(a) whether the Railways are considering to have equity
participation in Power Generation Projects of N.T.P.C;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any Committee has been set up to examine the
economic and legal viability of the proposal;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) other measures proposed by the Railways to ensure
cheaper, reliable and uninterrupted power supply?
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS
(KUMARI MAMATA BANERJEE)
(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the Lok
Sabha.
Statement referred in reply to parts (a) to (e) of starred
question No. 219 by Shri Annasaheb M.K. Patil to be answered in Lok
Sabha on 9.3.2000 regarding Participation in Power Generation
Projects.
(a) to (d)
Railways are exploring the possibility of joint ventures with NTPC
and other Public/Private power producers so as to obtain power at
reasonable rates. The modalities of such participation have not
yet been firmed up.
(e) While Railways have already approached various State
Governments requesting them to revise the tariffs to reasonable
level, other options being executed/explored are:
(i) Availing direct power supply from unallocated 15% central
share of central power generating agencies. This, however,
is subject to techno-economic feasibility and allocation of
power by Ministry of Power. A pilot scheme for obtaining
direct power supply from NTPC in Delhi-Kanpur section is
presently under execution.
(ii) Representation to State Electricity Regulatory
Commissions.
(iii) Availing of power supply from Independent Power
producers, subject to
techno-economic feasibility.
(iv) Setting up of captive power plants preferably through
joint ventures with public/private sector.