IIT-Roorkee replaces E&Y as consultant for 3 new UMPPs

NEW DELHI: Government today appointed the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee as consultant for the next three Ultra Mega Power Projects of 4,000 MW each in Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu.

IIT-Roorkee has replaced Ernst & Young, which was disqualified for irregularities in the award of the first UMPP in Sasan in Madhya Pradesh.

The premier technology institute has been asked to conduct a pre-feasibility study on the three UMPPs and submit the report to Ministry of Power by August 10, government officials said.

The three UMPPs of 4,000 MW each would be located at Cheyyur (Tamil Nadu), Munge (Maharashtra) and Bedabahal (Orissa). Under the pre-feasibility report, IIT-Roorkee would make sure the availability of coal, water linkage, environmental impact assessment and possibility of notification under section 4 of Land Acquisition Act 1894.

Centre would approve the first report after getting the nod of the state governments concerned. "After getting the state governments' consensus on the first pre-feasibility report, we would move ahead. In case of any objection, we would wait for the final report next month," the official said.

A team comprising officials from Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) would visit the three locations in a day or two.

The Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for the UMPPs have been formed. These three UMPPs would come under the bidding process by early next fiscal.