NTPC-BHEL JV-I: MoP expresses concern over tardy progress on facilities

The Ministry of Power (MoP) has expressed deep concerns over the pace of work at the equipment manufacturing facility, at Mannavaram village, in the Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh, being set up by NTPC-BHEL Power Projects Private Limited (NBPPL)-- a joint-venture (JV) formed by NTPC and BHEL to mitigate shortage of balance-of-plant (BoP) equipment manufacturers in India. 

• Over a recent review meeting, the MoP has opined that the progress of construction at the project site is not satisfactory and has asked the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the JV, CP Singh, to closely monitor all work, by visiting the site at regular intervals.
• Further, the ministry directed the firm to also designate its director, A K Goswami, as supervisor for the overall implementation of the manufacturing unit. The executive would be required to visit the site fortnightly to keep abreast of the developmental activities.
• NBPPL has, so far, only acquired the 750 acres of land needed for the facilities and commenced construction of the boundary wall in August last year, followed by the inauguration of the plant site by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on September 1, 2010.
• Besides, the JV plans to place orders for various packages of the project, other than the already-awarded civil works package, over the first four months of the year 2011.