Pune: Mitsubishi Electric India (MEI) has begun assembly of inverters for industrial and building applications at Pune. The facility will cater to requirements in India initially, and for export to South-East Asian markets, subsequently.
The company has also set up an India Development Centre to support development of products such as programmable logic controllers, human machine interfaces and servo drivers that will be manufactured at one of three locations globally.
Hideyuki Ohkubu, Executive Officer, Group President, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, said the company will make India-specific as well as global market products here, and help set up a base for exports.
Mitsubishi has been in India since 1995 and been providing imported low voltage drives from 0.4 kW to 630 kW to industry sectors such as plastic, textile, pharmacy and automobile.
The Pune facility has involved an investment of Rs 15 crore and will make 40,000 units in the first year, and scale it up to 150,000 units in phases over the next two to three years.
The capacity will range from 3.75 kW to 15 kW.
The factory automation business is currently around Rs 250 crore and will treble and garner a market share in India of around 15 per cent by 2015-16, said Sumit Sinha, Strategic Planning, MEI Pvt Ltd.
Success in my Habit
Thursday, February 28, 2013
L&T Construction bags new orders worth Rs 1,504 cr
Coimbatore: Engineering giant Larsen & Toubro has said its construction arm L&T Construction has obtained new orders worth more than Rs 1,504 crore both within and outside the country.
The water and effluent treatment business has secured new orders worth Rs 621 crore including from the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
Its solar business unit has got an order from Kiran Energy for building solar PV plants in Tamil Nadu valued Rs 413 crore.
In the power transmission and distribution business, L&T Construction has got an order worth Rs 265 crore from TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation & Distribution Corporation Ltd) for power distribution works across the State and orders worth Rs 205 crore related to ongoing projects in the civil works space.
The water and effluent treatment business has secured new orders worth Rs 621 crore including from the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
Its solar business unit has got an order from Kiran Energy for building solar PV plants in Tamil Nadu valued Rs 413 crore.
In the power transmission and distribution business, L&T Construction has got an order worth Rs 265 crore from TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation & Distribution Corporation Ltd) for power distribution works across the State and orders worth Rs 205 crore related to ongoing projects in the civil works space.
Turkish Cargo signs pact with IBS Software for iCargo
Thiruvananthapuram: IBS Software has signed a 10-year, ‘multimillion dollar’ contract with Turkish Airlines for providing software support to its cargo service.
The deal was announced in Istanbul, said Sankalp Saxena, President and Head, Aviation operations services, IBS Software.
iCargo is the flagship product of IBS for the air cargo operations.
iCargo supports requirements of airline freight business providing Web-enabled features that optimise operations, enhance profitability and provide scalability.
iCargo will power Turkish airline’s air cargo movement worldwide and replace the legacy system.
Single Unit
This compares well with an average of three per cent growth for the other European airlines. Under the deal, the airline sales/inventory, terminal operations/handling, ULD (unit load devices) management and revenue accounting systems will be integrated into single solution.
This single suite will improve access to real-time information and actionable intelligence for users at all levels across locations.
Over 20 global airlines have opted for iCargo to manage their mission critical cargo logistics.
Leading Clients
They include All Nippon Airways, British Airways, Qantas, South African Airways, Lufthansa Cargo and Nippon Cargo Airlines.
iCargo will replace the TACTIC system holding the mainframe substructure in use for last 20 years, said Temel Kotil, President and Chief Executive Officer, Turkish Airlines.
Coming close on the heels of the Lufthansa deal, this is another significant step for IBS, said Sankalp Saxena.
The deal was announced in Istanbul, said Sankalp Saxena, President and Head, Aviation operations services, IBS Software.
iCargo is the flagship product of IBS for the air cargo operations.
iCargo supports requirements of airline freight business providing Web-enabled features that optimise operations, enhance profitability and provide scalability.
iCargo will power Turkish airline’s air cargo movement worldwide and replace the legacy system.
Single Unit
This compares well with an average of three per cent growth for the other European airlines. Under the deal, the airline sales/inventory, terminal operations/handling, ULD (unit load devices) management and revenue accounting systems will be integrated into single solution.
This single suite will improve access to real-time information and actionable intelligence for users at all levels across locations.
Over 20 global airlines have opted for iCargo to manage their mission critical cargo logistics.
Leading Clients
They include All Nippon Airways, British Airways, Qantas, South African Airways, Lufthansa Cargo and Nippon Cargo Airlines.
iCargo will replace the TACTIC system holding the mainframe substructure in use for last 20 years, said Temel Kotil, President and Chief Executive Officer, Turkish Airlines.
Coming close on the heels of the Lufthansa deal, this is another significant step for IBS, said Sankalp Saxena.
India's inflation may fall to 6.2-6.6% in March
New Delhi: Inflation is expected to fall in the range of 6.2 to 6.6 per cent in March this year, helped by moderation in non-food manufacturing sector and global commodity prices, according to the Economic Survey 2012-13 released Wednesday.
The core inflation based on the whole price index (WPI) has remained muted in the current financial year and declined to a three year low of 6.62 per cent in January 2013.
"The recent increase in onion prices in January 2012 and revision in diesel prices may put some pressure on headline inflation. However, inflation is expected to continue the moderating trend," said the annual document presented in Parliament by finance minister P Chidambaram.
Addressing a press conference after the release of the annual Economic Survey, chief economic advisor to finance ministry Raghuram Rajan said high food inflation remain a worry for the policymakers.
Unlike last year when the food price inflation was mainly driven by higher protein food items, this year the pressure has been mounting in cereals.
The survey authored by Rajan points out that inflation has eased in almost all major advanced and emerging market economies in the current year.
"The positive effect of continuous policy easing by the major advanced and developing countries could pose a higher risk to inflation expectations. However, in the short run, given weak growth sentiments, the impact of policy easing may not lead to a surge in inflation and inflation expectations may remain anchored around current target inflation rates," the survey said.
As per the World Bank, except for metals, most global commodity prices are expected to decline further in 2013 and 2014.
"The impact of benign inflationary expectations internationally will have a moderating impact on domestic prices," it said.
The core inflation based on the whole price index (WPI) has remained muted in the current financial year and declined to a three year low of 6.62 per cent in January 2013.
"The recent increase in onion prices in January 2012 and revision in diesel prices may put some pressure on headline inflation. However, inflation is expected to continue the moderating trend," said the annual document presented in Parliament by finance minister P Chidambaram.
Addressing a press conference after the release of the annual Economic Survey, chief economic advisor to finance ministry Raghuram Rajan said high food inflation remain a worry for the policymakers.
Unlike last year when the food price inflation was mainly driven by higher protein food items, this year the pressure has been mounting in cereals.
The survey authored by Rajan points out that inflation has eased in almost all major advanced and emerging market economies in the current year.
"The positive effect of continuous policy easing by the major advanced and developing countries could pose a higher risk to inflation expectations. However, in the short run, given weak growth sentiments, the impact of policy easing may not lead to a surge in inflation and inflation expectations may remain anchored around current target inflation rates," the survey said.
As per the World Bank, except for metals, most global commodity prices are expected to decline further in 2013 and 2014.
"The impact of benign inflationary expectations internationally will have a moderating impact on domestic prices," it said.
India has highest increase in share of services in GDP at 8.1%
New Delhi: A comparison of the services performance of the top 15 countries for the 11 year period from 2001 to 2011 shows that the increase in share of services in GDP is the highest for India with 8.1 percentage points. These 15 top countries include major developed countries alongwith Brazil, Russia, India and China. While China’s highest services compound annual growth rate (CAGR) stood at 11.1%, India’s very high CAGR of 9.2% was second highest and also accompanied by highest change in its share. This is a reflection of the fact that India’s growth has been powered mainly by the services sector.
India’s services sector has emerged as a prominent sector in terms of its contribution to national and state incomes, trade flows, FDI inflows and employment. For more than a decade the sector has been pulling up the growth of Indian economy with great stability. The share of services in India’s GDP at factor cost (at current prices) increased from 33.3% (1950-1951) to 56.5% in 2012-13, as per advance estimates. Including construction, this would increase to 64.8%. With 18%, trade, hotels and restaurants are the largest contributors to GDP among the various sub sectors. This is followed by financing, insurance, real estate and business services with 16.6% share. Community, social, and personal services with 14% share stand in the third place. This is followed by construction at fourth place with 8.2% share.
In 2011-12, although the growth of “trade” sub-sector decelerated to 6.5%, its share improved to 16.6%. The share of the sub-sector “transport by other means” was 5.4%, while its growth was 8.6%. Banking and insurance was the most dynamic sector in 2011-12 with growth of 13.2%. “Other services” had a share of 7.9% in 2010-11 and 2011-12. It grew at 6.5% in 2011-12.
India’s services sector has emerged as a prominent sector in terms of its contribution to national and state incomes, trade flows, FDI inflows and employment. For more than a decade the sector has been pulling up the growth of Indian economy with great stability. The share of services in India’s GDP at factor cost (at current prices) increased from 33.3% (1950-1951) to 56.5% in 2012-13, as per advance estimates. Including construction, this would increase to 64.8%. With 18%, trade, hotels and restaurants are the largest contributors to GDP among the various sub sectors. This is followed by financing, insurance, real estate and business services with 16.6% share. Community, social, and personal services with 14% share stand in the third place. This is followed by construction at fourth place with 8.2% share.
In 2011-12, although the growth of “trade” sub-sector decelerated to 6.5%, its share improved to 16.6%. The share of the sub-sector “transport by other means” was 5.4%, while its growth was 8.6%. Banking and insurance was the most dynamic sector in 2011-12 with growth of 13.2%. “Other services” had a share of 7.9% in 2010-11 and 2011-12. It grew at 6.5% in 2011-12.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Small and medium Japanese auto-component makers to explore investments in TN
Chennai: After a wave of large Japanese automotive companies, a bunch of small auto component makers from the country are set to make their way into Tamil Nadu.
A delegation of Japanese auto component companies is in Tamil Nadu to explore investment opportunities and scout for partnerships with Indian auto component makers.
The delegation, consisting Medium and Small Enterprises (MSMEs), include 46 companies from the auto component sector and five from other sectors like rubber.
Tamil Nadu houses over 300 Japanese companies and these Tier-1 companies would need support from Tier-2 component makers and other MSME suppliers, so the delegation of MSME companies is here to explore opportunities.
"The objective is to promote networking amongst existing companies and new companies that are proposing to set up shop in Tamil Nadu. There are here to get a better understanding regarding the investment ecosystem in the state," said Souichi Yoshimura, executive vice-president, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).
"MSMEs might not be able to manage investment and might need support from Indian companies, so they might need partnerships with Indian companies," he said.
JETRO will be providing support to the members of the delegation by collating information required by the MSMEs, he said. The MSMEs, for instance, would require information on procurement procedures of the larger companies based on which they could decide their working here, he said.
A delegation of Japanese auto component companies is in Tamil Nadu to explore investment opportunities and scout for partnerships with Indian auto component makers.
The delegation, consisting Medium and Small Enterprises (MSMEs), include 46 companies from the auto component sector and five from other sectors like rubber.
Tamil Nadu houses over 300 Japanese companies and these Tier-1 companies would need support from Tier-2 component makers and other MSME suppliers, so the delegation of MSME companies is here to explore opportunities.
"The objective is to promote networking amongst existing companies and new companies that are proposing to set up shop in Tamil Nadu. There are here to get a better understanding regarding the investment ecosystem in the state," said Souichi Yoshimura, executive vice-president, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).
"MSMEs might not be able to manage investment and might need support from Indian companies, so they might need partnerships with Indian companies," he said.
JETRO will be providing support to the members of the delegation by collating information required by the MSMEs, he said. The MSMEs, for instance, would require information on procurement procedures of the larger companies based on which they could decide their working here, he said.
NTPC signs MoU with CREDA for geothermal project
New Delhi: National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) to explore the potential of geothermal resources and subsequently implement geothermal project at Tatapani in Chhattisgarh.
The MoU was signed by Shri Ajit Kumar, Executive Director (Business Development), NTPC and Shri Shailendra Kumar Shukla, Director, CREDA in the presence of Shri Aman Singh, Secretary (Energy), Government of Chhattisgarh, Shri S. N. Ganguly, Regional Executive Director, NTPC and other dignitaries.
Tattapani Geothermal field is located approximately 100 kms northeast of Ambikapur in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh and is considered to be one of the most promising site in India for developing geothermal based power project.
Geothermal generation is the harnessing of the geothermal energy or the vast reservoir of heat energy stored in the earth's interior for generating power.
The MoU was signed by Shri Ajit Kumar, Executive Director (Business Development), NTPC and Shri Shailendra Kumar Shukla, Director, CREDA in the presence of Shri Aman Singh, Secretary (Energy), Government of Chhattisgarh, Shri S. N. Ganguly, Regional Executive Director, NTPC and other dignitaries.
Tattapani Geothermal field is located approximately 100 kms northeast of Ambikapur in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh and is considered to be one of the most promising site in India for developing geothermal based power project.
Geothermal generation is the harnessing of the geothermal energy or the vast reservoir of heat energy stored in the earth's interior for generating power.
Mylan launches generic capsules for heart disease in US
Mumbai: In a blow to Mumbai-headquartered Lupin, global pharma company Mylan has launched Fenofibrate capsules to tackle coronary heart disease in the US. The capsules are the generic equivalent to Lupin's anti-cholesterol drug Antara, one of its key US brands.
It is estimated that the drug contributed $43 million to Lupin’s FY12 topline. Being a branded drug, the product contributed around 40 per cent to PAT margin.
After acquiring the brand in 2009, Lupin sold the abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) on Antara to Dr Reddy’s, which was the first to file. Other filers include Apotex, Ranbaxy and Paddock. The substance patent on Antara is set to expire in 2020.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted final approval to Mylan's generic version of Antara on January 10. Lupin had tried to delay the launch through an appeal in the Federal Court that granted an injunction over the district court ruling.
Analysts said Mylan has launched the product at risk.
“Given the generic launch of the product, we estimate a loss of $18-20 million, which is 1 per cent of FY14 sales and 2 per cent of FY14 PBT for Lupin,'' said Manoj Garg of Edelweiss Securities.
It is estimated that the drug contributed $43 million to Lupin’s FY12 topline. Being a branded drug, the product contributed around 40 per cent to PAT margin.
After acquiring the brand in 2009, Lupin sold the abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) on Antara to Dr Reddy’s, which was the first to file. Other filers include Apotex, Ranbaxy and Paddock. The substance patent on Antara is set to expire in 2020.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted final approval to Mylan's generic version of Antara on January 10. Lupin had tried to delay the launch through an appeal in the Federal Court that granted an injunction over the district court ruling.
Analysts said Mylan has launched the product at risk.
“Given the generic launch of the product, we estimate a loss of $18-20 million, which is 1 per cent of FY14 sales and 2 per cent of FY14 PBT for Lupin,'' said Manoj Garg of Edelweiss Securities.
Rail Budget lays thrust on safety, consolidation, improving passenger amenities and fiscal discipline
New Delhi: The Railway Budget 2013-14 presented by the Railway Minister Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal in the Parliament lays thrust on safety, consolidation, improving passenger amenities and fiscal discipline.
The budget has absorbed the increase in passenger tariff due to increase in diesel prices but has proposed minor increase in supplementary charges for super fast trains and Tatkal charges etc. It has proposed FAC-linked revision in freight tariff only.
The Budget has proposed working expenses of Rs. 96,500 crore against the Gross Traffic Receipts of Rs. 1,43,742 crore for the year. The Railway Minister has proposed that appropriation to the Pension Fund of Railway Employees to Rs. 22,000 crore while appropriation to Depreciation Reserve Fund to Rs. 7,500 crore. With these proposals Railways expected to close the year 2013-14 with a balance of Rs. 12,506 crore in the Railway Fund.
Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal has proposed highest ever plan outlay of Rs. 63,363 crore for 2013-14 which will be financed through Gross Budgetary Support of Rs. 26,000 crore and internal resources of 14,260 crore. Market borrowing of Rs.15,103 crore, Railways share in Road Safety Fund of Rs.2000 and Rs.6000 crore will also be mobilized through PPP mode to finance operations of Railways during the year.
Due to the financial discipline railways has been able to fully repay its loan of Rs. 3,000 crore and its operating ratio during the 2013-14 is expected to increase to 87.8% as compared to 88.8% in 2011-12.
The budget has proposed number of measures to improve passenger amenities including IT enable services for reservations and new trains.
The Minister informed that the Indian Railways is set to achieve the milestone of entering the select club of railways with over 1 million ton freight loading. At present, only the Chinese, Russian and the US Railways have this distinction. The Indian Railways have joined another select club of railways which run freight trains of more than 10,000 tones load.
Speaking on fares Shri Bansal said that Railways will absorb the impact of additional burden due to increase in the rates of HSD oil of about Rs. 850 crore but announced marginal increase in supplementary charge for superfast trains, reservation fees, cancellation charges and tatkal charges as the charges have not been revised for last several years. However, he proposed to abolish the concept of enhanced reservation fee with a view to simplify the fee structure. Regarding freight tariff, he proposed to implement FAC-linked revision. He also announced that a proposal regarding the setting up of an independent Rail Tariff Authority has been formulated.
Stating that safety is a necessary mandate for running trains, the Railway Minister said that recommendations of Kakodkar and Sam Pitroda Committee for improving safety are under active consideration of his Ministry. Railway will soon prepare a Corporate Safety Plan for ten years, 2014-2024, with a view to provide long term perspective and focused attention to safety. About 10797 level crossings will be eliminated during 12th Plan, Train Protection Warning System on Automatic Signal System will be introduced and provision of comprehensive fire and smoke detection systems will be introduced in trains. Regarding the safety of women passengers he said, four companies of women RPF have been set up and another eight will be set up soon, and in recruitment of RPF 10% vacancies will be reserved for women.
Reiterating Government’s commitment to bring about a marked change in the level of passenger amenities, the Minister said that 104 important stations will be identified for immediate attention to all aspects related to cleanliness. Progressive extension of bio-toilets on trains will be taken up and an ‘Anubhuti’ coach in select trains will be arranged to provide excellent ambience and latest facilities and services. In order to ensure quality food for passengers the Minister also proposed third party audit system for food testing and setting up of ISO certified state-of-art kitchens.
The Railway Minister proposed to introduce Wi-Fi facilities on several trains to cater to increasing aspirations and requirement of youth and other passengers. Another 60 stations will be upgraded as Adarsh Stations and voluntary organizations will be involved for providing first aid services at railway stations during the year.
To make railway services people-sensitive and more efficient, the Railway Minister said that several IT initiatives will be introduced in near future which include extension of internet ticketing from 0030 hours to 2330 hours, e-ticketing through mobile phones, SMS alerts to passengers providing updates on reservation status and Next-Generation e-ticketing system will be rolled out which will be capable of handling 7200 tickets per minute against 2000 now.
Announcing the new railway projects to be taken up during 2013-14 the Railway Minister announced introduction of 67 new express trains, 26 new passengers services and extension of 57 trains besides increase in frequency of 24 trains. For the first time an AC EMU rake will be introduced on Mumbai suburban network and rake length will be increased from 9 cars to 12 cars in 80 services in Kolkata and 30 services in Chennai. The Minister proposed a target to complete 500 km of new lines and to convert 450 km lines to broad gauge during 2013-14. He also proposed new lines from Rama Mandi to Maur Mandi via Talwandi Sabo and issuing ‘Yatra Parchis’ for Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine at the time of Railway ticket booking to facilitate pilgrims.
As a token of Railway’s contribution for promotion of sports in the country, the Railway Minister proposed that all the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Dhyan Chand Awardees will be provided Complimentary Passes for traveling by 1st Class/2nd AC. Complimentary Passes will be provided to Olympic Medalists and Dronacharya Awardees for travel in Rajdhani/Shatabadi Express. Passes for freedom fighters will now be renewed once in three years instead of every year.
Announcing staff welfare measures, the Railway Minister enhanced fund allocation for staff quarters to Rs. 300 crore and setting up of hostels for single women railway employees at all divisional headquarters. He said that this year 1.52 lakh vacancies will be filled up, out of which 47000 will be for weaker sections and the physically challenged. A multi-disciplinary training institute will set up at Nagpur for training in rail related electronics technologies.
The budget has absorbed the increase in passenger tariff due to increase in diesel prices but has proposed minor increase in supplementary charges for super fast trains and Tatkal charges etc. It has proposed FAC-linked revision in freight tariff only.
The Budget has proposed working expenses of Rs. 96,500 crore against the Gross Traffic Receipts of Rs. 1,43,742 crore for the year. The Railway Minister has proposed that appropriation to the Pension Fund of Railway Employees to Rs. 22,000 crore while appropriation to Depreciation Reserve Fund to Rs. 7,500 crore. With these proposals Railways expected to close the year 2013-14 with a balance of Rs. 12,506 crore in the Railway Fund.
Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal has proposed highest ever plan outlay of Rs. 63,363 crore for 2013-14 which will be financed through Gross Budgetary Support of Rs. 26,000 crore and internal resources of 14,260 crore. Market borrowing of Rs.15,103 crore, Railways share in Road Safety Fund of Rs.2000 and Rs.6000 crore will also be mobilized through PPP mode to finance operations of Railways during the year.
Due to the financial discipline railways has been able to fully repay its loan of Rs. 3,000 crore and its operating ratio during the 2013-14 is expected to increase to 87.8% as compared to 88.8% in 2011-12.
The budget has proposed number of measures to improve passenger amenities including IT enable services for reservations and new trains.
The Minister informed that the Indian Railways is set to achieve the milestone of entering the select club of railways with over 1 million ton freight loading. At present, only the Chinese, Russian and the US Railways have this distinction. The Indian Railways have joined another select club of railways which run freight trains of more than 10,000 tones load.
Speaking on fares Shri Bansal said that Railways will absorb the impact of additional burden due to increase in the rates of HSD oil of about Rs. 850 crore but announced marginal increase in supplementary charge for superfast trains, reservation fees, cancellation charges and tatkal charges as the charges have not been revised for last several years. However, he proposed to abolish the concept of enhanced reservation fee with a view to simplify the fee structure. Regarding freight tariff, he proposed to implement FAC-linked revision. He also announced that a proposal regarding the setting up of an independent Rail Tariff Authority has been formulated.
Stating that safety is a necessary mandate for running trains, the Railway Minister said that recommendations of Kakodkar and Sam Pitroda Committee for improving safety are under active consideration of his Ministry. Railway will soon prepare a Corporate Safety Plan for ten years, 2014-2024, with a view to provide long term perspective and focused attention to safety. About 10797 level crossings will be eliminated during 12th Plan, Train Protection Warning System on Automatic Signal System will be introduced and provision of comprehensive fire and smoke detection systems will be introduced in trains. Regarding the safety of women passengers he said, four companies of women RPF have been set up and another eight will be set up soon, and in recruitment of RPF 10% vacancies will be reserved for women.
Reiterating Government’s commitment to bring about a marked change in the level of passenger amenities, the Minister said that 104 important stations will be identified for immediate attention to all aspects related to cleanliness. Progressive extension of bio-toilets on trains will be taken up and an ‘Anubhuti’ coach in select trains will be arranged to provide excellent ambience and latest facilities and services. In order to ensure quality food for passengers the Minister also proposed third party audit system for food testing and setting up of ISO certified state-of-art kitchens.
The Railway Minister proposed to introduce Wi-Fi facilities on several trains to cater to increasing aspirations and requirement of youth and other passengers. Another 60 stations will be upgraded as Adarsh Stations and voluntary organizations will be involved for providing first aid services at railway stations during the year.
To make railway services people-sensitive and more efficient, the Railway Minister said that several IT initiatives will be introduced in near future which include extension of internet ticketing from 0030 hours to 2330 hours, e-ticketing through mobile phones, SMS alerts to passengers providing updates on reservation status and Next-Generation e-ticketing system will be rolled out which will be capable of handling 7200 tickets per minute against 2000 now.
Announcing the new railway projects to be taken up during 2013-14 the Railway Minister announced introduction of 67 new express trains, 26 new passengers services and extension of 57 trains besides increase in frequency of 24 trains. For the first time an AC EMU rake will be introduced on Mumbai suburban network and rake length will be increased from 9 cars to 12 cars in 80 services in Kolkata and 30 services in Chennai. The Minister proposed a target to complete 500 km of new lines and to convert 450 km lines to broad gauge during 2013-14. He also proposed new lines from Rama Mandi to Maur Mandi via Talwandi Sabo and issuing ‘Yatra Parchis’ for Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine at the time of Railway ticket booking to facilitate pilgrims.
As a token of Railway’s contribution for promotion of sports in the country, the Railway Minister proposed that all the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Dhyan Chand Awardees will be provided Complimentary Passes for traveling by 1st Class/2nd AC. Complimentary Passes will be provided to Olympic Medalists and Dronacharya Awardees for travel in Rajdhani/Shatabadi Express. Passes for freedom fighters will now be renewed once in three years instead of every year.
Announcing staff welfare measures, the Railway Minister enhanced fund allocation for staff quarters to Rs. 300 crore and setting up of hostels for single women railway employees at all divisional headquarters. He said that this year 1.52 lakh vacancies will be filled up, out of which 47000 will be for weaker sections and the physically challenged. A multi-disciplinary training institute will set up at Nagpur for training in rail related electronics technologies.
India Canada to strengthen cooperation in tourism sector
New Delhi: Mr.Maxime Bernier, Minister of Tourism, Canada called on Union Tourism Minister Shri K Chiranjeevi here today. Both sides resolved to strengthen cooperation in tourism sector. It was also decided that both the countries will identify areas for working together and explore new opportunities in tourism sector especially in the field of human resource development, exchange of tour operators, investment in the tourism sector and exchange of information related to tourism sector. The possibility of signing an agreement/MoU between India and Canada was also discussed. It was also agreed that Tour Operators and Travel Agents of both the countries will interact with each other in order to promote two way tourism between India and Canada. The possibilities of promoting more package tours in either of the countries could also be explored by the travel trade of two countries. Both sides also explored the possibilities of promoting joint venture investment in the field of hotel industry and tourism infrastructural sector. Now that Hotels and Tourism sector has been opened for Foreign direct investment up to 100% on automatic routes, Canadian investment in tourism infrastructure in India could be one of the major areas of cooperation.
Canada is one of India’s primary source markets. Foreign tourist arrivals from Canada to India have increased considerably over the past few years. Numbers of Canadian tourist visiting India during the last five years were:
Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
No. of tourists 208214 222364 224069 242372 259017
Ministry of Tourism has hosted a total of 16 journalists, photographers, travel agents, travel writers etc. from Canada during the year 2011-12 under its hospitality scheme. 14 guests have visited India from Canada during 2012-13(till date).
'India Tourism Office in Toronto takes care of promotion and marketing of India in Canada. India Tourism Office participates in Tourism Fair, organize workshops and seminars to showcase India’s tourism destinations and products to the tour operators and consumers of Canada. Some of the travel fairs in which India Tourism Office participates in Canada are: Travel & Vacation Show, World Culinary Show, Addison Travel Shows, International Travel & Tourism show and Maritime Show. The Ministry of Tourism organised India Tourism Road Shows in Vancouver in Sept, 2012.
Both India and Canada can benefit greatly by sharing experience and know-how in destination management & management of heritage sites. India could benefit from the initiatives undertaken by Canada in the field of Adventure Tourism.
Canada is one of India’s primary source markets. Foreign tourist arrivals from Canada to India have increased considerably over the past few years. Numbers of Canadian tourist visiting India during the last five years were:
Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
No. of tourists 208214 222364 224069 242372 259017
Ministry of Tourism has hosted a total of 16 journalists, photographers, travel agents, travel writers etc. from Canada during the year 2011-12 under its hospitality scheme. 14 guests have visited India from Canada during 2012-13(till date).
'India Tourism Office in Toronto takes care of promotion and marketing of India in Canada. India Tourism Office participates in Tourism Fair, organize workshops and seminars to showcase India’s tourism destinations and products to the tour operators and consumers of Canada. Some of the travel fairs in which India Tourism Office participates in Canada are: Travel & Vacation Show, World Culinary Show, Addison Travel Shows, International Travel & Tourism show and Maritime Show. The Ministry of Tourism organised India Tourism Road Shows in Vancouver in Sept, 2012.
Both India and Canada can benefit greatly by sharing experience and know-how in destination management & management of heritage sites. India could benefit from the initiatives undertaken by Canada in the field of Adventure Tourism.
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