___________

Hopefully now the work will get started.

Following is excerpted from a report in tathya.in.

The proposed corridors are:

• Corridor I is planned between Rasulgarh to Samantarapur via Central Jail Road Junction, Kalpana Square, Museum Square and Ravi Talkies Square.
• Corridor II will be covering Biju Patnaik Airport to Kalinga Hospital via AG Square, Raj Bhawan, Power House Square and Jaydev Vihar Square.
• Kalpana Square to KIIT Square will be covered by Corridor III.
• Corridor IV will begin from Head of the Building to Baramunda Bus Stand via Stewart School and CRP Square.
• Baramunda Bus Stand to Tamndo will be connected with Corridor V.
• Corridor VI will be connecting to Khandagiri to IIIT via CET.
• Corridor VII will be covering Raj Mahal-Master Canteen (Bhubaneswar Station)-Utkal University.

I hope Corridor III goes via Secretariate, Regional College, Acharya Vihar, Institute of Physics as that segment is not covered by any other corridors.

Following is an excerpt from a report in tathya.in.

Mr.Tharoor met the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Minister Industries to brief them over the proposed investment recently.

As the Chairman of the Afras Projects India Private Limited (APIPL), he has proposed to invest Rs.800 crore in the state.

Mr.Tharoor during the meeting with Ashok Kumar Meena, the Managing Director of IPICOL had presented the proposal to set up India’s first ever welded stainless steel and duplex pipe manufacturing facility.

APIPL is the Indian arm of the Dubai based multinational giant, Afras Ltd.

Mr.Tharoor has asked for a 125 acre patch of land in Choudwar, Dhamra or Gopalpur.

According to the proposal Afras will introduce the State of the Art technology from an established European technology provider.

This will be first down stream industry of the steel sector, which will be using the products of the Jindal Stainless Limited.

R Ravi, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Afras Ltd, presented the concept note on the proposed unique project.

At present the company has asked for 50 acres of land and in future to cater the need of the expansion plans, it will be requiring another 75 acres.

Following is an excerpt from a Reuters story.

“Relative to building the 10th new retail mall in a suburb of Mumbai … I’d much rather build the first distribution park in the steel industry of Orissa, where you’ve got great demand,” said Alastair King, CEO of UK-based India investor Eredene Capital, which owns a warehousing operation near Delhi.

They are:

• 165 km long Sambalpur-Rourkela to be made 4 lanes at a cost of 1340 crores.
• 42.5 km long Koira-Lahunipada (Sundergarh district) at the cost of 217 crores.
• 18.6 km long Joda-Bamaberi at the cost of 188 crores.
• 70 km long four lane Rd bypass of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack comprising of Khuntuni- Chaarbatia- Nuapatana- Ghantikhal- Athagara- Anshupa- Dampara- Talabasta- Haldia- NH5@Kuradmal to be made at the cost of 400 crores.

Following is from a PIB report.

Ministry of Tourism has taken the programme of integrated development of mega destinations and circuits further. During the first quarter of 2008-09 mega tourism projects have been sanctioned at a cost of Rs.8474.20 lakh for development of the following 3 tourist circuits in the country:

1. Bhubaneshwar-Puri-Chilka Tourist Circuit in Orissa

2. Dwarka-Nageshwar-Bet Dwarka Tourist Circuit in Gujarat

3. Heritage Tourist Circuit at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh

The project for development of Bhubaneshwar-Puri-Chilka circuit includes development of interchange nodes, upgradation of protected/ unprotected monuments, development of parking/anchor points, upgradation of approach roads to monuments/temples, lighting of monuments/temples and creation of a multimedia museum.

The project for development of Dwarka-Nageshwar-Bet Dwarka as a mega tourist circuit includes development of beach area, development of parikarama path and lakes, repair and restoration of ghats, development of camping sites for eco tourism and development of a village haat.

The heritage circuit project at Tirupati includes construction of tourist arrival centres/tourist information centres, landscaping, street lighting, drinking water points, relaxation huts, public conveniences and children park with all amusement facilities.

These projects are expected to greatly enhance visitors’ experience in all the mega destinations.

Following is an excerpt from a report in Statesman.

National aluminium company limited (Nalco), which was recently conferred with the prestigious Navratna status, has drawn ambitious growth plans involving massive investment of around Rs 40,000 crore in next five years.

… Sources said the second phase expansion is under implementation at an investment of Rs 4092 crore, which is scheduled to be completed by 2008 end. Even the plans are afoot for the third phase of expansion, which is likely to entail expenditure to the tune of Rs 6000 crore. Under this expansion,

• the bauxite mining capacity shall be enhanced to around 90 lakh tons,
  
• alumina refining to 30 lakh tons,
  
• aluminium smelting to 6.3 lakh tons and
  
• power generation to 1,700 MW per annum, sources said.

Among the green field projects,

• a mines and refinery complex is being planned in Andhra Pradesh. The project will involve an investment of Rs 7000 crore.
• Similarly, in Orissa, a smelter and power complex has been planned in Ib valley in Jharsuguda district at an investment of Rs 8,500 crore. This project envisages a smelter of five lakh tons capacity and a coal-based power plant of 1260 MW capacity. Pre-feasibility report has been finalised by EIL. Nalco has submitted an application for allotment of water resources to state government last month.

The new projects abroad included

• the proposed five-lakh ton smelter and a 1250 mw captive power plant in Indonesia.
• Besides, Nalco is exploring the possibilities of setting up a smelter and power plant in South Africa at an investment of around Rs 16,000 crore.

Also the company plans to set up

• an aluminium park in Angul, as a joint venture with IDCO.
  

• Similarly, it has entered into an agreement with Bharat Earth Movers Limited for the production of aluminium rail wagons. (Where ?)
  
• This apart, cement plant being another new venture for the flagship PSU, expression of interest has been invited from competent parties to set up a cement plant based on fly ash of Nalco’s power plant at Angul

Following is a an excerpt from a report in Steelguru.

Exim News Service reported that three port projects at Inchudi, Bahabalpur and Chandipur in north Orissa are awaiting a green signal from the union defense ministry.

Mr Jayanarayana Mishra transport & commerce minister of Orissa said that the state government is scouting for ways to avoid the restricted areas while going ahead with the port projects. He added that the state government would study the recommendations made by IIT, Chennai, on how to avoid restricted sites and develop the ports at places earlier identified by it.

Following is excerpted from a report in tathya.in.

• Bhusan Steels Limited’s (BSL) 6 million ton per annum (mtpa) project, which will entail investment worth more than Rs.15, 000 crore. BSL is setting up a 3.10 mtpa steel project at Meramundali in Dhenkanal district. The company wanted to expand its capacity to 9 mtpa, but HLCA allowed a 6 million ton capacity expansion. Bhusan Energy Ltd for 2000 mw thermal power plant at one go with an investment of Rs.8483 crore.
• Essar Steel Orissa Limited (ESOL)’s 6 million ton steel complex at Paradeep and 8 million ton iron ore beneficiation plant at Joda will entail an investment of Rs.10, 724 crore
• Welspun Power and Steel Ltd‘s proposal for setting up a 5 million tonne per annum iron ore beneficiation plant and 3 million tonne per annum pelletisation plant at Dhamra was also cleared.
  While the company had received approval for setting up of a 3 million tonne per annum (MTPA) steel plant at Tangi at an investment of Rs 6103.80 crore earlier, it proposed to set up a iron ore benificiation and 3 MTPA palletisation plant at Dhamra.
• SMC Power Generation Limited (SMCPGL) to expand capacity from 0.5mtpa to 1mtpa with an investment of Rs. 1366.18 crore was cleared.
• Increasing the capacity of MSP Metaliks from 0.26 mtpa to 1 mtpa with an investment of Rs.1205.80 crore received clearance from HLCA.
• 1000 mw thermal power plant by Monnet Ispat and Energy Limited (MIEL) entailing an investment of Rs.4107.04 crore.
• Jindal Photo Limited (JPL)’s proposal to set up 1000 mw in Angul district with an investment of Rs.4525 crore.
• Visa Power Limited (VPL) proposal for a 1000 mw power plant with an investment of Rs.3698 crore at one go.

Following is an excerpt from a report in Telegraph.

The Centre had accorded provisional approval to five, proposed petroleum, chemical and petrochemical investment regions including the one being planned in Orissa and had asked if the state government would be investing in the project infrastructure.

The authority consented to invest Rs 2,700 crore on the infrastructure development, while the Centre and central public sector undertakings, including the Indian Oil Corporation, have already agreed to spend Rs 5,800 crore on this score.

In all, Rs 15,273 crore would be spent on the infrastructure development at the project site and on the periphery, official sources said.

According to the vision plan, the proposed region would be developed in an area spread over 250sqkm without any displacement. The areas concerned would be developed into modern “city villages”. The annual project turnover has been estimated at Rs 423,500 crore.

There would be a value addition of the petroleum-related products to the tune of Rs 43,000 crore and an equal amount in shape of export earnings. The total tax income has been estimated at Rs 42,000 crore, of which Rs 32,100 crore is expected to go to the state exchequer.

Following is an excerpt from a report in Telegraph.

Another proposal submitted by Apeejay Shipping, the country’s largest privately-owned shipping company, and Bharati Shipyard Limited, one of the leading private shipyards, to set up a project in Orissa at an estimated cost of Rs 2,200 crore was also cleared by the authority today. If and when the project materialises, it would be the first ship building and repair project in the private sector in eastern region.

Apeejay Shipping has a fleet of modern dry bulk carriers operating worldwide. An ISO 9001:2000 company, Apeejay Shipping is a part of the diversified conglomerate, Apeejay Surrendra Group, established in 1910.

The project is proposed to be set up in an area spread over 1,050 acres near the upcoming all-weather port at Dhamra in Bhadrak district at an estimated cost of Rs 2,200 crore. The project would be implemented in three phases and completed by 2013, the sources said.

The greenfield project is expected to create an opportunity for direct employment to 11,300 persons and indirect employment to 40,000 persons.

Following is an excerpt from a report in Economic Times.

IT major Infosys today said it would invest Rs 500 crore in Orissa for setting up an SEZ in IT and ITeS sectors and take care of children’s mid-day-meal scheme and healthcare services.

“We have proposed to set up an IT SEZ in Bhubaneswar. The project will require 50 acres of land”, T V Mohandas Pai, Director HR, ER and administration and member of board of Infosys, told reporters here.

… Pai who had been funding mid-day meal for 10,000 school children in Nayagarh district, also agreed to extend the programme to Gajapati and Kandhamal districts, official sources said. Besides, 30,000 children in Puri district were also getting midday meal in Puri district.

“We have been spending Rs 6.50 per child to provide quality food,” Pai said pointing out that Infosys had spent Rs 5.5 crore towards its corporate social responsibility.

Shetty, who had been providing health care service to BPO staff, urged Patnaik to allot five-seven acres of land in the city for setting up a 1,000-bed heart hospital.

As the city was gradually becoming a IT hub of Eastern India with almost all major players opening their development centres, employees required quality heath service, Shetty said.

“We have also requestedthe state government to help Shetty set up a heart hospital here”, Pai told reporters.

Following is an excerpt from a report in Business Standard.

The rural BPO centre will be established by the Tata Business Support Services (TBSS) — the BPO wing and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons — in partnership with Tata Steel Rural Development Society — a corporate NGO managed by the Tata Group for the last 60 years. To start with, it is expected to employ around 200 people.

Sources close to the development said the company has already recruited the first batch of the executives for the BPO unit, who are expected to undergo two months of training at TBSS’ headquarters in Hyderabad. TBSS has developed a specialised training programme in view the fact that most of the new recruits are not computer literate. It currently operates three rural BPO units that employ around 500 people in all.

A spokesperson from Hyderabad-headquartered TBSS confirmed the move. A senior official of the Tata group said the company was looking for graduates and under-graduates with some knowledge of English.

The centre aims at handling the Orissa region front-end and customer support works of group companies including Tata Teleservices and Tata Sky. The BPO unit will also provide services to other firms who have substantial operations in Orissa.

“Opening the BPO unit in Kalinganagar will provide us access to many educated but unemployed youths in semi-urban areas like Jajpur Road and Duburi which have a number of colleges and educational institutions in and around. The education level among the masses in these areas is comparatively high and the aspirations level of the local people is also very high,”said a Tata group executive in charge of human resources development.

“Although most youths in these areas are interested in higher-end and computer-related jobs, there were no opportunity in these places,” the executive added.

The group will initially run the BPO unit in the transit houses and rehabilitation set-up established by the company in Kalinganagar, before moving into a dedicated building in next few months. The centre will start as a voice-based BPO with focus on Bengali, Hindi and English languages other than Oriya.

Following is an excerpt from a report in Pioneer.

The State Government has decided to build an inland water transport network in the State. All the rivers would be connected with the sea routes.

A decision to this effect was taken at a high level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik after IIT, Chennai presented a report to this effect to the State Government.

Patnaik directed the Commerce and Transport Department to prepare a Master Plan to develop the inland water system. In order to develop the inland water transport system, the State Government would spend Rs 1,500 crore in the first phase.

In its report, the IIT has stated that Orissa requires about 15 to 20 ports in the State in the coming years. The ports could be set up in the long coast line of 480 km.

By 2017, the State’s transportation of materials through sea routes would reach to a capacity of 300 million tonne per annum from a meager 60 million tone. It was decided in the meeting that Government would formulate a new policy on development of commerce through seas.

Following is an excerpt from an IANS report in thaiindian.com.

India is developing 20 places, including Agra – home to the Taj Mahal – as short-halt destinations to attract more foreign tourists, the tourism ministry said here Tuesday. The 20 sites were selected on the basis of the number of national and international travellers visiting the place. Being a world heritage site was also a factor in the selection, the ministry statement said.

The tourism ministry will provide financial assistance of up to Rs.250 million for development of a mega destination and of Rs.500 million for a mega circuit.

“The ministry’s objective is to ensure that with enhanced investments and an integrated approach, the mega destinations will be developed to maximize their potential,” the tourism ministry’s statement said.

“The resulting increase in tourist inflows, in turn, will lead to economic development and employment generation in and around these places,” the statement added.

The sites are Agra – revitalization of the Taj (Uttar Pradesh), Varanasi-Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh), Bodhgaya-Rajgir-Nalanda (Bihar), illumination of monuments of Delhi (Delhi), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Puri-Bhubaneswar-Konark-Chilka (Orissa), Haridwar-Rishikesh (Uttarakhand), Hampi (Karnataka), Gangtok (Sikkim), Ajmer-Pushkar (Rajasthan) and Kurukshetra (Haryana).

Other sites include Charminar area of Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh), Jagdalpur-Tirathgarh-Chitrakoot-Barsoo (Chhattisgarh), Dwarka (Gujarat), Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Churches of Goa, Ganga Heritage River Cruise Circuit (West Bengal), Vidarbha Circuit (Maharashtra), Aurangabad (Maharashtra) and Amritsar (Punjab).

Following is an excerpt from a report in Business Standard.

The Orissa government today entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the K Raheja Corporation for setting up a IT park in Bhubaneswar with ‘Mindspace‘ branding. …

The proposed IT park will be implemented through a joint venture company to be formed between the state owned Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) and K Raheja group. It is expected to be completed in about 3 years and an estimated Rs 250 crore will be invested in the first phase.

Three possible locations at Infocity-I, Infocity-II and Mancheswar Industrial Estate have been identified but the final location will be decided in consultation with the Raheja group.

Proposed to be built over 30 acres of land, the IT park is expected to generate employment opportunities for more than 12,000 persons in next 3-4 years. K Raheja group , which is engaged in the business of infrastructure development, has the experience of developing similar IT parks in places like Hyderabad and Mumbai. …

the park will be developed in public-private-partnership (PPP) mode. It will have about 10 lakh square feet of space to be used by different IT and ITeS companies coming to Orissa. As this project is highly employment intensive, it will be beneficial for the state.

Stating that about 3-4 lakh jobs are likely to be created in the IT and ITeS sector of the state, the minister said, the government is trying to achieve Rs 5000 crore software export target set by chief minister Naveen Patnaik well before 2012.

Ravi C Raheja said, that every ‘Mindspace’ IT park developed by the company is green certified.Citing the example of the IT park developed by the group in Hyderabad, Raheja said, the state government expected to generate about 15,000 jobs in 10 years.Within 4 years of starting the park about 50,000 jobs have already been created.The company is targeting to increase it to 1 lakh there. Bhubaneswar IT park will also generate vast employment opportunity for the people.