PM to lay stone for NTPC-BHEL joint venture project to manufacture power equipments

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, is slated to lay the foundation stones for the NTPC-BHEL joint venture project to manufacture power equipment and the Tirupati international airport project at the temple town next month.According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, Dr Singh has tentatively decided to visit Tirupati on July 9.After a darshan of Lord Venkateswara, he will lay the foundation stone for the power equipment project at Mannavaram village near Srikalahasti on July 10.

The Rs 6,000-crore project was initially planned to be inaugurated last year. But due to the death of Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, in a chopper crash, the event was delayed.During the visit to Tirupathi, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for Tirupati international airport project and is expected to unveil the Golden Jubilee Pylon of Sri Venkateswara Medical College at Tirupati. He is also scheduled to address a public meeting there.

Employment

In the review meeting held at the State Secretariat, the Chief Minister was informed that the project is expected to provide direct employment to about 6,000 people and offer significant opportunities for support services and infrastructure by helping employ about 25,000 people. About 200 ancillaries are also likely to spring up.