Thaindian News

Lucknow, Oct 29 (IANS) Energy generation has emerged as the most sought-after investment destination in Uttar Pradesh, according to a senior state government official.
“While companies evinced keen interest in setting up projects in Uttar Pradesh, the best response has come for the power sector,” said Cabinet Secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh.

“Among those who have expressed specific interest are Adani Group for a 2,000-MW power plant in Sonbhadra district, KSK Energy for a 2,000-MW plant in Farrukhabad,, and Bhushan Steel for a 3,000-MW plant in western Uttar Pradesh,” Singh told IANS,

The cabinet secretary was referring to the response at an investors’ meet organised by the state government in Mumbai earlier this week.

What was even more encouraging, he said, was Spanish energy firm Isolux exploring the state’s power transmission sector.

Other energy companies to show interest included Torrent, Tata Power and Monnet Ispat and Energy, Singh said, adding that Shashi Ruia, chairman of Essar group that has diversified business interests including power, also wanted to set up a thermal power plant and transmission lines.

According to him, Subhash Chandra, chairman of Essel group that owns the Zee television network, was keen on drinking water supply schemes and waste management programmes, while Tata Motors chairman Ravi Kant wanted to launch a bus service.

Singh said Anand Mahindra, vice-chairman and managing director of auto major Mahindra and Mahindra, was looking at setting up a university and polytechnic colleges as well as taking over the state tourist department’s loss-making properties.

Similarly, Hind Agro Industries chairman Sirajuddin Qureishi expressed an interest in putting up a Rs.150-crore slaughter house and meat processing unit in Bareilly and Meerut, he added.

Likewise, Singh said, Idea Cellular committed to pump in at least Rs.500 crore for expanding its base in the state in the next financial year.