net imports that the country will have,” the official added.
India will also become one of the first countries in Asia to have storage capacity in underground rock caverns. “Our specialty is that we will have underground rock cavern storage like Japan, Sweden and South Korea. Most other nations have salt caverns. The crown of our caverns lies at least 35 metres below the sea level,” said ISPRL chief executive officer Rajan K Pillai.
The total cost of the first phase is around Rs 4,000 crore. OIDB is funding the entire construction cost. The additional storage facilities in the second phase are being considered at locations in Gujarat and Odisha.
Out of the 1.33 mt in Vishakhapatanam, 300,000 tonnes would be under Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd’s control, for which the state-run marketing company has paid Rs 234 crore to ISPRL. In all the three locations, Engineers India Ltd is leading the construction works, as per instructions from the government.
Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL), a special purpose vehicle owned by the Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB), is now building storages in underground rock caverns at Visakhapatnam (1.33 mt), Mangalore (1.5 mt) and Padur, Kerala (2.5 mt).
While the Visakhapatnam project will be commissioned by December this year, the other two will be on track before April 2014, say people aware of the development. OIDB is a statutory body set up by the government in 1975 to provide financial assistance for the development of the oil industry. The strategic stockpile the government is building excludes the 22.04-mt buffer stock that oil companies are required to keep.
“Once the first phase is commissioned, we will have crude inventory worth about Rs 24,000 crore for 13 days. Almost 90 per cent of the work is completed there. The detailed feasibility report of an additional 12.5 mt is before the Cabinet for clearance,” said a petroleum ministry official, who did not want to be named. As per government estimates, the country will have a total net import of 179 mt by 2019-20. Keeping in mind strategic and buffer stocks for 90 days, India needs a total storage capacity of 44 mt.
At present, India is meeting almost 80 per cent of its energy needs through imports.
“The government wants to take the lead and have a strategic stocks of 17.83 mt, while public sector undertakings and other companies may add more than 4 mt to their buffer stocks of 22.04 mt. This is calculated on the basis of net imports that the country will have,” the official added.
India will also become one of the first countries in Asia to have storage capacity in underground rock caverns. “Our specialty is that we will have underground rock cavern storage like Japan, Sweden and South Korea. Most other nations have salt caverns. The crown of our caverns lies at least 35 metres below the sea level,” said ISPRL chief executive officer Rajan K Pillai.
The total cost of the first phase is around Rs 4,000 crore. OIDB is funding the entire construction cost. The additional storage facilities in the second phase are being considered at locations in Gujarat and Odisha.
Out of the 1.33 mt in Vishakhapatanam, 300,000 tonnes would be under Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd’s control, for which the state-run marketing company has paid Rs 234 crore to ISPRL. In all the three locations, Engineers India Ltd is leading the construction works, as per instructions from the government.
Country's first mono rail gets rolling
Mumbai: Mumbaikars currently commuting in heavily crowded suburban trains and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) buses will have yet another public mode of transport in the form of air-conditioned mono rail from August.
The city on Saturday saw India’s first mono rail rolling out on a test run with people on it. The first phase of the project, between Wadala and Chembur, which is 8.80-km long, is expected to be thrown open to public in August.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), a town planning agency and also the nodal agency for the city’s infrastructure projects, on Saturday carried out a test ride amid claps and cheers by onlookers admiring the pink beauty on the beams.
“It’s fast, fun and convenient,” opined state chief secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia.
Gliding above traffic at maximum speed reaching 32 km/hour, Mumbaikars will be able to cover the 8.8 km route in flat 17 minutes for a minimum fare of Rs 8 per trip and a maximum of Rs 20. Each four-compartment train will have a carrying capacity of 480 passengers. Mumbaikars will get a world class travel experience. Nearly one lakh commuters are expected to travel on the Wadala-Chembur track daily. So far, eight trains have arrived from Malaysia and the remaining 13 will follow soon.
Rahul Asthana, the MMRDA commissioner, who accompanied the state chief secretary, told reporters that tests on the first phase would continue regularly to secure a safety certificate. MMRDA has already appointed Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Authority as consultant. Besides, a proposal by the state government to appoint a safety certificate engineer for issuing the safety certificate, as required by the Tramway Act, is also in process. (GETTING ON TRACK)
“We expect to commission the first phase of the project in August,” Asthana said. The second phase, a 10.74-km stretch between Wadala and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk (Jacob Circle), is expected to be completed by August 2014. This corridor will have 10 stations.
“The total project cost at fixed rate is pegged at Rs 3,000 crore. L&T is the civil contractor, and Scomi will be appointed for three years to carry out maintenance work,” Asthana said.
Work on the Wadala car depot, spread over 6.5 hectares, is in progress, and it will have a parking capacity of 21 trains.
Once completed, the entire 19.54 km-long corridor, which will be the world’s second longest mono rail corridor, will be able to carry 2.4 lakh commuters daily.
The mono rail world map marks Osaka mono rail corridor (23.8 km) as the longest in the world, followed by Tokyo mono rail (16.9 km), Tama Mono rail (16 km) and Star LRT in Kuala Lumpur (8.6 km).
The city on Saturday saw India’s first mono rail rolling out on a test run with people on it. The first phase of the project, between Wadala and Chembur, which is 8.80-km long, is expected to be thrown open to public in August.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), a town planning agency and also the nodal agency for the city’s infrastructure projects, on Saturday carried out a test ride amid claps and cheers by onlookers admiring the pink beauty on the beams.
“It’s fast, fun and convenient,” opined state chief secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia.
Gliding above traffic at maximum speed reaching 32 km/hour, Mumbaikars will be able to cover the 8.8 km route in flat 17 minutes for a minimum fare of Rs 8 per trip and a maximum of Rs 20. Each four-compartment train will have a carrying capacity of 480 passengers. Mumbaikars will get a world class travel experience. Nearly one lakh commuters are expected to travel on the Wadala-Chembur track daily. So far, eight trains have arrived from Malaysia and the remaining 13 will follow soon.
Rahul Asthana, the MMRDA commissioner, who accompanied the state chief secretary, told reporters that tests on the first phase would continue regularly to secure a safety certificate. MMRDA has already appointed Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Authority as consultant. Besides, a proposal by the state government to appoint a safety certificate engineer for issuing the safety certificate, as required by the Tramway Act, is also in process. (GETTING ON TRACK)
“We expect to commission the first phase of the project in August,” Asthana said. The second phase, a 10.74-km stretch between Wadala and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk (Jacob Circle), is expected to be completed by August 2014. This corridor will have 10 stations.
“The total project cost at fixed rate is pegged at Rs 3,000 crore. L&T is the civil contractor, and Scomi will be appointed for three years to carry out maintenance work,” Asthana said.
Work on the Wadala car depot, spread over 6.5 hectares, is in progress, and it will have a parking capacity of 21 trains.
Once completed, the entire 19.54 km-long corridor, which will be the world’s second longest mono rail corridor, will be able to carry 2.4 lakh commuters daily.
The mono rail world map marks Osaka mono rail corridor (23.8 km) as the longest in the world, followed by Tokyo mono rail (16.9 km), Tama Mono rail (16 km) and Star LRT in Kuala Lumpur (8.6 km).
Sweden, India to sign pact for urban development
Vishakhapatnam: Sweden and India will sign a memorandum of understanding for sustainable urban development sometime in March or April, according to Counsellor, Environment, Climate Change and Energy, Embassy of Sweden, Karl Edberg.
He said here on Friday the agreement would be signed with the Union Ministry of Urban Development. “Once it is signed, it will be open for the entire country. Each city can utilise it to generate energy from waste in a sustainable manner and use the biogas generated for urban transport,” he said.
The Swedish Counsellor was here leading a 15-member delegation that included representatives of Swedish Energy Agency and businessmen to participate in deliberations with officials of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation on solid waste management.
He said currently a waste-to-energy project was going on in collaboration with Indraprastha Gas Ltd and it would close this year.
The biogas produced can be upgraded to CNG, he said. “Sweden has a proven technology for it,” he said. Delhi has 34 sewage treatment plants and 16 sites.
The technology can be adopted for solid waste management by any city, he said. The gains of switching over from fossil fuels to CNG could be immense in terms of reducing pollution and bringing down fuel import.
He said here on Friday the agreement would be signed with the Union Ministry of Urban Development. “Once it is signed, it will be open for the entire country. Each city can utilise it to generate energy from waste in a sustainable manner and use the biogas generated for urban transport,” he said.
The Swedish Counsellor was here leading a 15-member delegation that included representatives of Swedish Energy Agency and businessmen to participate in deliberations with officials of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation on solid waste management.
He said currently a waste-to-energy project was going on in collaboration with Indraprastha Gas Ltd and it would close this year.
The biogas produced can be upgraded to CNG, he said. “Sweden has a proven technology for it,” he said. Delhi has 34 sewage treatment plants and 16 sites.
The technology can be adopted for solid waste management by any city, he said. The gains of switching over from fossil fuels to CNG could be immense in terms of reducing pollution and bringing down fuel import.
India and France sign MoU to strengthen cooperation in railway sector
New Delhi: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on here on 14.2.2013 between the Ministry of Railways, Government of India and the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français (SNCF), the French National Railways, for Technical cooperation in the field of Railways. The MoU was signed by Shri Vinay Mittal, Chairman, Railway Board, from Indian side and Mr G.Pepy, Chairman and CEO SNCF from the French side. The MoU was signed in the presence of H.E. Francois Hollande, the President of France.
Four areas of cooperation have been identified in the MoU. These are:
1. High speed and semi-high speed rail;
2. Station renovation and operations;
3. Modernisation of current operations and infrastructure;
4. Suburban trains.
Under the High Speed Cooperation Programme, the Parties have decided to carry out jointly an ‘operations and development’ feasibility project on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail. This project will be funded by SNCF with a support from the French Ministry of Finance.
The MoU is valid for a period of 5 years and is extendable by 1 year with mutual consent. Specific cooperation projects would be undertaken under the MoU as agreed by both the parties.
The French delegation led by SNCF Chairman Mr G. Pepy is visiting Central Railway and Western Railway installations in Mumbai today i.e. 15.2.2013 and holding meetings with the Railway officials.
Four areas of cooperation have been identified in the MoU. These are:
1. High speed and semi-high speed rail;
2. Station renovation and operations;
3. Modernisation of current operations and infrastructure;
4. Suburban trains.
Under the High Speed Cooperation Programme, the Parties have decided to carry out jointly an ‘operations and development’ feasibility project on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail. This project will be funded by SNCF with a support from the French Ministry of Finance.
The MoU is valid for a period of 5 years and is extendable by 1 year with mutual consent. Specific cooperation projects would be undertaken under the MoU as agreed by both the parties.
The French delegation led by SNCF Chairman Mr G. Pepy is visiting Central Railway and Western Railway installations in Mumbai today i.e. 15.2.2013 and holding meetings with the Railway officials.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Alten to set up automotive testing facility in Chennai
Chennai: Alten, the $1.3-billion French engineering and technology consulting company, will set up an automotive testing facility, at its labs in Chennai.
This will help automobile manufacturers in and around Chennai outsource testing of components such as diesel engines and suspension systems.
The component should be brought to the Alten facility and various parts associated with the component will be attached to a testing hardware.
Through virtual simulation of driving conditions, the component will be tested for its durability and emission standards, said Gerald Attia, Deputy CEO, Alten.
The software and hardware used in engine control systems will also be validated.
With several global auto majors bringing in R&D to India, such a testing facility will come in handy, said Attia.
“We are talking to some of the leading car manufacturers to use our facility,” he told Business Line.
Alten is already working with manufacturers such as Renault and Daimler in Europe, and would like to extend the testing facility to them in Chennai, he said.
Apart from global manufacturers, Alten will also target Indian OEMs and part makers.
Most of the auto companies have their in-house testing facility.
However, it caters only to the existing portfolio of products while the testing facility will cater to future requirements.
For instance, the facility can test hybrid electric vehicles. Most manufacturers may not have the skill-set and equipment for this, said Attia.
Also, in France, Attia says OEMs have seen 30 per cent cost savings by outsourcing testing and validation.
Initially, a couple of officials from Alten’s headquarters will come to Chennai to set up the facility.
At a later stage, ten people will be here to train the customers.
This will help automobile manufacturers in and around Chennai outsource testing of components such as diesel engines and suspension systems.
The component should be brought to the Alten facility and various parts associated with the component will be attached to a testing hardware.
Through virtual simulation of driving conditions, the component will be tested for its durability and emission standards, said Gerald Attia, Deputy CEO, Alten.
The software and hardware used in engine control systems will also be validated.
With several global auto majors bringing in R&D to India, such a testing facility will come in handy, said Attia.
“We are talking to some of the leading car manufacturers to use our facility,” he told Business Line.
Alten is already working with manufacturers such as Renault and Daimler in Europe, and would like to extend the testing facility to them in Chennai, he said.
Apart from global manufacturers, Alten will also target Indian OEMs and part makers.
Most of the auto companies have their in-house testing facility.
However, it caters only to the existing portfolio of products while the testing facility will cater to future requirements.
For instance, the facility can test hybrid electric vehicles. Most manufacturers may not have the skill-set and equipment for this, said Attia.
Also, in France, Attia says OEMs have seen 30 per cent cost savings by outsourcing testing and validation.
Initially, a couple of officials from Alten’s headquarters will come to Chennai to set up the facility.
At a later stage, ten people will be here to train the customers.
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