Nod to Indore-Manmad rail line, solar projects at Mandideep & Pithampur

Bhopal: State cabinet headed by chief minister Kamal Nath on Wednesday approved fixed equity share capital for execution of Indore (Mhow) to Manmad new rail line project, connecting Indore to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust.

Total cost of project is estimated at Rs 8,931 crore. Speaking to reporters, law minister and government spokesman PC Sharma said that equity of Rs 408.64 crore which is 15% will be given in 4 years by the state government.

After completion of the project, distance from Indore to the port trust will be reduced by 150 kms. The industrial activities of Pithampur, Khandwa and Burhanpur will get boost from the rail line, Sharma claimed.

In another decision to benefit industrial units of Mandideep and Pithampur, cabinet approved setting-up of rooftop solar projects by MP State Industries Development Corporation under provisions of Madhya Pradesh Decentralized Renewable Energy Policy 2016.

Government decided to refund of the primary invested amount of Rs 17.15 crore by MPSIDC in 90 MLD water supply scheme for constant and adequate water supply to industries to be set up in Pithampur-Dhar-Mhow Investment Region and Pithampur Industrial Area.

Cabinet also decided to increase rates of transport permit fees on minerals. Permit fee of Rs 100 per ton on lime stone, dolomite, fire clay, manganese, copper (ore), rock phosphate, pyrophyllite, diaspore, ochre, bauxite, iron (ore), calcite, coal, quartz, silica sand, shell, slate, soap stone and Rs 60 per ton transport permit fee on flag stone, granite, marble and soil stone. This increase will come with effect from April 1. Along with increase in forest produces transport fee, 5% increase will be made every year.

Government has endorsed the chief minister’s order dated September 5, 2019 to continue the Take Home Ration for Anganwadi Centres through selected successful tenderers of short term tender invited in the past by the department.

Council of ministers approved revised administrative sanction of project costing Rs 1455 for construction of new educational hospital and other buildings affiliated to Chhindwara Institute of Medical Sciences.