^^ There is always a bad side and a good side to these. Bad side being that you get bad reputation in the limelight, good side being the local authorities will open their eyes. For eg. look at dharavi, before slumdog i doubt they (municipal corp) were going to develop that area or maybe they did but sometime later in the future. Just after the movie and all the media attention look what is happening now. Sometimes its good that someone points out your bad side so that you know what to fix even though it sounds rude.

About the riots I still believe that we have not changed personally and emotionally. People want to move on but cannot move on mostly due to all the media bothering them and also due to the vast differences that exist in Gujarat till today. Tell me one thing can a muslim person buy a house/appartment in a hindu dominated area. I know that in some cases they can but then there is this feeling among the neighbors that this man shouldnt be staying here. Why such feelings towards someone just cuz of their religion and its not just limited to people in gujarat, it applies to me too. Anyway i believe that this discussion might be good for the discussion thread instead of this thread!

Bhavnagar Cable-Stayed Bridge



Prev Post from when project was announced in 2009 here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=32438280&postcount=346)

Its a shame that the one in Surat has been delayed, but good to see this one nearly complete. :cheers:

I have a question might be rather stupid but would the cable remain stretched after the bridge is thrown open as in the pics? Wont the cables contract in winters and stretch in summers? Just wanna know how would the thing look after its ready.

Gujarat govt to give agri power connection in 57 ‘dark zone’ talukas (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/02/28/gujarat-govt-to-give-power-connection-to-57-talukas-under-dark-zone/)

In a major decision, the government of Gujarat today made an announcement to give agriculture power connections in 57 ‘dark zone’ talukas of the state.

This move has snatched away a major election issue from the pocket of opposition Congress party.

Minister Shri Nitinbhai Patel in his statement in Gujarat assembly under rule no. 44 said that the farmers of 57 talukas of the state will now be able to get agricultural power connection provided that they use drip irrigation system. He announced 60% subsidy (10% more compare to other areas) to dark zone areas for this cause. The govt will give 50,000 power connections to farmers in dark zone areas on priority basis.

Dark zones are “over exploited” and “critical blocks” in the state where level of ground water has significantly gone down due to uncontrolled lifting of ground water for agricultural use.

The Government had issued Resolution dated 19.9.2001, which states that the ground water levels are very low in certain areas. Therefore, Government has decided not to permit to draw water by tube wells in the interest of geo-hydrology as well as in the interest of public at large. The Government had also issued another Government Resolution dated 16.12.2003, in which it was decided that there are at least 57 Talukas declared as Dark Zone Area based on the assessment done by the Government. According to the said GR no electric connection should be given in these areas.

With today’s statement, the govt has canceled its year 2003 GR.

Over Exploited Blocks: Dascroi, Dholka-Distt. Ahmedabad, City-Deodar, Distt. Banaskantha, City-Dehgam, Gandhinagar, Kalol, Mansa Distt.-Gandhinagar, City-Mangrol, Distt.-Junagadh, City- Rapar, Bhachau, Mandvi Distt.-Kachchh, City –Becharaji, Kadi, Kheralu, Mahesana, Satlasana, Unjha, Vijapur, Visnagar Distt.-Mahesana, City- Chanasma, Patan Dishpur Distt.-Patan, City- Idar, Vadali Distt.-Sabarkantha, City-Vadodara, Distt.-Vadodara.

Critical Blocks: City-Derroj-Rampura, Distt. –Ahmedabad, City-Bhavnagar, Distt.- Bhavnagar, City- Manavadar, Vanthali, Distt.-Junagadh, City- Rapar, Distt.-Kachchh, City- Mehmdabad, Distt.-Kheda, City- Vadnagar, Distt.-Mahesana, City-Gondal, Distt. Rajkot, City-Modasa, Distt.-Sabarkantha.

Congress party’s reaction

Gujarat Congress President Shri Arjun Modhwadia reacting to state govt announcement on dark zone today said that 1 million agriculture power connections are pending, while the state govt has announced only 33,000 connections in dark zone areas that too with rider of making sprinkler, drip irrigation mandatory. In view of this, the govt decision is betrayal of farmers, Modhwadia said.

:lol: congress's reaction is funny. I guess they ran out of things to say.

Yes, they are fighting a losing battle in Gujarat. It is better for them to accept that they are not going to win anytime soon. Such feeble attempts are not going to bother Modi.

Yes, they are fighting a losing battle in Gujarat. It is better for them to accept that they are not going to win anytime soon. Such feeble attempts are not going to bother Modi.

Absolutely....
They dont understand that with every such remark they are exposing their foolishness

I have a question might be rather stupid but would the cable remain stretched after the bridge is thrown open as in the pics? Wont the cables contract in winters and stretch in summers? Just wanna know how would the thing look after its ready.

Friend, the cables are stretched and anchored at both its ends. Also maintenance team check the tension in cable wires in regular intervals to ensure that they remain stretched. It is the tension in the cables that is responsible for the strength of the bridge. As in case of Milau Bridge in France.

Nalco Gujarat Aluminium Refinery to be finalised in a month (http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-02-28/news/31108088_1_nalco-alumina-refinery-finalise)

NALCO, the country's third largest aluminium producer, had emerged as the only qualified bidder and plans to set up only the refinery for now.

There have been several meetings between NALCO and Gujarat Mineral Development Corp(GMDC) to finalise the draft agreement for the refinery project.

"Once the agreement is finalized, we will proceed with the preparation of detailed project report and construction of the refinery," Bagra told Reuters on Tuesday.

NALCO will take four to five months for preparation of the feasibility report after the deal is finalised and another two to three months for financial closure.

NALCO aims to invest 40 billion rupees in the one-million-tonnes-per-annum refinery project. It hopes to start construction within 2012 and commence production by 2015-end.

The state-run producer is also open to a joint venture with the Gujarat government for the project, Bagra said.

"In case ultimately it becomes a joint venture NALCO will prefer to have a controlling stake," he added, without elaborating further.

He said NALCO will considering setting up a smelter only when it has access to captive coal blocks and electricity supply at economic rates.

NALCO, which currently operates a 2.1 million-tonnes-a-year alumina refinery in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, plans to expand the refinery by a million tonnes but is still awaiting allocation of bauxite deposits.

New bridge on Narmada near Bharuch (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/03/05&PageLabel=8&EntityId=Ar00807&ViewMode=HTML)

Bharuch: The work to build a new bridge near Sardar Bridge on National Highway 8 near Bharuch will begin from May 2012. The Rs 473 crore bridge will be ready over the next two years, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, political advisor to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said here on Saturday.
Commuters travelling between Surat and Vadodara by road have to cross Narmada river. Currently, there are two bridges — Golden and Sardar — that connect central and south Gujarat by road. Sardar Bridge is only open to heavy vehicles and Golden Bridge is meant for light ones. Yet traffic jam is a routine affair here.
Patel called a meeting of senior officials of NHAI and state roads and building (R&B) officials during his visit to Ankleshwar on Thursday.

Hi friends, Any one would tell me what's the progress for twin cities, when will they started developing as twin city or when will they announced legally? Any body have Idea any projects coming to surendranagar Districts? please tell me if anyone know about it.. THANKS

Is this within bhavnagar ?
will there be a bridge which connects bhavnagar and mumbai ?

^^
Of course not. This bridge is being built just to replace the old Lakadia pul, which was washed away.

Hero Motorcorp (Hero Honda) coming to Halol, Peugeot too?

Hero set to park next to GM in Halol (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-07/ahmedabad/31131319_1_component-makers-halol-new-manufacturing-plants)

India's largest bike-maker Hero Motocorp Ltd (HMCL) is likely to park next to US car-maker General Motors in Halol. HMCL, formerly known as Hero Honda Motors Ltd, is likely to invest Rs 1,200 crore to set up its fourth manufacturing plant in the central Gujarat auto pocket, which never saw much activity after GM drove into the region in the mid-1990s.

Also, this will be the first major two-wheeler maker to come to Gujarat, notwithstanding the presence of a couple of e-bike manufacturers here. An announcement is likely to be made this month. The company is learnt to have identified 300 acres of land near the GM car plant. HMCL will set up the factory in two phases. Once fully operational, it will have a capacity to roll out up to two million vehicles a year, say sources close to the development.

HMCL plans to set up its fifth plant in Dharwad in Karnataka in over 500 acres of land. Analysts say the new manufacturing plants will help the company meet its export target of $1 billion by 2020, besides catering to the growing demand in the domestic twowheeler market.

Gujarat government officials say the company had earlier expressed willingness to set up the facility in Sanand, which has emerged as the country's biggest auto hub, playing host to car-makers like Tata Motors, Ford India and Peugeot. A team of senior executives from HMCL had met chief minister Narendra Modi a few weeks ago where it was suggested that they move to Halol. "The idea is to have a balanced growth evenly spread across the entire state," said an official in the chief minister's office.

Besides being home to GM and a few component makers, Halol strategically falls in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). HMCL currently has manufacturing facilities in Dharuhea, Gurgaon and Haridwar.

Peugeot-GM tie-up may use Halol facility for Car making (http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/cnbc-tv18-comments/peugeot-gm-tie-up-may-use-gujarat-facility-for-car-making_677778.html)

With the global deal between General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroen driving into the final stages, the ramifications for the Indian markets are now emerging. CNBC-TV18 learns that GM India's facility at Gujarat is likely to be used by Peugeot for jointly manufacturing small and mid-sized sedans.

It is becoming increasingly clear that India is going to play a very key role in the global alliance between General Motors and Peugeot Citroen. Sources say that the two companies are currently discussing the viability of Peugeot Citroen using General Motor India's Halol facility in Gujarat, reports Ronojoy Banerjee of CNBC-TV18. The two companies are also discussing about sharing platforms, especially for their small cars and the medium-sized sedans.

Last year, Peugeot had said that they are going to invest in setting up a brand new facility in India. However, due to poor sales in their home market back in France, they were forced to review their India operations. In that sense, while Peugeot wants an India presence, they may not want to go solo and have sole manufacturing facility for their operations. They want to jointly use General Motors' India plant to make inroads into the Indian market.

When CNBC-TV18 contacted the General Motors India's spokesperson, he said that the alliance is very important for GM and its benefits will be especially felt in the European markets. However, he said that it is too early to comment how the partnership is going to pan out for India and for the Asia-Pacific region.

Hi friends, Any one would tell me what's the progress for twin cities, when will they started developing as twin city or when will they announced legally? Any body have Idea any projects coming to surendranagar Districts? please tell me if anyone know about it.. THANKS

As of news.. Ahmedabad Gandhinagar are already twin cities and will be connected by metro by 2014
its is necessary also as Ahmedabad is expanding rapidly.. places like adalaj and Chandkhera . that fell under Gandhinagar district are now part of Ahmedabad city and AUDA.. so if they don't make twin cities .. ahmedabad will eat up all places and Gandhinagar will have no space to expand..

Mission Impossible, since there is no allocation for Ahmedabad Metro in 2012-2013 budget. :ohno:

Any updates for India's largest Buddhist temple in north Gujarat??

Dahej SEZ Ltd signs MoU with a Japan-Singapore consortium to set up Asia’s most modern desalination plant...!^^

Dahej SEZ Ltd signs MoU with a Japanese-Singaporean consortium to set up Asia’s most modern desalination plant at Dahej on DMIC. Chief Minster Narendra Modi describes the MoU as Gujarat Government’s landmark initiative on World Water Day

Gandhinagar, Thursday: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Gujarat Government’s joint sector enterprise Dahej SEZ Ltd and a consortium of Japanese-Singapore companies here today to build Asia’s biggest desalination plant near Dahej in south Gujarat, situated on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). The consortium, comprising Hitachi and ITOCHO of Japan and Hyflux of Singapore, will work as co-developers with Dahej Spring Desalination Private Limited set up to implement the project.The MoU was signed in the presence of Japan’s Ambassador Mr. Akitaka Saiki, Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Minister of State for Energy Mr. Saurabh Patel and Chief Secretary Mr. A.K. Joti.Also present on the occasion were DMIC Development Company Chief Executive Officer Mr. Amitabh Kant and Government of Japan’s METI Deputy Director-General Mr. Goto, besides senior officers of the companies concerned.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Modi described the agreement as Gujarat Government’s landmark initiative for water management on World Water Day. He said the project would prove to be a boon for a water-deficit state like Gujarat in recycling sea water and in water conservation measures. The project would also be unique in the sense as it would be run on solar energy. He said the Gujarat Government would not like to use the water meant for drinking and irrigation for industries.The Chief Minister said the Dahej SEZ is India’s largest Special Economic Zone and is recognized to be the world’s best free trade zone among the top 25. He thanked the Japanese Government and other companies for extending their cooperation in setting up a modern desalination plant in Gujarat.Japan’s Ambassador Mr. Saiki and METI Deputy Director-General Mr. Goto were also in high praise of Gujarat Government’s dynamic leadership and progressive policies and described their cooperation with Gujarat Government in the implementation of development projects as effective.

http://www.narendramodi.in/chief-minster-narendra-modi-describes-the-mou-as-gujarat-government’s-landmark-initiative-on-world-water-day/

Gujarat shines again as Power Hub
3 Discoms awarded for meritorious performance

New Delhi : Gujarat Government’s three major power companies are awarded for outstanding performance in the Power Sector for the year 2009-10 and 2010-11. The Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL) has been awarded Gold Shield for the year 2010-11 and Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation limited (GETCO) has been bestowed the Gold Shield for 2009-10. The Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited (MGVCL) has been awarded the Bronze Shield for the year 2009-10. The awards were jointly received by V. N. Maira, Chairman & Nityanand Srivastava MD, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL) – Gold Shield for the year 2010-11. Shri S. K. Negi, MD and B.B. Chauhan, Chief Engineer Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation limited (GETCO) received the Gold Shield for 2009-10, and Mukesh Puri, Chairman and A. N. Kharti, MD Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited (MGVCL) were awarded the Bronze Shield for the year 2009-10 from Union Minister for Power Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde here.It is a remarkable transformation for a state which was power deficient with its Electricity Board saddled with huge loss barely a decade ago, but now has 4,000 MW of surplus electricity to offer to other states and a vibrant energy sector.Highlighting the achievement of power sector in Gujarat, Shri Mukesh Puri, Chairman of MGVCL said that Gujarat is a power surplus state and Government of India has also acknowledged the unquestioned leadership of the state in power sector. In Gujarat, urban and rural areas including industries as well as all habitations are given 24 X 7 power supply and it is a remarkable, he added.When Shri Narendra Modi took over as Chief Minister in 2001, he found the state’s power situation grim. The Gujarat State Electricity Board, or GSEB, had posted a loss of Rs 2,246 crore for 2000-01. Since then, Shri Modi focused on assured round-the-clock quality power supply to each household for faster socio-economic development. With assured availability of quality power, people are seeking out more opportunities and improving their skills to accelerate their socio-economic development.The Gujarat experience clearly shows what strong political will to reform the electricity sector can achieve. In May 2003, the Gujarat government passed the Gujarat Electricity Industry (Reform and Reorganization) Act, which divided the GSEB into a holding company, a power generation company, a power transmission company and four distribution companies. This enabled accountability at every level, better management and more efficient operations.Gujarat was among the best States in the country to unbundle its state electricity Board (SEB) in 2005, which had posted a loss of Rs 737 crore for that fiscal year. GEB had no funds to add generation capacity on its own, nor was it able to persuade the private sector to invest at that time. However, Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi kept “transformation” of the power sector as one of his top priorities. The state has made a profit of Rs 436 crore in 2011-12 by selling its surplus power to other states.Of the many reforms the State Government ushered in, the separation of feeders for supply towards agricultural use was a master stroke. It not only helped farmers get quality power at fixed time but also ensured that leakages were curtailed. It enabled measurement of the power used for agricultural purposes as well, so as to arrive at the exact quantum of subsidy that needs to be reimbursed to the distribution companies. The scheme launched as part of the Jyotigram Yojna in 2003 to supply round-the-clock power to villages is being adopted by many others states. From agri sector to industries, uninterrupted power supply has paved way for bringing in huge investments to Gujarat, making it growth engine of India. Jyotigram project has been the catalyst for socio-economic and educational revolution and has brought revolutionary change in the lifestyles and economic pattern of rural Gujarat.It is a matter of pride once again for the power utilities of Gujarat as they have been time and again recognized for the award under comprehensive award scheme ever since its inception in the year 2004-05. All power companies in the State, be it transmission or distribution, are financially viable as compared to other states where power utilities are in red and continue to reel under heavy losses.In Transmission Sector, Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation limited (GETCO) is awarded gold shield for the early completion of 220/66 Bhat sub-station in the year 2009-10 near Changodar, Ahmedabad.GETCO completed the project in 18 months against the normal standard time of 24 months. The 220 KV Extra High Voltage sub-station has been a vital power supply pooling sub-station for the industries to avail reliable and quality power supply. The transformer capacity of this sub-station is being enhanced to 300 MVA looking into the load growth of industries.In Distribution Sector, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL) and Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited (MGVCL) have been awarded Gold and Bonze Shield respectively under the category “Performance of Distribution Companies”.Gujarat has been able to achieve the growth with a mix of steps that have both commercial and social overtones, with stress on credible implementation and realizing rational user charges. The political will along with the turnaround strategy has produced the expected benefits.Once in a shambles in 2001, Gujarat’s power sector a decade later has put the state in the forefront that have carried out sweeping power reforms, as a result of which it now has surplus power.

http://www.narendramodi.in/gujarat-shines-again-as-power-hub/

Guys...

Because of a lot of investment/projects coming to Dahej PCPIR and Bharuch-Ankleshwar twin-cities, I have made a seperate thread for Bharuch District. link (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1489619)

I think a lot of good projects tend to get lost and forgotten in this thread. Its a big statement, but I really think Bharuch could end up being the next megacity that noone had heard of before, def worth showcasing the projects/investments that are flowing to that region. :cheers:

^^ Definitely going to be one of the most industrialised cities in India. I wish the government had a law where the companies had to also invest in their local community. I think that would had given Bharuch a really big boost, but never the less it is going to get some really good investments now and is on track.

Pretty good initiative but i think it should also be applied to kids from class 4 onwards.


Government schools wired to future, animation, graphics will be new tools for teaching (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Government-schools-wired-to-future-animation-graphics-will-be-new-tools-for-teaching/articleshow/12373855.cms)


AHMEDABAD: Come June, class 11 and 12 science and general students in 4,000 higher secondary schools will learn beyond the boring black and white of textbooks. 2D and 3D animation, graphics and photographs will be the new tools for teaching.

Students will not just read but see blood being pumped by the heart, pure and impure blood streaming through the arteries and veins, respectively. They will no longer be required to imagine how an X-ray or MRI machine functions as they will be able to see a patient undergoing the complex radiological test. Students will be able to go on virtual trips into space to take a closer look on Earth and other planets and dive deep underwater to swim with a blue whale.

All this and more would be possible due to the path breaking initiative of the state education department to convert the entire syllabus of non-languages subjects like Math, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Business Administration, Accountancy, Economics, Psychology and Geography.

The education department has spent Rs 4 crore and converted the entire syllabus into multi-media content complete with 2D and 3D animation. Officials said that each chapter of the subjects has been digitized and converted into multi-media modules of 20-25 minutes each.

The software content has been uploaded in 2,426 schools and all the 4,000 schools will be complete with LCD projectors by June.

Officials said that Gujarat is the first state to completely digitize the entire syllabus of class 11 and 12. Marmar Mukhopadhyay, director, Educational Technology and Management Academy, is of the view that the project will change the way students learn in schools in Gujarat. Mukhopadhyay is also the project consultant for converting textbooks into interactive multimedia content for the state education department. "The e-content project is first of its kind in India. Students will now experience what is being taught to them, which will enable them to absorb better," Mukhopadhyay said.

Silverline Corporation Limited Is Planning To Set up New Textiles Project In Vadodara

Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited Is Planning To Set Up Cement Plant Project In Kutchh

Hi friends, Any one would tell me what's the progress for twin cities, when will they started developing as twin city or when will they announced legally? Any body have Idea any projects coming to surendranagar Districts? please tell me if anyone know about it.. THANKS

Welcome to the forum! :okay:
(Although pls try to post links with the updates!)

Regarding Surendranagar District, only know of a few Solar projects (see Solar Power thread) and the Ahmedabad-Maliya highway that will have good benefit for Halvad and Dhrangadhra. Dont know of anything regarding implementation of Surendranagar-Vadvhan twincity project at this stage.

First thing for the twin-city projects seems to be getting the government bodies set up to avoid disputes/competition like there is between BMC and MMRDA in Mumbai, PMC and PCMC in Pune/Pimpri Chinchawad.

Bharuch-Ankleshwar
Urban Development Authority formed Jan 2012
link (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-11/surat/30615799_1_bharuch-and-ankleshwar-towns-bharuch-ankleshwar-bauda)

Surat-Navsari
Road between two cities needed upgrading anyway, so that is going ahead already link (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-14/surat/31164891_1_lane-road-surat-urban-development-authority-surat-navsari)

Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar
The plans for Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar twin-city falling under Ahmedabad Metropolitan Area have taken a bit of a setback with Central Govt announcing Gandhinagar as a Municipal Corporation last year. Nonetheless, twin-City property expo is going on this weekend at Mahatma Mandir

XEyzEOV8xZg

Racing to complete its Rs 8,300-crore ongoing expansion plan on schedule, Essar Oil Ltd (EOL) on Wednesday said it has commissioned two more units at the Vadinar Refinery in Jamnagar district of Gujarat.

The two new units commissioned are the Vacuum Gas Oil Hydrotreating Unit (VGOHDT) and the Sulphur Recovery Unit (SRU) at Vadinar. EOL also commissioned an effluent treatment plant (ETP) as part of the Phase-I expansion project to be completed by the end of March 2012, the company said here.

Now, only the Delayed Coker Unit (DCU) remains to be commissioned. The project, when completed, will expand the capacity of the refinery to 18 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) or 3.75 lakh barrels per day, and enhance complexity from the existing 6.1 to 11.8, which is amongst the highest in the world, Mr C. Manoharan, Head of the Vadinar Refinery, said.

With a capacity of 6.5 mtpa, the VGOHDT at Vadinar is among the largest units of its kind. It will help the refinery produce low-sulphur, high-octane gasoline (petrol). The unit is also capable of producing naphtha, kerosene and gas oil (diesel).

Mr L.K. Gupta, Managing Director and CEO, Essar Oil, said the Vadinar Refinery, will be among the world’s most complex refineries, capable of producing fuels that meet the world’s most stringent emission norms.

The ETP will treat 540 cubic metre of water per hour, which will be reused for the cooling tower or for the generation of demineralised water through the RO plant. The treated water could also be used for horticulture.

Alongside the Phase I expansion, an optimisation project is also underway, which will further increase the capacity to 20 mtpa (4.05 lakh bpd) by September 2012.

From current 14mmtpa, going to 20mmtpa by September will be another good achievement for Essar and the Petro industry of Jamnagar district alongside current 62mmtpa of Reliance

At 1st Jan 2012, Jamnagar refineries accounted for 76mmtpa (39%) of Indias total capacity which is 194mmtpa. link (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/energy/oil-gas/economic-survey-2011-12-indias-oil-refining-capacity-likely-to-rise-15-to-214-mt/articleshow/12277669.cms)

Jamnagar- The 'Oil'nagar of India (and much of the world :))

A very good initiative for Nalsarovar!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7017427103_3f0cb8722a_b.jpg

cc: dg

:? what is it exactly? A mini tour bus?

Maybe a small shuttle bus?

I forgot to add the info. Its an electric car/golf cabby that they are using @ nalsarovar.

I got that but what's the purpose? I mean what is it used for and are there some destinations they are using it between?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6871320202_cb47335eea_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/7017427817_62502a0d5e_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6871321264_85157144ed_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/7017428935_8061976378_b.jpg


The department of forest, Government of Gujarat and Ahmedabad district Collectorate have jointly introduced new battery operated club cars to bring tourists to Nalsarovar lake.

Battery operated vehicles will create no noise and will provide a pollution free ride to tourists inside the sanctuary area.

For past few months, tourists are not allowed to take their private vehicles inside the sanctuary area. They need to park their cars couple of kilometers away where a parking space has been developed.

Nakoda Cotton Industries Private Limited is Planning To Set Up Polyester Filament Yarn Project Expansion At The Cost Of Rs 1935 Crore In Surat

thanx CE. :cheers:

Swiss firm OC Oerlikon keen to set up auto gears plant in Gujarat (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/04/03/swiss-firm-oc-oerlikon-keen-to-set-up-auto-gears-plant-in-gujarat/)

Switzerland-based OC Oerlikon Industries Group Chairman Tim Summers during his meeting with Chief Minister Narendra Modi here today expressed interest to set up a drive system vehicle gears manufacturing plant in Gujarat.

The Swiss firm specializing in machine and plant engineering would set up the plant with cent percent foreign investment as the facility would provide jobs to about 1,000 people.

The Chief Minister assured the company the Gujarat Government’s co-operation to ensure early implementation of the project.

Gujarat’s Principal Industries Secretary M. Sahu was also present on the occasion.

Infosys still working with Gujarat Govt for Land (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/infosys-still-working-with-gujarat-govt-for-land/246140-3.html)

Chairman Emeritus and Chief Mentor of IT major Infosys, NR Narayan Murthy, on Thursday said that the company was still working with the Gujarat government to get land for its proposed centre in the state.

"Infosys is still working with Government of Gujarat to get the land for which we have requested. We will be happy to be part of the city," Murthy said on sidelines of an event.

Through project like these, Infosys usually targets to create 5,000 to 25,000 jobs, for which they require approximately 100 to 125 acres of land, he said.
Infosys still working with Gujarat govt for land: Narayan Murthy

The IT giant has been exploring options to set up a centre in Gujarat since last nine months, but nothing concrete has worked out in wake of issues related to availability of land at fair price.

These latest negotiations may have been going on for 9months, but this suggestion that Infosys are not being offered land at a "fair price" in Gujarat has been an ongoing thing for a few years at least.

As they obv need to be near a city, then obv they are not going to get 100+ acres of land at the kind of rates thats Industrial companies have got in remote/unpopulated wasteland areas of the state.

Nalco Limited is Planning To Set Up Smelter And Alumina Refinery Project Expansion At The Estimated Cost Of Rs 4600 Crore In Kutchh

Infosys still working with Gujarat Govt for Land (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/infosys-still-working-with-gujarat-govt-for-land/246140-3.html)



These latest negotiations may have been going on for 9months, but this suggestion that Infosys are not being offered land at a "fair price" in Gujarat has been an ongoing thing for a few years at least.

As they obv need to be near a city, then obv they are not going to get 100+ acres of land at the kind of rates thats Industrial companies have got in remote/unpopulated wasteland areas of the state.

But I read two days back that the foundation stone has been laid for ICREATE. So is this something else?

Yup they are 2 different things.

Mahindra And Mahindra To Set Up New Plant Outside Maharashtra APRIL 11,2012

India is a huge market and especially for commercial vehicles, the demand is quite high. Mahindra & Mahindra is India’s largest multi-utility vehicle manufacturer and recently it disclosed some information about its future operations. Mahindra is looking forward to establish a new facility in India.
Instead of opting for a piece of land in Maharashtra, Mahindra is planning to build the new facility outside Maharashtra. For the same the brand will make an investment of Rs. 3000-Rs. 4000 crore. This new plant has surfaced just because of the new amendment brought in VAT rules by the government of Maharashtra. As per the decision taken by the government in the recent budget, automakers are asked to setoff on value added tax (VAT) on vehicles sold in the very state of Maharashtra only.

This new VAT rule is being strictly opposed by Mahindra as manufacturers only sell around 10 – 15 % in the state itself and the rest are sold in other states. Not only Mahindra, a number of other brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Piaggio, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto and Volkswagen are also existing in Maharashtra who are opposing this new rule and are unhappy with the change which puts more financial burden on them.
Earlier Mahindra was planning to set up its new plant in Chakan, a place near Pune. But later on going through other available options and in order to oppose to the new VAT rule, Mahindra is finally looking at an alternative outside Maharashtra. Mr. Pawan Goenka , President: automotive and farm equipment sectors of Mahindra, said
“Yes, it can be. We are deciding what is the best option? We have not announced anything yet, but we are still finalizing on one or two alternatives.”

http://www.carblogindia.com/mahindra-and-mahindra-to-set-up-new-plant-outside-maharashtra/


Please Guys forward these msg to any of legal department of state government these will be again a great oppurtunity for Gujarat to have some more stars in the state.....
What do u say FRIENDS.......

If the news is true, then I am pretty sure that M&M would have already contacted Gujarat Govt. for the land deal....

Everybody knows now the Gujarat is the center of attention in India as the new Auto Hub...

So, yes let's see, if Gujarat Govt. wins the deal or any other state grabs it before Gujarat does :)

Infosys still working with Gujarat Govt for Land (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/infosys-still-working-with-gujarat-govt-for-land/246140-3.html)



These latest negotiations may have been going on for 9months, but this suggestion that Infosys are not being offered land at a "fair price" in Gujarat has been an ongoing thing for a few years at least.

As they obv need to be near a city, then obv they are not going to get 100+ acres of land at the kind of rates thats Industrial companies have got in remote/unpopulated wasteland areas of the state.

Infy has more than 1500 acres of land near metros worth more than 3 Billion and they threatened state govt and got those land for just one tenth rate.
It was O.K. once but going forward I feel state govt should not budge for this firm let them get at reasonable rates.
Guj is fast growing state and there is fairly good demand for land so state govt should not concede to their unreasonable demand.
Even karnataka did not give them land for many years for their 2 campus in Bangalore and got it now for fair price.

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT CHENNAIDESI

Has Toyota hit road to Gujarat? (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Has-Toyota-hit-road-to-Gujarat/articleshow/12864394.cms)

AHMEDABAD: Is auto major Toyota joining the beeline for Gujarat? After Maruti Suzuki India, Indian subsidiary of the Japanese car-maker Suzuki Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation is exploring possibilities of setting up a plant in Gujarat through its Indian subsidiary Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd.

If the Japanese company decides to invest in Gujarat, it will be the fifth foreign carmaker to have chosen the western state, which is fast emerging as India's Detroit.

A team of consultants working for Toyota visited Gujarat two months ago and were shown three locations, sources close to the development said. "They have seen Sanand , where Tata Motors already has a plant and Ford as well as Peugeot are in the process of setting up their units. They also visited Halol, where American car-maker General Motors runs a plant was another location," said a state government official. A company spokesperson, however, denied the development .

While the company, which manages two plants in Karnataka with a combined capacity of manufacturing about two lakh vehicles, may take time to firm up plans, the proposed plant may see investment to the tune of Rs4,000 crore. The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) - in which Japan is a partner - is also a crucial factor behind auto makers' new-found love for the state. With increase in local demand and plans to export cars from India, the company had last earlier announced that it will increase its production capacity to 3,10,000 units by 2013.

Govt plans special investment region at Becharaji (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Govt-plans-special-investment-region-at-Becharaji/articleshow/12864729.cms)

GANDHINAGAR: The Gujarat government is all set to establish a new special investment region (SIR) near Becharaji, which became famous after Maruti decided last year to put up its new manufacturing unit with an investment of Rs 4,000 crore.

Well-placed Sachivalaya sources said the state government has already earmarked 119 square kilometers area near the North Gujarat templetown of Becharaji. "While exact boundaries are being worked out, most of the land on which Bhecharaji SIR will be situated is private, owned by farmers" , a senior state official told TOI.

Mott Macdonald, the well-known international consultancy, is preparing a complete feasibility report for setting up the SIR. "The earmarked area is only for the first phase" , the official said, adding, "More area may be added later."

The consultants will be submitting their report within two months and the survey is on, the official further said. "It will be basically a manufacturing SIR, with automobile and engineering units as the main focus of attention," he said. "The Maruti cluster is expected to form a part of the SIR." Strategically located, as it forms part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Becharaji has been chosen for a new SIR after Maruti found the spot useful for exporting its cars. With rail and road link towards Mundra port, on one hand, and rest of India, on the other, the spot it is believed can be useful from the connectivity angle.

Several SIR proposals are pending with the state government. While two are under implementation -Petroleum , Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) between Bhaurch and Dahej, and the SIR at Dholera, south of Ahmedabad. More have been planned for Sanand and Changodar, in Ahmedabad district; Aliabet, in Bharuch district along the Gulf of Khambhat; Navlakhi, off the Gulf of Kutch; Pipavav and Simar, along the southern Saurashtra coast; and Anjar in the Kutch district.

Sources in the state industries department say a major reason why the idea of setting up increasing number of SIRs has picked up is that under the SIR Act, passed in January 2009, land acquisition for industrial and residential purpose in SIR is extremely easy.

"All authority for any developmental activity in vested in Regional Development Authority (RDA) of the notified SIR, with local bodies like panchayats having no powers," the official said. "An apex body, like GIDC or Gujarat Industrial Development Board (GIDB) in Gandhinagar, is supposed to monitor their quick development .

The Peugeot comeback that never was (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/article3357035.ece)

Peugeot is not quite ready to contemplate an entry into India, and would much rather focus on China, Brazil and Russia.

It is finally official. PSA Peugeot Citroen has made it known that it will not go ahead with its Rs 4,000-crore Gujarat project and will, instead, look at opportunities in India with its new global ally, General Motors.

Even a die-hard PSA supporter is unlikely to buy this story. GM is just about readying its new India story with China's SAIC Motor Corp.

It will be a good three years before the big numbers start coming in. GM has also indicated that it will focus on Asia, especially China, through this decade. Whether a PSA will fit into this plan remains the million-dollar question.

And even assuming that the French automaker's cars are produced in GM plants here, how will it possibly be of any help in terms of market share or brand recall? Clearly, PSA is not quite ready with an India script and would much rather focus on China, Brazil and Russia as part of its strategy to grow business beyond Europe.

Time will tell if the company goofed up by ignoring India, which is tipped to be the world's third largest automobile market by 2020.

At this stage, PSA is really in no position to commit large investments, given that it had a difficult 2011 which prompted it to team up with GM and rewrite a revival plan for Europe. To think that this can extend to India may be stretching things a bit too far, at least for now.

PSA was, of course, among the earliest entrants here in the early 1990s along with Daewoo. Both shut shop eventually, although for entirely different reasons.

Daewoo could not do much to salvage its India operations just when it had a product like the Matiz to take the story forward. Its parent company in Korea went bust and GM eventually bought out the business.

PSA'S HEADY PHASE

In the case of PSA, it went through a rocky period which saw a lockout of its Kalyan plant near Mumbai and losses kept piling up by the hour. Things got progressively worse when relations with its Indian partner deteriorated and legal intervention became inevitable.

It was only after this tumultuous period that an energised PSA was ready to start its second innings in India on a cleaner slate. Its employees had stood by the company right through these difficult times and were finally beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

There were new products in the pipeline and, most importantly, the TUD5 diesel engine was the best bet for a market inclined towards this fuel.

As a journalist covering this story through the late-1990s, I must admit it was quite a heady phase with every passing day throwing up a new surprise.

However, nothing prepared me for the announcement in November 1997 of PSA calling it a day in India. This was just when the company was turning the corner and had the early mover advantage in a potential market.

Remember, there were only a handful of brands then like Ford and GM compared to the overcrowded terrain today.

The senior management team in India was completely devastated hearing the news of PSA's exit. Some had worked around the clock over the last two years to ensure that operations continued in the Kalyan plant even while things were on the boil.

“Why are they calling it quits now? And what happens to all of us who have families to support?” were the general reactions to this quixotic move.

Bankers, dealers, ancillary suppliers and customers were as outraged because PSA's abrupt decision had left them high and dry.

During these trying times, the 1,500-plus workforce still refused to accept that all was lost and tried to keep operations going at the facility. Eventually, though, they had to cope with the harsh reality of joblessness and looking for alternatives elsewhere.

LOSING GOODWILL

And why did PSA opt for this illogical option? People familiar with the goings-on in Paris told me that the top management had lost all faith in India and were convinced that staying on would be catastrophic.

The fact that this would hurt a whole lot of business associates was clearly not as important and it was hardly surprising, therefore, that PSA lost a lot of goodwill in the process.

In all fairness, the mood was a lot more buoyant this time around though this still did not convince former employees associated with the earlier fiasco.

However, when the Gujarat deal was sealed and the investments made known, even they grudgingly admitted that the French automaker meant business.

Pity that there had to be an encore of 1997 and it may be just impossible for PSA to contemplate an India entry in the near future.

For a company that is keen on growing its business beyond Europe this decade, this could end up being a costly mistake.

It has targeted 50 per cent of numbers coming in from other parts of the world over the next three years, going up to over 65 per cent by 2020. China will be the pivot of this growth plan where PSA has two joint ventures in place.

The 170,000 cars planned for India by 2015 (and going up to even three times as much by 2020) will now have to be readjusted in other geographies like Russia and Brazil.

Of course, the unexpected may still happen where GM and PSA could end up producing cars here but this will take at least five years longer.

The top priority for GM is obviously the SAIC alliance which has been its lifeline during the 2008 crisis and has also helped it take the top slot in the Chinese car market.

For SAIC, India is critical as the first part of a global story which could include Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines in the near future. GM will be part of this plan and to expect PSA to script its own India story in this space may just be wishful thinking.

So Peugeot not coming after all... for now. They cannot forever ignore India. At some point in the future they will be forced to come.

^^ They will realise that they are missing out on the boom and then they will come but eventually they will come.

Vid on the Bhavnagar cable-stayed bridge, looks like its nearly complete.

t9rl3UQ4LRU

Wal-Mart to enter Gujarat via Anand

World's largest retailer Wal-Mart plans to enter Gujarat through the NRG-rich belt of Gujarat - Anand, also India's milk capital.

Wal-Mart, through its Indian joint venture Bharti Wal-Mart Pvt Ltd, has kicked off work on the project on Anand-Sojitra Road. This will be its first mall in Gujarat in the wholesale format. Like in other states, the mall in Anand will operate under the 'Best Price Modern Wholesale' name.

The 50,000 sq feet mall is coming up on three acres of land, which as per present jantri rates costs Rs 4.37 crore. Construction at the site for the single floor mall started since March-end and is likely to get over by July-end , sources said.

A Bharti Wal-Mart spokesperson told TOI that as a policy, the company does not comment on specific real estate properties.

"We plan to open 12-15 new Best Price Modern Wholesale stores in 2012, mainly in south and west India," the spokesperson said in response to an emailed query. Wal-Mart's next venture in Gujarat is likely to be in Ahmedabad, probably on Ahmedabad-Bagodara highway .

The firm has already begun recruitments for its scheduled launch. The campus interviews where management graduates from a couple of Anand-Vallabh Vidyanagar based MBA colleges were invited were held a fortnight ago.

"A total of 20 students from our college had appeared for the interviews before a fortnight . We are yet to get any offers though," K S Prasad, associate professor and placement officer at the G H Patel P G Institute of Business Management, affiliated to Sardar Patel University , told TOI.

Last year, amid the row over foreign direct investment ( FDI) in retail in the country, Bharti Wal-Mart had started scouting for land in Vadodara and was close to sealing a deal for a huge piece of land in Manjalpur.

The company was also in talks with an Ahmedabadbased realtor for a 20,000 square yard land along SG Road. But, for some reasons, the deals were not struck.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Wal-Mart-to-enter-Gujarat-via-Anand/articleshow/13240594.cms

B-Town eyes Gujarat

As B'wood biggies vie for a slice of Gujarat, the state becomes a hotspot for glam industry

It all started with Big B becoming the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism, putting the state on the national map. And since then the number of Bollywood celebrities wanting a share in the growth story of Gujarat has been steadily increasing with noted direcor Subhash Ghai being the latest one to join the list. Ghai has proposed to relocate his controversy struck film institute in Mumbai to Vadodara (proposed investment of `40 crore) citing that "the efforts and investment will be safe in Gujarat." And with the state's GDP being higher than that of the national growth, it's no guessing why this a preferred destination for Bollywood.

Investor's haven Gujaratis sure know how to do business. Joining them are big stars from glam town. The list starts with Amitabh Bachchan investing in 5.72 acre plot, Jackie Shroff and Anupam Kher purchasing 18.75 acres and 2.5 acres of land respectively. And with Ajay Devgn's mega project for a solar plant, Gujarat seems set for a starry alliance. Ajay says, "I wanted to get involved in a project that promotes green energy, and if other states have such clarity in procedures like Gujarat, I would want to invest in other states too." That's not enough, as stars like Sanjay Dutt, Paresh Rawal and Shatrughan Sinha are waiting for a clearance from the state government on matters related to investment. Sanjay Dutt, who has proposed a film city project, is looking to revive the waiting status as he is still in talks with the chief minister. He says, "We are looking for a place near Ahmedabad or Vadodara because of the proximity to Mumbai. Gujarat has a huge potential for a film city, but let's see how I can revive the project."

On a promotional spree Gujarat, particularly Ahmedabad, boasts the status of mandatory destination in all promotional activities, be it Television or Bollywood. From Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh to Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan and Emraan Hashmi, no one has given the city a miss. Emraan, who was recently in the city to promote his upcoming film said, "The crowd here goes berserk when the stars land and it does well for us." Gujarat, which also constitutes for a high viewership numbers, reflects as a fabulous biz option, and with the regional film industry struggling for viewership, Bollywood faces no competition at all.

A sure shot It's lights, camera and action time in Gujarat. Currently, Abhishek Kapoor and Tigmanshu Dhulia are shooting in Ahmedabad for Kai Po Che and Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster 2 respectively. Abhishek says, "I don't care about industry trends and what works in films. The Gujarati spirit, the way people work in this tremendous heat is something that Gujaratis need to be applauded for. The government here is helpful." He also feels there is a lot that can be tapped from Gujarat and the potential for good stories is immense.

Actor Nikhil Dwivedi who was in Ahmedabad to shoot his film, Captain, says, "The initial idea was to shoot in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. But the team fell in love with locations in Gujarat. It has been a wonderful experience. Producers and filmmakers should now look at Gujarat as a film location destination. People here are really hospitable and I have enjoyed being here in Ahmedabad. In fact, our crew also had lots of local people in it."

Southern heartthrobs Mahesh Babu and Venkatesh, who recently shot for their Telugu films, are the new entrants from the southern industry vying for a spot in Gujarat (in 2009, the Ram Charan Tej-Kajal Agarwal blockbuster Magadheera was shot in the salt desert). Even Bhojpuri films are routinely shot in Gujarat and is quite a popular hub for them. The number of films being shot in the state has also increased in addition to the television casts rushing for their schedules. An open policy, large viewership and a safe environment are just few of the many reasons Gujarat is attracting the stars to get the best of their investment.

With Gujarat shining on the national map, get ready for lots of action happening here.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/B-Town-eyes-Gujarat/articleshow/13266606.cms

Has Toyota hit road to Gujarat? (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Has-Toyota-hit-road-to-Gujarat/articleshow/12864394.cms)

Mahindra And Mahindra To Set Up New Plant Outside Maharashtra

The Peugeot comeback that never was (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/article3357035.ece)

Yet more Auto-gossip, seems like it might be a rumour designed to blackmail the Maharashtra Govt, but who knows, would be great if something comes of it. Either way, doubt anything will be confirmed before Vibrant Gujarat 2013

Volkswagen joins convoy to Gujarat (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article3443033.ece)

Automakers seem to be heading for Gujarat en masse, encouraged by the ‘investment-friendly' environment in the State.

Volkswagen is the newest addition to a growing list of carmakers that are either already present in, or looking to move into the State. While GM and Tata Motors have operational plants in Gujarat, Maruti Suzuki has slotted mega expansion in the State.

Peugeot Citroen and Ford Motor have already been given tax breaks and have signed ‘state support' agreements.

Recently, a few officials from Volkswagen evaluated sites near Ahmedabad and Vadodara, State Government officials told Business Line.

“They (Volkswagen) saw multiple sites as part of their due diligence process. It's still in the early stages and they are supposed to soon meet the Industries Department officials again,” a Gujarat Government official said.

A Volkswagen Group India spokesperson said the company is “not as yet” looking at other States to set up a new car plant. Asked further about investment plans, he added: “We are looking at various options and, as and when we firm up our plans, we will share them with you.”

Though Volkswagen currently has two plants in Maharashtra (Chakan and Aurangabad) with a combined 1.3 lakh-unit annual capacity, a wrangle with the State authorities over discontinued VAT benefits may force it to seek alternatives. Maharashtra used to refund VAT paid on all vehicles made in the State, a practice modified last year to include only those vehicles sold within the State.

“Till we get the final proposal from the Government of Maharashtra, it will be difficult for us to decide on further investments,” the company official said.

Till date, the Volkswagen Group has invested Rs 3,800 crore at the Chakan plant (near Pune) in India, with another Rs 2,000 crore in the pipeline.

However, expansion is currently on hold, following the in the VAT decision, Volkswagen Group Chief Representative India, Dr John Chacko, has reportedly said. The Chakan plant makes cars for the Volkswagen and Skoda brands, while the Aurangabad plant additionally assembles premium Audi models. Other group brands present in the domestic market are Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti. These are imported as completely built units.

Other group brands present in the domestic market are Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti. These are imported as completely built units.

If they set new plant then Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti will be assembled in new plant. :cheers:

Eagerly waiting for January-13 :)

Gujarat invites tariff bids for intra-state aviation services

The Gujarat government has invited companies to start intra-state passenger and cargo aviation services. The government has identified 5 circuits and 11 airstrips across the state for offshore and onshore service. The move has come at a time when regular airlines like the Air India and Kingfisher Airlines are facing turbulence.

Earlier, Deccan Charters of Deccan Airways fame Captian Gopinath was to start intra-state service but had to shelve the plan as it could not get approval from Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body for the aviation sector in the country. Now the state government has come out with a bidding process and a policy.

A recent government bid mandates that the aircraft for intra-state service should be 9 to 19 seater. "A study conducted by State aviation department found operations feasible. We also studied similar services operational elsewhere. We are working on a strategy to ensure long term sustainability of the service," state Tourism and Aviation principal secretary Vipul Mitra told ET.

The state government move is in tune with central government's idea of promoting intra-state aviation.

The government also wants to promote tourism through intra-state aviation service that will cover routes like Ahmedabad-Surat-Bhavnagar, Bhuj-Rajkot-Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad-Porbandar-Jamnagar, Kandla-Mandvi-Amreli-Ahmedabad and Ahmedabad-Keshod-Diu.

The department has initiated process of providing viability gap funding scheme for the operators who will operate minimum two aircraft and connect major cities of Gujarat with its centre at Ahmedabad.

It has also identified 11 airstrips for the purpose. These include Ambaji, Palitana, Ankleshwar, Dwarka, Mandvi (Kutch), Morbi, Rajkot, Parsoli, Rajpipla, Dholavira and Dahej.

All these routes are within 50-190 nautical miles of each other. According to a government data, the air cargo traffic grew 19% last fiscal compared to 10% in shipping and 9% in railways. The state government is also encouraging the private sector to build tourist infrastructure near airports.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/gujarat-invites-tariff-bids-for-intra-state-aviation-services/articleshow/13392315.cms


^^ Its strange that they have missed Baroda

Gujarat Maritime Board to woo investors for ferry service

Gujarat Maritime Board will woo foreign investors and operators for country's first major ferry service for vehicles, cargo and passengers across the Gulf of Cambay in Gujarat. The construction of the terminals is already on and the board is now scouting for companies to operate the service. It is looking at companies from Europe, the US, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Australia.

"We are conducting roadshows in Mumbai (June 11) and London (June 28). We will meet the investors from Europe and the US in London, while investors from South East Asia and Australia will participate in Mumbai. We expect to get Expression of Interest from close to 40 investors. Construction of terminals at Ghogha (Saurashtra) and Dahej (south Gujarat) is likely to be completed in about 18 months. By that time we want to finalise the operators so that they can buy ferries and the service can be rolled out on time," GMB vice chairman Pankajkumar told ET.

London-based consultant Beckett Rankine's India head Siddharth Shah said this is first of its kind of project in India so care is being taken at each stage. "We are also exploring the possibilities of a joint venture between Indian companies in the port and shipping sector as well as foreign companies with first hand experience in operating ferry service. We will be approching Essar Shipping, GVK, Adani group, Tatas and a few others for the operations.

A similar workshop was conducted last year but the companies were found wanting in terms of capacity," he told ET. As a part of the Roll On Roll Off (RO-RO) service, terminals are being constructed at Dahej in south Gujarat and Ghogha in Bhavnagar of Saurashtra. Infrastructure company Essar Projects began the work about two months ago.

According to a study by Beckett Rankine, 1059 cars, 777 buses, 367 light commercial vehicles, 2018 trucks and 444 multi-axle vehicles plied daily between south Gujarat and Saurashtra in November 2008. This could be tapped for RO-RO service. The time for the journey will be reduced from over 7 hours to one and a half hours and the distance can be reduced by about 300 kms.

The project is taken up on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, modelled along the air traffic. The terminals will be handed over to and managed by Gujarat Maritime Board, while the ferry services will be provided by private operators. GMB has identified four routes for to-and-fro ferry service. In the first phase Gogha in Bhavnagar will be connected with Dahej in Bharuch with an estimated investment of Rs 296 crore. In subsequent phases, it will connect Mundra (Kutch), Okha, Porbandar, Pipavav (all Saurashtra), Hazira-Suvali (south Gujarat) and Mumbai.

Similar ferry service is operational in Dover (England) to Calais (France) across the. About 8-10 ferries are operated daily. Other places where such a service is operational include Baltic Sea, Mediterranean sea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Australia. All these countries have lot of ferry operators.

Madhya Pradesh formula: Gujarat government to subsidize regional air service (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Madhya-Pradesh-formula-Gujarat-government-to-subsidize-regional-air-service/articleshow/13401841.cms)

GANDHINAGAR: Following the Madhya Pradesh model, the Gujarat government has offered to subsidize the private players who are interested in providing regional air services in the state. Well-placed Sachivalaya sources said, the model was first adopted in the neigbouring state recently, where the government offered to pay for three seats on an average for 16-seater small turbo prop aircrafts taking flights between selected spots, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore and Khajuraho.

"Earlier efforts to rope in private players failed to materialize because the private players found the cost of running short-distance flights too costly. This time, we have decided to subsidize the private players, though slightly changing the formula adopted by the Madhya Pradesh government. Under the formula, the government will be paying for specified seats per flight under a complex calculation which includes distance and the flight route", a senior official said.

Tenders to run regional air services in Gujarat have been floated. Preliminary discussions ahead of the tenders suggest that the interested parties include Air One, Akash Ganga, SpiceJet, Ventura, Deccan Charter and Luan Airways. "We will select only those who agree to get lowest amount of viability gap funding from the state government", the official said, adding, "Once finalized, the selected parties will carry out their own feasibility study and work out ticket fare."

The official said that the state government has set aside a "token amount of Rs 10 crore" as subsidy to the private players wanting to ply aircraft within Gujarat's selected cities. "In Madhya Pradesh, for the six routes they have selected, it is Rs 1.5 crore subsidy per month against three seats. In Gujarat, much would depend on the selection of routes by the private parties. But the subsidy would be about the same on an average for the eight spots that we have offered", the official added.

There are two types of tenders - offshore and onshore. Offshore tenders require nine-seater amphibian planes which can land in dams, in rivers in lakes and even on runways, and these will be purely tourist ventures. "For this, only foreign parties will be interested, but they will have to come with a foreign partner. These planes can land off Dwarka, in the sea, for instance, or off Somnath, or even in the Narmada dam reservoir", the official said.

As for the onshore tender, these can attract businessmen. "The selected spots that have been offered are Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Deesa and Kandla. While the government may subsidize flights between any of these places, the selected parties will be free to extend the flights to, for instance, Diu, Jamnagar, Mandvi, Mundra, Amreli, even Mumbai and Delhi. We expect diamond merchants to use the flights to and from Surat to Saurashtra areas", the official said.

Gulf of Khambhat Development Project (Kalpasar project)

B.N. Navalawala
Advisor to Hon. Chief Minister,
Gujarat State

Necessity of the Project:
Gujarat is water deficient state since its surface water resource is only 2% of the country against 6.4% land area and 5% human population. The per capita water availability of 990 m3 per annum in the state is much lower than minimum 1700m3/per capita/per annum requirement. Every year 38000Mm3 average surface water is available in the state. However including Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP), only 22000 Mm3 water is possible to store. No dam site on land is now available for storing surplus/untapped 40% surface water. Gulf of Khambhat is only a site to construct dam which can store 10,000 million cu.m (25%) water inflows of the rivers (Narmada, Dhadhar, Mahi, Sabarmati and Saurashtra rivers). Because its location under consideration, this project would obviously be free from any interstate angle. The fresh water reservoir of this project requires minimal land acquisition and rehabilitation of people. This project will serve as a lifeline of Saurashtra region as well as an accelerator for the growing economy of Gujarat State.

Studies undertaken:-
The Government of Gujarat has investigated the possibilities of the Gulf of Khambhat Development Project since 1988 through various studies such as Reconnaissance study (1988-89), Pre-feasibility study (1996-98), Six Specific studies (1999) and feasibility study onwards 2000. The outcome of all 20 years studies conclude that fresh water Resources Project is technically feasible and economically viable.

Present status and activities:
Govt. has accorded the Administrative Approval amounting to Rs.84 crore (year 2002) for the preparation of this the feasibility report. New Kalpasar Depart-ment has been formed in 2003. The past desk studies succinctly underlined several significant concerns with respect to the project framework which revolved around the issues of (i) Combining saline tidal power basin with fresh water reservoir (ii) Full economic Evaluation of tidal power generation and addition and alternation if any be made in the project (iii) Implications of poor foundation strata at mouth of Narmada estuaries & sedimentation & erosion near Luhara point (Dahej) and (iv) Port inside the fresh water reservoir. The two reports of group of nine national level consultants on the above mentioned issues were discussed in fifth meeting of the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) on 21-23, April,2008 & EAG recommended (i) Delinking tidal power component so as to develop Project as a fresh water reservoir project;(ii) Northward shifting of dam alignment at Kalatalav- Aladar line & (iii) Construction of Bhadbhut barrage on the river Narmada as "stand alone" project & diversion of Narmada river water into reservoir through Narmada diversion canal and (iv) Development of ports down stream of dam. Government of Gujarat, on 22/9/2009, approved above mentioned recommendation of EAG & accordingly to prepare final detailed Feasibility Report and Final Bankable Detailed Project Report for Project.

In addition, Government of Gujarat has decided to carry out the work of Barrage on River Narmada at village Bhadbhut as a “Stand alone Project” on PPP mode looking to the benefits available from Water, Land and Transport area. The tender for consultancy service for preparation of designs, estimates, draft tender papers, is already invited. Physical modeling of Bhadbhut barrage is also entrusted to the GERI, Govt. of Gujarat. EIA/SIA study is entrusted to National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, (NEERI), Nagpur.

With the help of renowned premium institutes of Central and state government like NIOT(Chennai),NEERI(Nagpur),NIO(Goa),NGRI(Hydrabad),NIH(Roorkee),IIT(Roorkee),IIT(Delhi),CSMCRI(Bhavnagar),GERI(Vadodara) various studies like bathymetric survey, geo-physical, regime modeling, earthquake analysis, traffic assessment, water availability, water quality of fresh water reservoir, impact on existing and new ports due to project, environmental impact assessment & social impact assessment, effect on proposed dam due to tsunami, storm surge, sea level rise, etc are already commenced for the full feasibility report.

http://www.indiatribune.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3754:gulf-of-khambhat-development-project-kalpasar-project&catid=122:politics&Itemid=488

Maruti to sign agreement with Gujarat government for proposed facility in Mehsana

Maruti Suzuki India, India's largest carmaker, is set to sign an agreement with Gujarat government on June 2, ending a five-month-long uncertainty over its proposed facility near Mehsana in north Gujarat.

Maruti is expected to set up an initial capacity of 2.5 lakh cars per annum that would gradually be scaled up to feed demand from domestic market and export commitments. Under the proposed agreement, Gujarat government will allocate 500 acres to the carmaker for setting up its first facility outside Haryana, one senior official in the state industries department said. "The June 2 agreement will enable the company execute its strategic plans in the state," the official said.

Maruti plans to develop a capacity to produce 20 lakh cars per annum in Gujarat in phases and will initially invest Rs. 6,000 crore initially along with its vendors and suppliers. The Bechraji facility will be the Maruti's seventh manufacturing unit and is expected to start production in next five years. It currently operates three plans from its principal facility in Gurgaon and two more from Manesar where one more plant is coming up.

The Narendra Modi government in Gujarat wants to make the state an auto hub. Auto firms like General Motors, Asia Motor Works and Tata Motors have facilities in the state. Tata's Nano was launched two years ago within one year of its signing a state agreement. Ford Motors too has started work on their car project in the neighbourhood of Tata's Nano plant in Anand near Ahmedabad.

It was on May 31, 2011 that Maruti Suzuki India chairman RC Bhargava announced the choice of Gujarat for future expansion. However, in January this year, there were speculation that Maruti might go slow on its expansion plans in Gujarat. The speculation will end with the June 2 agreement. "Over 500 acre is in possession of Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation for setting up an industrial estate. However, the plan never materialised and now it will be sold to Maruti Suzuki India for its expansion plans in India," said another official in the Gujarat industries department.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/auto/automobiles/maruti-to-sign-agreement-with-gujarat-government-for-proposed-facility-in-mehsana/articleshow/13499545.cms

Maruti gets 494 acres land for R 133 crore at Hansalpur

Ahmedabad: The much-awaited news has finally come. India’s largest car-maker, Maruti Suzuki Ltd, has bought 20.70 lakh square metres (i.e., around 494 acres) of land at Hansalpur in Ahmedabad district.

The company has purchased the land from the Gujarat Government at the rate of Rs 643 per square metre, which means the auto-maker paid around Rs 133.10 crore for the plot.

Maruti Suzuki has bought 494 acres under survey no. 293. The piece of land, though located near Bechraji, falls in Ahmedabad district. The company has already paid Rs 62 lakh to the state government; the rest of the total amount is yet to be paid.

DNA was the first to report (on May 18, 2011) that Maruti Suzuki India Limited was scouting for land in Gujarat to set up a car manufacturing plant. Officials of the company were not available for comment at the time but in mid-April this year (during the launch of Ertiga in Ahmedabad), SN Burman, the company’s general manager, Commercial Business Head of west zone, said that Maruti is likely to announce a major development before June 2012.

Confirming the development, sources in Gujarat Government said on Friday that Maruti had even paid stamp duty for the land.

“However, the deal will be considered ‘final’ only after approval by the state cabinet,” said a source. Seven months back, Maruti Suzuki had officially announced that it would be setting up a car manufacturing plant in Mehsana district of Gujarat.

The car maker, which commands more than 50% market share in the country, had announced on October 29, 2011, that the company would purchase land for its new facility in Gujarat. The company could invest up to Rs 18,000 crore in the state. It becomes the fifth automobile manufacturer after General Motors, Tata Motors, Ford and Peugeot to come to Gujarat.

In October 2011, Maruti Suzuki announced plans of investing up to Rs 18,000 crore for future expansion.
It would invest Rs 6,000 crore for a manufacturing plant with a capacity of 10 lakh cars per annum, and a similar amount in the second phase for another plant with similar capacity.

It also plans to build a vendor park and supporting infrastructure with a further investment of Rs 6,000 crore.

At that time, the company had claimed that it would require 500 to 600 acre of land for the plant, and a further 500 acre for vendors. The company appears to have made just a beginning by purchasing 494 acres of land.

http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/GUJ-AHD-maruti-gets-494-acres-land-for-rs-133-crore-at-hansalpur-3321438.html

Good to see final confirmation on the Maruti deal seems to be in, initial capacity is same as what was originally announced.

Maruti to invest Rs 4000 Cr for new plant in Gujarat (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article3483319.ece?homepage=true)


The country’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India, said on Saturday that it will invest Rs 4,000 crore to set up new manufacturing facility in Gujarat by 2015—16.

The company said the new plant at Mehsana will be set up in a phased manner with overall capacity of 2,50,000 units in the first phase.

MSI today “signed State Support Agreement (SSA) with the Government of Gujarat for purchase of land near Mehsana to set up an all new manufacturing facility”, the company said in a statement.

The Gujarat government has allocated around 700 acres for the proposed plant, it added.

“This land purchase by the Company is in line with long term management view on expansion of its manufacturing facilities in India to meet future market demand,” MSI said.

Based on the market demand, the manufacturing facility near Mehsana will be added to the company’s existing plants at Gurgaon and Manesar in Haryana, it added.

When the Gujarat plant is commissioned, the total production capacity of the company will be 20 lakh units.

So in 2015-16, Gujarat is looking at a car production capacity of 850,000.

250,000 Tata Motors
250,000 Maruti
240,000 Ford
110,000 GM

Hopefully another company can come in to replace Peugeot to push the total closer to the 1million mark. Recent reports suggest that M&M are scouting for land in "several states", two of those appear to be Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, hopefully Gujarat is one of the others.

Hero Motocorp to set up Rs 1100 Cr plant in Gujarat, to produce 1.2million units per annum (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/06/04/hero-motocorp-to-set-up-rs-1100-crore-plant-in-gujarat-to-produce-1-2-million-units-per-year/)

India’s largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp today said it will invest Rs 1100 crore in Gujarat to set up its fifth plant with a capacity of 1.2 million units. The Gujarat plant will be commissioned by the second quarter of 2013-14, the company said.

“The fifth plant of Hero MotoCorp will be set up in Gujarat with an investment of Rs 1,100 crore. This will have a capacity of 1.2 million units, he said, adding that the plant would be commissioned by the second quarter of 2013-14,” Hero MotoCorp Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Pawan Munjal told reporters here.

Before Gujarat plant, the company will be setting up its fourth plant at Neemrana in Rajasthan with an investment of Rs 400 crore which will have an installed capacity of 7.5 lakh units per annum. The plant will be commissioned in the first quarter of FY 2014. The company will be setting up a research and development (R&D) centre with an investment of Rs 400 crore at a 250-acre location near Jaipur in Rajasthan.

According to Munjal, once Rajasthan and Gujarat plants are commissioned, Hero MotoCorp’s total manufacturing capacity will be over 9 million units a year from the current about 7 million units. The company presently produces 70 lakh units annually from its three manufacturing plants at Dharuhera and Gurgaon in Haryana, and Haridwar in Uttarakhand.

Maruti gets 494 acres land for R 133 crore at Hansalpur

Ahmedabad: The much-awaited news has finally come. India’s largest car-maker, Maruti Suzuki Ltd, has bought 20.70 lakh square metres (i.e., around 494 acres) of land at Hansalpur in Ahmedabad district.

The company has purchased the land from the Gujarat Government at the rate of Rs 643 per square metre, which means the auto-maker paid around Rs 133.10 crore for the plot.

Maruti Suzuki has bought 494 acres under survey no. 293. The piece of land, though located near Bechraji, falls in Ahmedabad district. The company has already paid Rs 62 lakh to the state government; the rest of the total amount is yet to be paid.

DNA was the first to report (on May 18, 2011) that Maruti Suzuki India Limited was scouting for land in Gujarat to set up a car manufacturing plant. Officials of the company were not available for comment at the time but in mid-April this year (during the launch of Ertiga in Ahmedabad), SN Burman, the company’s general manager, Commercial Business Head of west zone, said that Maruti is likely to announce a major development before June 2012.

Confirming the development, sources in Gujarat Government said on Friday that Maruti had even paid stamp duty for the land.

“However, the deal will be considered ‘final’ only after approval by the state cabinet,” said a source. Seven months back, Maruti Suzuki had officially announced that it would be setting up a car manufacturing plant in Mehsana district of Gujarat.

The car maker, which commands more than 50% market share in the country, had announced on October 29, 2011, that the company would purchase land for its new facility in Gujarat. The company could invest up to Rs 18,000 crore in the state. It becomes the fifth automobile manufacturer after General Motors, Tata Motors, Ford and Peugeot to come to Gujarat.

In October 2011, Maruti Suzuki announced plans of investing up to Rs 18,000 crore for future expansion.
It would invest Rs 6,000 crore for a manufacturing plant with a capacity of 10 lakh cars per annum, and a similar amount in the second phase for another plant with similar capacity.

It also plans to build a vendor park and supporting infrastructure with a further investment of Rs 6,000 crore.

At that time, the company had claimed that it would require 500 to 600 acre of land for the plant, and a further 500 acre for vendors. The company appears to have made just a beginning by purchasing 494 acres of land.

http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/GUJ-AHD-maruti-gets-494-acres-land-for-rs-133-crore-at-hansalpur-3321438.html

4 Acre for 1 crore in Ahm dist. Is it market rate or govt giving in subsidized price?

Recent reports for acq of more land in the area suggest that the going rate is around Rs10 lakh/Bigha (2873sq m) (link) (http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_gidc-joins-scramble-for-land-near-hansalpur_1694582)

Rs 10.0 lakh/Bigha works out to Rs 14.3 lakh/acre or Rs 353/sqm
Rs 18.2 lakh/Bigha works out to Rs 26.0 lakh/acre or Rs 643/sqm = What Maruti paid

So def doesnt look like a subsidised rate. Despite being in Ahmedabad district, the location is actually quite remote and backwards.

Nalco gets nod for Rs 12,000 Cr investment for JV with GMDC (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/nalco-gets-nod-for-rs-12000-crore-investment-to-set-up-jv-plants-with-gmdc/articleshow/13844269.cms)

Gujarat government, last week, okayed the Rs 12,000-crore investment plan by National Aluminium Company in Gujarat to set up an alumina and smelter plant. The approval has cleared the way for Nalco and state-owned Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation to set up a joint venture, a senior official from Gujarat's department of industries and mines said. GMDC will have a 26% stake in the joint venture.

The project is expected to be set up on the lines units installed by the UK-based Vedanta group in Orissa, but will use better technology, the GMDC official said.

The project will be set up in two phases. In the first phase, Nalco will invest Rs 4,400 crore in an alumina plant with a capacity of 10 lakh tonnes per annum. The remaining investment will come in the second phase that will also see setting up of a five lakh per annum capacity smelter plant. GMDC will supply 30 lakh tonnes of bauxite sourced from Gadshisa and surrounding mines in Kutch to Nalco. In addition to the price of bauxite, GMDC will also get a 26% share from the profit, earned by Nalco from the sale of the final product.

"Till now bauxite mined from Gujarat was sold to buyers outside the state. Now, the mineral will stay in the state and generate employment through value-addition," said GMDC mnaging director VS Gadhvi.

Kutch has 63 million tonnes of non-plant grade bauxite reserves. GMDC has reserves of plant grade and non plant Bauxite at Gadhsisa in Kutch and Kalyanpur in Jamnagar (Saurashtra region). While Gadhsisa has a potential of mining one million TPA Bauxite, Kalyanpur has a capacity of 1.25 million TPA. Plant grade bauxite is used in refractories and chemical industries, while non plant grade bauxite is exported.

Bauxite miner and exporter Ashapura Minechem had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding with GMDC for the plant but did not execute it. Fresh EoIs were then invited. Companies who had expressed interest include US-based AluChem Inc, Russia-based UC RUSAL, Dubai-based Dubai Aluminium Limited (DUBAL), and Indian companies like Adani Enterprise, Aditya Birla group, NALCO, JSW steel and Jaiprakash Industries.

The proposals were examined by Nagpur-based Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre of the Government of India. After a comparative analysis, NALCO was selected for the project.

Great to see another major investment in Kutch.

Essar Oil completes Vadinar refinery expansion (http://www.livemint.com/2012/06/05145806/Essar-Oil-completes-Vadinar-re.html)

Essar Oil, India’s second largest private refiner with 10% of the country’s capacity, has completed expanding its Vadinar refinery in Gujarat to 20 million tonnes per annum (MMTPA) or 405,000 barrels a day, incurring a capital expenditure of Rs1,700 crore.

The company said in a statement on Tuesday that the nameplate capacity addition from 18 MMTPA to 20 MMTPA had been completed four months ahead of schedule, taking the total investment in the Vadinar unit to Rs24,000 crore.

“With this commissioning, our capex cycle has now come to an end and we are fully geared to deliver the value of our investments to all our stakeholders,” said Lalit Gupta, Essar Oil’s managing director.

The refinery expansion will enable Essar Oil to process heavier -- and cheaper -- crude oil varieties and earn a higher margin in refining oil into high quality fuels. The overall share of heavy and ultra-heavy crude will go up to 80% of the refinery’s total crude basket, added the company statement.

The refiner will be targeting newer markets such as Australia, New Zealand, north-west Europe as well as countries in the Indian subcontinent for exporting these fuels although it will continue selling a majority of products in the domestic market.

Current refining capacity of Jamnagar is now 82mmtpa

One more....:banana:

LINK (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/06/08&PageLabel=1&EntityId=Ar00103&ViewMode=HTML)

Korea’s Hyosung set to vroom into Ahmedabad

Bikemaker Plans To Set Up . 300-cr Plant


Ahmedabad: Gujarat’s Detroit dream seems to be on a fast lane. After Hero MotoCorp announcing a Rs 1,100-crore plant in the state, Korea’s Hyosung superbikes are all set to get a madein-Gujarat tag.

Pune-based DSK group, which has taken over assembling, distribution and servicing business of Hyosung superbikes in India from Garware Motors, is planning to set up Rs 300 crore plant in Gujarat, preferably near Ahmedabad.
Korean S&T Motors’ Hyosung entered the market with its 650 cc bikes in 2011. Garware Motors assembled bikes at a unit in Wai in Satara district of Maharastra.The current plant at Satara has a capacity to assemble 10 bikes a day.

“We are looking for a 100-acre land plot around Ahmedabad. Initially, we decided to base ourselves around Pune but because of little government support, we have decided to move out,” said Shirish Kulkarni,
managing director, DSK Motowheels, the DSK group’s new entity for the bike business.

The company is looking at a capacity of over 10,000 bikes per annum by 2015. Kulkarni said they will source components from local firms in Gujarat. Industry observers say such plants will boost the state’s component making industry.

Times View
Ahmedabad has come a long way since attracting the Tata Nano to Sanand in 2008. The large labour force that the numerous upcoming auto units are bound to attract will test the city's infrastructure. The government should ensure more housing, schools, hospitals and entertainment zones to meet the rush of automakers to the ‘Detroit of the East’.

One more....:banana:

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/06/08/1/Img/Pc0011800.jpg

LINK (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/06/08&PageLabel=1&EntityId=Ar00103&ViewMode=HTML)

Korea’s Hyosung set to vroom into Ahmedabad

Bikemaker Plans To Set Up . 300-cr Plant


Ahmedabad: Gujarat’s Detroit dream seems to be on a fast lane. After Hero MotoCorp announcing a Rs 1,100-crore plant in the state, Korea’s Hyosung superbikes are all set to get a madein-Gujarat tag.

Pune-based DSK group, which has taken over assembling, distribution and servicing business of Hyosung superbikes in India from Garware Motors, is planning to set up Rs 300 crore plant in Gujarat, preferably near Ahmedabad.
Korean S&T Motors’ Hyosung entered the market with its 650 cc bikes in 2011. Garware Motors assembled bikes at a unit in Wai in Satara district of Maharastra.The current plant at Satara has a capacity to assemble 10 bikes a day.

“We are looking for a 100-acre land plot around Ahmedabad. Initially, we decided to base ourselves around Pune but because of little government support, we have decided to move out,” said Shirish Kulkarni,
managing director, DSK Motowheels, the DSK group’s new entity for the bike business.

The company is looking at a capacity of over 10,000 bikes per annum by 2015. Kulkarni said they will source components from local firms in Gujarat. Industry observers say such plants will boost the state’s component making industry.

Times View
Ahmedabad has come a long way since attracting the Tata Nano to Sanand in 2008. The large labour force that the numerous upcoming auto units are bound to attract will test the city's infrastructure. The government should ensure more housing, schools, hospitals and entertainment zones to meet the rush of automakers to the ‘Detroit of the East’.

Thought it was forgotten, but here it is...

US firm roped in for Sardar statue project

Turner Construction To Oversee 2500 Cr Initiative


LINK (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/06/08&PageLabel=1&EntityId=Ar00102&ViewMode=HTML)

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/06/08/1/Img/Pc0011600.jpg

Gandhinagar: Leading US based construction firm, Turner Construction has been roped in to oversee the ambitious Rs 2,500-crore project to build world’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel off Narmada dam.

A Gujarat governmentsponsored trust, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET), has handed over project management consultancy to Turner Construction, which has built global landmarks such as the new Yankee Stadium in New York and the world’s tallest and second-tallest buildings, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and Taipei 101 in Taiwan, to name a few.

To be called Statue of Unity, the 182-metre tall statue will be built on Sadhu Tekra in the midst of the river, about 3.2 km downstream of the dam. “Turner will be involved in the project right from the beginning, which is the predesign phase and floating the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) bid for the project, to construction supervision and handing over of the project”, a senior state bureaucrat, who is handling the project, told TOI.
Turner’s contract is for a period of 56 months. “It has agreed to charge Rs 61 crore for the entire process,” he said. Turner was awarded project management consultancy in an international bid, in which Parsons Brinckerhoff and IOSIS International also participated.

Gujarat government has been in talks with South Korea's Samsung Construction & Technology for the project’s actual implementation. Last year, executives from Samsung C&T took geo-technological data, including rock condition, weight bearing capacity of the river pit and hydraulic capacity. They have submitted a go-ahead report.

Both Turner and Samsung C&T were part of the team which built the world’s tallest, Burj Khalifa, which stands 828 metres tall.

The SVPRET meeting, chaired by chief minister Narendra Modi, also discussed connecting Vadodara with the Statue of Unity with a metro rail and a six-lane highway.

^^ Do they expect that many people to turn out to see the statue and the dam that they need a metro rail? they would need say about 50,000 tourists every day and up to justify the metro.

Initially, we decided to base ourselves around Pune but because of little government support, we have decided to move out

God damn Gujarat is emerging as every ones fav :banana:

^^
Combined with the dam, it will generate a huge amount of tourists, but I dont think they need a metro for that. A six lane highway would be more than enough.

If they do want to build a metro in that region, then why not build one in Vadodara or Surat?

------------------------
Initially, we decided to base ourselves around Pune but because of little government support, we have decided to move out

^^
Or you can say other state governments are getting lazy and not grabbing the oppurtunities, thereby making Gujarat the only choice.:)

BOOSTER DOSE

World Bank raises funds for state roads to $550m

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/06/13/1/Img/Pc0012100.jpg

LINK (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/06/13&PageLabel=1&EntityId=Ar00107&ViewMode=HTML)

Gandhinagar: In a major boost for Gujarat’s roads, the World Bank (WB) has agreed to a state government request to revise upwards its proposal to fund Gujarat State Highways Project (GSHP-II) from $350 million to $550 million. A WB note, made available here, says “improvement of about 1,100 km (650 km widening and 450 km strengthening) would be accommodated within this amount.”

The Gujarat government hadearlier askedfor the amount to be raised to $600 million. It applied for GSHP-II loan in 2009 after successfully executing the $550 million GSHP-I project between 2001 and 2007. WB had characterized the GSHP-I project as “highly satisfactory” and “exemplary” for other states to follow. A senior official said the government expected to get the WB funding in early 2013. About 20 per cent of the amount would be used for roads in tribal areas. Now, solar panels along Gujarat highway project? World Bank May Fund Initiative On Mehsana-Himmatnagar Stretch



Solar Highways

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/06/13/5/Img/Pc0051500.jpg

Gandhinagar: The World Bank (WB) has said that “good potential” exists to introduce a set of green measures, more particularly by introducing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, along selected locations of the 1,100 to 1,500 km road stretch proposed under the 550 million dollar Gujarat State Highway Project (GSHP)-II, which is in the final stages of the top bank’s clearance.

A WB note, prepared on the basis of the WB mission’s visit to Gujarat in May this year, said, “Among the many green measures, the use of solar panels to generate renewable power along the linear road network emerged as having significant potential and needed to be demonstrated as apilot.”

Calling it a “Green Highway (GH)” measure it may be interesting in funding, the note said, “The mission visited Gondal-Atkot to explore its appropriateness. Following deliberations, it was agreed that a selected section of Mehsana-Himmatnagar would be suitable as a pilot.”

The mission, led by Arnab Bandyopadhyay, discussed installing solar PV panels with officials of the state roads and buildings department, Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) and Gujarat Energy Research & Management Institute (GERMI), and identified, in all, seven “possible locations” where panels could be put.

The note said, “It was gathered that a similar initiative was being done as a pilot along a 1 km stretch of the Narmada canal. Back-of-the-envelope calculations revealed that about 15 KW or about 70KWh/ units per day per km of the road corridor could be generated from installations along the median in a typical four-lane road.”

The note further said, “The power so generated could be gainfully used at the intersections and along habitations for street lighting. This would consume about 20-30 per cent of the power generated and the rest could be fed back into the grid. This would result in making road corridors as renewable power producers. Apart from the medians, it is also possible to consider installations in public buildings alongside the road corridor.”

Saying that the solar PV suppliers are “accustomed to choosing their locations and making their own investments (aided at times with capital subsidy)”, the note underlined the importance, in this context, of the Gujarat government’s “power purchase agreements for the sale of renewable power to the electricity boards at a preferential rate”.

Apart from solar PV installations, other GH initiatives discussed included use of construction technologies which emit fewer greenhouse gases, use of warm mix technologies, recycling the existing pavements, use of alternative materials like fly ash, storm water harvesting, roadside tree plantation and creating green tunnels.

180 Gujarat cities to get private bus service (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/180-Gujarat-cities-to-get-private-bus-service/articleshow/14180901.cms)

AHMEDABAD: The state urban development department will now introduce private public transport system for 180 cities in Gujarat-including all municipal corporations. This is part of a Rs 2,000 crore urban mobility plan that the state has constituted.

For improving urban mobility, the government plans to set aside Rs 200 crore over the next five years for introducing private bus service on a PPP model and then another Rs 500 crore on improving traffic management plans of Gujarat cities and towns. By the end of this year the state government plans to spent Rs 25 crore towards city traffic management plan.

"With the peripheral areas of Gujarat cities fast developing and new job areas created and rising fuel prices mobility becomes an important aspect of city life. Sanand auto hub, Kalol, Mehamdabad and other satellite growth centers will see industries and residential needs in Ahmedabad. It is the same around Surat , Rajkot and Vadodara too. In our plans all B-class towns or Nagarpalikas too are included," a senior urban development official said.

The UDD also plans to spent another Rs 500 crore on constructing ring roads, flyovers railway overbridge and radial roads in cities. There will be also be an integrated mobility plan for the city where concerns of the elderly, children , cyclists and pedestrians will be taken care of as they are vulnerable road users .

IPR takes first step towards N-fusion

LINK (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=pastissues2&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/06/10&PageLabel=1&EntityId=Ar00102&ViewMode=HTML)

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/06/10/1/Img/Pc0011400.jpg

Ahmedabad: Institute of Plasma Research (IPR) has taken the first step in the ambitious international project of generating energy through nuclear fusion. It is all set to witness high temperature magnetically confined plasmas in a steady state in a Tokamak (SST-1) reactor at its campus in Gandhinagar by September. In effect, the scientists will be able to simulate the same fusion reactions that happen inside the Sun.

Only a handful of countries across the globe have been able to create experimental fusion reactors. India is among the five countries in the world that have used special superconducting magnetic coils, apart from China, Korea Japan and France in such an experiment.

The IPR reactor is in its final stages of commissioning. A group of 55 scientists are working on the project under IPR director Dr P K Kaw and mentor Dr P I John.

At the heart of the Tokamak reactor is thermo-nuclear fusion which occurs when hydrogen isotopes fuse together under extreme heat and huge gravitational pull to create a dense helium atom releasing colossal amounts of energy.

At IPR’s Tokamak, scientists will replicate temperatures 20 times hotter than the sun’s core and a magnetic field equivalent to 1,000 times that of Earth’s normal magnetic field.

Inside the Tokamak, the fusion occurs when hydrogen isotopes such as deuterium and tritium fuse together to form plasma at billion degree of temperatures which can be harnessed into steam to run turbines.

“Our goal is to sustain long-duration plasmas in a Tokamak, which in a larger reactor can harness the release of these neutrons and use their abundant energy to drive conventional turbines to generate electricity,” says Dr Subrata Pradhan, the present mission leader of SST-1 project.

Experiments Of Scientists In Gujarat Set Up Dream Of Endless Energy

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/06/10/2/Img/Pc0021100.jpg

One of the major achievements of the steady state Tokamak (SST-1) reactor at the Institute of Plasma Research (IPR) is that all its critical components have been developed by Indian companies. In fact, of the 13 companies that participated in the project, four companies — including a local broadband service provider — belong to Ahmedabad and Vadodara.

Apart from these, various Indian R&D institutes as well as industries from Bangalore,Pune,HyderabadandDelhicontributed to the project.

“We had insisted that our Tokamak shouldbeindigenous,”saysmissionleader for SST-1, Dr Subrata Pradhan. “The SST-1 is proof that Indian companies can deliver if you have faith in them. Another factor that is worth taking pride in is that the experimental reactor was made by a youngteamof scientists.Theywilltakethe work forward for many years.” Pradhan saidhisteamhadalsodemolishedthemyth that government departments cannot deliver. “Our lab has been functioning nonstop for more than 1,000 days,” he said.

A dedicated team of 55 scientists aged between 35 and 40 had been working on the SST-1 project for 1,124 days during the assembly of the reactor. The SST-1, once completed, will demonstrate a large spectrum of engineering and technologies. It has the largest of its kind superconducting magnetic system in the country;the largest helium cryogenic system in Southeast Asia;and once operational, will have a GPS synchronized data analyzing system.

Moreover,the reactor has 40 tons of cold massat-269degreeC,60tonsof deadweight and nearly 20,000 kilometre long superconducting strands in magnets that can go around the earth once. India is among the five countries in the world that have used special superconducting magnetic coils; others are China, Korea Japan and France.

Gujarat plans to develop two waterfront cities

GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat government is contemplating to develop two modern waterfront cities next to well- known private ports of Mundra and Pipavav. Well-placed Sachivalaya sources said the state government has hired top international consultants -- Mott MacDonald -- for preparing a blueprint for the planned cities with all modern amenities next to these ports.

A senior industries department official said, "While the proposal for Pipavav waterfront city was floated sometime ago, the one for Mundra is a new proposal on which a presentation was made before Gujarat chief secretary A K Joti last week. The consultants have submitted their draft report, which is now with Gujarat Maritime Board, for refining it further."

The decision follows the view in top corridors of power that "unplanned urbanization" has characterized port-level development in the past. "This is not just true of Mumbai, Kolkata or Chennai, but also of the area surrounding Kandla port in Gujarat, which gets the highest traffic compared to all major ports of India. Gandhidham township, which came up next to Kandla, was allowed to develop in a very haphazard manner," the official pointed out.

Both the townships, officials said, will be governed by Gujarat Special Investment Region (SIR) Act, 2009, allowing Gujarat government to earmark areas where the townships will come up and the type of activities that will be allowed there.

"The area for the waterfront city next to Mundra has been identified. It will be just outside Mundra Special Economic Zone, encompassing 33 villages and about 504 square kilometre," the official said. "To be notified under Special Investment Regions (SIR) Act with powers similar to Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority, a new notified authority will have complete powers to acquire land for infrastructural development, setting aside zones for industrial, commercial and residential activities, and a special region earmarked as green area," the official said.

Officials further said logistic facilities for the goods to be transported to and from Mundra and Pipavav ports will be in the vicinity of the waterfront townships, and will form SIR.

"Activities such as food processing units, especially those related with fishing and marine-based industries, will be encouraged," they added.

A proposal for developing a waterfront city next to the Gulf of Khambhat in Dholera area was floated at the Vibrant Gujarat Investors' Summit in 2007. Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard. However, there has not been any further progress on this. Giving reason for this, a senior bureaucrat said, "Gujarat government at that time had decided to develop Dholera as a port. Dholera port has now been dropped because of Kalpasar project. Hence, any waterfront city in Dholera will have to take into account how Kalpasar develops as a huge sweet water lake by damming the Gulf of Khambhat."

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/Gujarat-plans-to-develop-two-waterfront-cities/articleshow/14284407.cms

LOL @ TOI but the news is still relevant

State government allocates 334.25 crore for the Apno Taluka Vibrant Taluko
(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/State-government-allocates-334-25-crore-for-the-Apno-Taluka-Vibrant-Taluko/articleshow/14276148.cms)

AHMEDABAD: The state government as move to improve the infra-structure services at the Taluka headquarters has allocated Rs 334.25 crore under its schemeA seven member gang of dacoits, including the kingpin - a mother and her two sons are in police net; thanks to operation carried out by Dakshina Kannada district police. Apno Taluko, Vibrant Taluko (ATVT).

Under this scheme, the maximum in Sabarkantha. Sabarkantha was allocated 21 crore under the project. The government has allocated Rs 14 crore for Ahmedabad, Amreli (Rs 15.25 crore), Panchmahal (Rs 17.758 crore), Bhavnagar (Rs 16.25 crore) Banaskantha (Rs 19.7 crore), Surendranagar (14.50 crore), Bhavnagar (Rs 16.25 crore) and Rajkot (Rs 19.25 crore) among others district.

Chief Minister Narendra Modi while celebrating the 51st year of formation of Gujarat had launched the ATVT program. The programme is aimed to empower people locally to guide the growth process through Taluka Sarkar - a sub district citizen-centric approach where governance and development is activated at the grass root level. This initiative entails a major revamping in the administrative set up and a shift in functioning.

Among the facilities which would be provided under the ATVT said that all the services of different departments will be available at one place. The administration will be more effective, transparent and citizen-centric. The applications will be sorted round the clock, also E- Governance will make the system rise to a further level.

Officials said that all the information about the plans and action as well as the acceptance and screening will be available at one place only under the project.

Gujarat to have first potato dehydration centre soon

In a bid to preserve and enhance the shelf-life of potatoes, Gujarat would soon get its first potato dehydration centre in Palanpur town, having a handling capacity of 500 kg per hour.

The Centre has proposed to come up with an investment of Rs 19.5 crore in Palanpur town of north Gujarat, which accounts for the highest potato output in the state.

“A potato dehydration centre has been planned for Deesa near Palanpur, the potato hub of state. It shall have latest machinery to be imported from overseas (may be Switzerland), which can enhance the shelf-life of potatoes,” Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation (GAIC) Managing Director, Mr N.K. Singh, told PTI.

“The site for the project has been finalised. The construction work shall commence soon after the monsoon,” official sources said.

Dehydrated potato flakes can be used in the place of mashed potatoes. They are functionally like fresh potatoes and could be used for making traditional snacks like samosa, dosa, tikki and parathas, industry experts said.

GAIC is the State Government arm which promotes agricultural activities and fosters the development of agro industries in the state.

The move is expected to ease wastage problems during the time of potato glut.

“If a potato dehydration facility is set up here it will benefit the farmers and shall help them fetch better prices for their produce,” Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC,) Deesa’s Director, Mr Babu Mali, said.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/agri-biz/article3568314.ece

^^ They should had done that last year so the excess potatoes could had been saved instead of going into the bins.

Bhuj, 29 June 2012

Adani Group has signed MoU with Kandla Port Trust this week for Tuna port development project. Tuna port is owned by Kandla Port Trust.

According to sources, Adani will construct four ‘T’ shape jetty. Kandla Port Trust at present faces the problem of proper draft(depth of water). Fully developed Tuna port will solve this problem to some extent as the ‘T’ shape jetties are to be constructed near Tuna Outer buoy where 14 meter draft is available. At present there are two barge jetties that handle cargo through barges.

A decision to award this project to Adani group was made in last February. Sources told DeshGujarat that Rs 1190 crore PPP project of Tuna dry bulk terminal port has been awarded to Adani for next 30 years. Adani Group will build four ‘T’ shape jetty and other infrastructure facilities and will be responsible for dredging and maintenance works. Adani will use the infrastructure by giving 25.9% share to Kandla Port Trust. For Adanis, Tuna port will cut down the distance between hinterland and port by 60 km. For KPT, the new infrastructure is likely to scale up the cargo handling capacity by 14 million metric tone.

Sources said the future plan also includes a container terminal and a Special Economic Zone between Kandla and Tuna.



source link : http://deshgujarat.com/2012/06/29/adani-signs-mou-with-kandla-port-trust-for-tuna-port-development/

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How gujarat transformed.......administrative and procedural changes.........http://is.gd/LqCkdF

Cowmata.......A new view.....Dharmik and professional both........................click here (http:///hims30482.blogspot.in/2012/06/gaumatapart3some-facts-and-research.html)

Japan to set up Auto Component and Engineering park in Gujarat (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Japan-to-set-up-auto-component-and-engineering-park-in-Gujarat/articleshow/14539446.cms)

The Japanese are learnt to have zeroed in on a place near the proposed Maruti-Suzuki plant site - which is spread on about 700 hectares (ha) at Hansalpur, near Becharaji Temple - to set up a new auto component-cum-engineering park near Hansalpur, off Behechraji Temple, in North Gujarat.

Well-placed Sachivalaya sources said, a high-level delegation consisting of senior officials of the Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO) was here in Gandhinagar after visiting the site and told Gujarat government officials last week that the location would be "ideal" for Japanese units to come and invest in the nearby region for manufacturing auto components and other engineering products.

"JETRO officials have already had discussions twice earlier. This was the third round. At present, the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) is in the process of working out details for setting up a new industrial estate near the Maruti site. The GIDC expects to acquire 1,100 hectares (ha) of land in the area", a senior official said.

"The GIDC has sent its proposal for administrative approval of the state government, after which measurement for area to be acquired will begin. In all probability, the new GIDC estate will be about 15 kilometres off the Maruti site", the official added.

The Japanese, officials point out, are interested in setting up shop in nearly half of the estate, or around 500 ha. Each unit will be between 3 and 6 ha, which will be made available by GIDC. "The deal may be clinched soon", the official pointed out.

"These will be essentially small Japanese units, of the type that exist near Chennai and National Capital Region (NCR)", the official said, adding, "The units will serve Maruti-Suzuki cars, to be manufactured off Bhechraji, and also the car manufacturing units to come up near Sanand, Tata Motors, which is manufacturing Nano cars, Peugeot and Ford, which will set up their auto facilities."

Besides, effort will be to go in for exporting the auto components in a big way. While infrastructural facilities were a major reason why Maruti-Suzuki chose Gujarat over other states, officials say, the Rs 4,000 crore plant on 280 ha was also set up because of "excellent port connectivity to Mundra". JETRO holds a similar view for auto component units.

Meanwhile, in an effort to boost industrialization in the region, Gujarat government has decided to widen the current road from Sanand to Bhechraji, which is about 90 km. "The current road is 7 metres wide. A decision has been taken to strengthen the road and widen it to 10 metres. Work order to widen the road has been given", a senior official said.

Gujarat to hunt for new greenfield port sites


LINK (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/07/03&PageLabel=5&EntityId=Ar00500&ViewMode=HTML)

Ahmedabad: With several planned port projects running into troubled waters, Gujarat government has decided to look for more greenfield sites.

Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) will soon invite bids from consultants to search and study at least five new sites for greenfield ports and seven sites for shipbuilding yards.

Despite major efforts on part of the state government, the number of privately operated ports in the state had not gone over four due to problems in land acquisition, environmental objections or technical problems. Port projects envisaged in Dholera, Khambhat, Poshitra, Vansi Borsi, Mithi-Virdi and Mahuva ran aground due to various reasons.

The four which are flourishing include Pipavav port (operated by APM Terminals’ Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd), Mundra port (Adani Port and Special Economic Zone Ltd), Dahej port (Petronet LNG Ltd) and Hazira port (a joint venture between Shell Gas BV and Total Gaz Electricité Holdings France). The search for new sites has been necessitated by two factors. Firstly, over the last few years, at least over a dozen sites or plans have become unviable. Secondly, the Narendra Modi government needs to attract new investments in the ports sector during Vibrant Gujarat summit scheduled for January 2013.

A senior official of GMB told TOI that the appointed consultant will have six months’ time to identify new sites for greenfield ports. Interestingly, the government will have to offer new locations to the firms that had bid for port projects and were even issued letters of intent.

On the other hand, GMB’s mega plans establishing marine shipbuilding parks (MSPs) are moving forward slowly. The maritime agency had identified seven locations for MSPs along the 1,600-km-long coastline.

Of these, the focus has been on Dahej and Bhavnagar.

However, experts said that until there are concrete steps to support the shipbuilding industry by the Central government, the efforts at the state level may come to naught.

State ports to add 50MT capacity in 2012-13

The cargo handling capacity of Gujarat ports is expected to increase by 50 million tones this year. Adani’s bulk general cargo terminal in Hazira and the coal terminal for ultra mega power plant in Mundra will alone add a total capacity of 25 million tones. This will take the total cargo handling capacity of state ports to 373.5 MT. Speaking at a seminar of ‘Ports & Shipping: Challenges And Way Forward’ on Monday, GMB chairman A K Joti said the port connectivity issue is also being taken up seriously. Six-laning of roads to Mundra and Dahej has been planned, while four-laning of roads to Nargol, Vansi Borsi, Chhara, Mahuva and Kachchigadh are under consideration. GMB is also planning to start a dedicated maritime university of international standards in the state.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/07/03/5/Img/Pc0051300.jpg

^^
Pipavav port


Shipbuilding industry in shambles: India has 27 public and private shipyards with cumulative 4,78,000 DWT capacity. However, the utilization is abysmally low at 27 per cent. The share of the nation in the global shipbuilding market, which had risen to 1.3 per cent after the Centre’s subsidy in 2007, went down to 0.01 per cent in 2009 after withdrawal of the benefits. The cost differential between the top shipbuilding nations like Japan, Korea and China and India is huge 20-35%. “Twelve per cent service tax is levied on ship repair service. This is a huge deterrent in development of the industry in India,” senior vice-president of ABG Shipyard Commodore L S Sachdev said during the seminar. TNN

Global pharma giants eye Gujarat

Cos In US, Europe Likely To Sign Agreement With State Govt For Greenfield Projects

LINK (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/07/10&PageLabel=13&EntityId=Ar01301&ViewMode=HTML)

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/07/10/13/Img/Pc0131500.jpg

Ahmedabad: Leading global pharma companies are eyeing the state for greenfield projects.

Israeli pharma giant Teva Pharmaceutical Industries plans to enter India by setting up a greenfield project in Gujarat.

The company, which has manufacturing plants in the US and Europe, is likely to sign an agreement with the state government during Vibrant Gujarat investors’ summit.

Officials from the company are in talks with the Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Authority (FDCA). “A delegation from Israel is expected to visit this month to understand the procedure of setting up a facility in the state,” HG Koshia, commissioner, FDCA, said.

US- based generic pharma manufacturer Amneal Pharmaceuticals has set up a formulations unit and research and development centre near Changodar and plans to start operations out of its facility.

New Jersey based Apicore LLC, manufacturer of specialty Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) have also expressed their plans to set up base in the state.

Singapore-headquartered Biosensors International, too, plans to start manufacturing from Gujarat. The medical device company specializes in developing, manufacturing and licensing technologies for cardiology procedures.

A delegation comprising Gujarat government officials and industry representatives to Europe saw leading German companies express interest in setting up greenfield projects in Gujarat.

“Pharma companies from developed countries are keen on setting up facilities in Gujarat. Our office has been getting several proposals from leading global companies in the pharma sector,” Koshia added.

Gujarat-based pharma companies contribute 40% share to India’s total pharma production. Till date, 112 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 12,751 crore have been signed since the first Vibrant Gujarat summit in 2003.

Gujarat okays Rs 4000 crore Nargol port construction

Gujarat government has given a go-ahead to construction of the proposed port at Nargol, 120 km south of Surat. A consortium of Cargo Motors Limited and Israel Ports Company (IPC) will develop the port at an investment of Rs 4,000 crore, a state government official said.

"The Gujarat government has recently okayed the GMB bid given to the consortium. Now the work of this greenfield port will take off," said a senior official of the department of Road, Ports and Transport.

Nargol is amongst eight greenfield ports being developed by Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), the maritime regulator in Gujarat. Other ports Mundra, Pipavav, Dahej and Hazira have been made operational by private players, while Chhara, Kacchigadh and Mahuva are under various stages of development.

Nargol falls in the upcoming Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor ( DMIC), about 120 km south of Surat and 140 km north of Mumbai is perceived as a multi-purpose port capable of handling solid, liquid and container cargo. The place is well connected with road and rail network. Plans are underway to expand the two-lane state highway into an eight-lane divided carriageway.

It has a draft (depth) of 11-12 metres. The developers expect to reclaim 75-150 hectares of land for developing the port, whose first phase is likely to be commissioned by 2015-2016, said a GMB official. The proposed port is estimated to have an initial cargo handling capacity of 1.2 million twenty-feet equivalent units (TEU).

When operational, it is expected to ease the burden on the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust ( JNPT) in Mumbai. The developers are also looking at the possibility of offering Roll-On-Roll-Off (RO-RO) service, where passenger and cargo vehicles can be ferried in giant ships.

Mumbai-based Shapoorji Pallonji has undertaken work for the Chhara port in Junagadh and Larsen and Tubro is developing Kachchigadh port in Jamnagar. The consortium had won a bid in January earlier this year and was awaiting a final approval for the go ahead from the state government.

The bidding witnessed participation of at least twenty companies of which Essar, Sterlite-Vedanta consortium, Gammon India and consortium of Israel Port Company -Cargo Motors were shortlisted for the final selection. Cargo Motors runs car dealerships and is akso involved in the hospitality, logistics, construction and power industries while IPC has over 50 years of experience in maritime infrastructure.

Gujarat Maritime Board handles 41 minor ports, which have a share of 25% of the nation's total cargo and account for 80% of the total traffic handled by other non-major ports of India. Traffic at Gujarat's non-major ports grew 11.31% quarter-on-quarter to reach 63.20 million tonnes during the first quarter of the current fiscal.

Gujarat's first cable stayed bridge ready in Bhavnagar

The bridge will change economic dimension of around 30 villages of Bhal area, considered to be backward.Distance between Bhavangar-Ahmedabad-Vadodara would reduce by more than 10 kms saving fuel and time of people.

French firm Freyssinet's help has been taken in this project.

Size of Bridge : Length : 180 meter | Breadth : 16 meter | Cost :- 28 crores

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/428807_10150903787846548_1777405814_n.jpg

source-fb

Great news ^^

awesome:cheers:...hoping to see another CSB in Surat within a year...

One more is coming up on NH8 over Narmada river at Bharuch..

Mitsubishi India Chairman Nakagaki meets Gujarat CM, discusses new projects

Mitsubishi Corporation India (MCI) Chairman Keiichi Nakagaki on Thursday met Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and apprised him about company's investment plans in the state.

Among various projects, Nakagaki highlighted the project of a fertiliser complex proposed at Dahej, in partnership with Zuari, an agri-input company of K K Birla group.

"He (Nakagaki) highlighted the projects of a fertilizer complex at Dahej in partnership with Zuari," an official statement said.

Zuari, plans to set up a fertilizer complex in Dahej and is seeking land from the Gujarat government, a top industry department functionary said.

Amongst the other new projects proposed to be taken up by the company in Gujarat, Nakagaki evinced interest in setting up steel based unit to cater to requirement of auto industry in partnership with Metal One India Pvt Ltd.

Besides the corporation plans for an aluminum extrusion plant, a modern common effluent treatment plant and a water recycling plant in Sanand.

The corporation head also proposed to undertake an environmentally sound ship recycling yard improvement project at Alang, asia's largest ship dismantling yard.

http://post.jagran.com/mitsubishi-chairman-nakagaki-meets-modi-1342075686

Gujarat Manufacturing Plant To Commence Operations In Jan 2013: TTK Prestige

http://www.gujaratstartups.com/sites/gujaratstartups.com/files/imagecache/img_ch_200x200_news/index_61.jpeg
Kitchen appliances manufacturer TTK Prestige today said its manufacturing plant being set up in Gujarat would commence production in January 2013.
"The construction work is going on and the production is scheduled (to begin in) January 2013," the company said in a filing to the BSE.
Last year, TTK Prestige had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Gujarat for establishing a state-of-art facility at an investment of Rs 125 crore to manufacture pressure cookers and kitchenware.
The company had bought 60 acres of land near Vadodara. On capital expenditure, the company said it has planned an outlay of Rs 85 crore to be spent during this fiscal.
"Total capex spent till date is around Rs 215 crore. The balance Rs 85 crore will be spent before March 31, 2013", it said.
Meanwhile, for the first quarter ending June 30, 2012, the company posted an increase of 21.1 per cent in net profit after tax grew to Rs 30.68 crore from Rs 25.34 crore in the year-ago period.
The net sales for the period grew by 30.15 per cent to Rs 309 crore from Rs 237 crore.
The EBIDTA grew by 28.06 per cent from Rs 37.88 crore in the same period last year to Rs 48.51 crore.
Observing that the company's performance was "in line" with annual guidance of 25 per cent growth, the company said, "The delayed monsoon and high inflation were impacting the general business climate."
The company's total exports during the review period stood at Rs 17.26 crore against Rs 7.65 crore in the same period of last year. The company added that its microwave cookers were "well received" in the Japanese market.

Gujarat govt signs MoU with Johannesburg industry chamber

The Gujarat government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) to give a boost to the bilateral trade, an industry body official said.

JCCI has signed MoUs with many industry bodies such as the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) at city level, but this is the first time they have signed an MoU with a state in India, JCCI Chairman Keith Brebnor told news agency.

"The MoU reaffirms a spirit of cooperation and how we will expand trade between ourselves," he added.

A high-level delegation from Gujarat had visited several South African cities to attract investments in the state.

Additional Principal Secretary to the Gujarat Chief Minister Girish Chandra Murmu said South Africa's expertise in the mining, engineering and chemicals sectors would find favour in Gujarat.

High Commissioner of India in South Africa Virendra Gupta highlighted Gujarat's skill in diamond cutting and cooperative dairy project of Amul as areas from which South Africa could benefit.

"Very good partnerships of mutual benefit could be established with Gujarat," Gupta said.

The delegation will also be visiting Tanzania and Kenya, where there are sizeable Gujaratis in the business sector, to invite them to the 6th edition of the bi-ennial Vibrant Gujarat Summit in January 2013.

"Johannesburg is in Gauteng province which is really the engine of South Africa and we have had very close ties with India, especially with Bangalore, since relations first opened up after the democratic elections in 1994," Brebnor said.

"Gujarat is fairly new to South Africa, and we are forming early partnerships because we now know how in the case of Bangalore they promised to become the world's biggest software developers and they did." he added.

Volvo planning factory at Sanand?

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Volvo-planning-factory-at-Sanand/articleshow/15050911.cms

Watching the Indian luxury car market from the back seat for a long time, Swedish carmaker Volvo Auto India is now taking the wheel. In all likelihood, the Detroit of East - Sanand near Ahmedabad - may play host.

Well-placed sources with the Gujarat chief minister's office say that Volvo Auto India, which is backed by Chinese auto major Geely Automobile, is scouting for land to park a semiknocked down plant. A team of top Volvo executives is likely to meet chief minister Narendra Modi in August.

Volvo, which entered Indian market in 2007, currently imports cars as completely-built units and is near to zeroing in on Sanand for a local assembly unit. For Sanand, Volvo will be the first exclusive luxury car brand to have a facility in the region. Sources in the company said that Volvo has to take on German luxury carmakers like Mercedes Benz, BMW and Audi and though it has been able to keep prices competitive till now, assembling cars locally will work best in the longer run.

"The company has identified two locations, one in Sanand and other near Chennai. But with the company's major holding in Chinese hands and given growing ties between Gujarat and China, we hope it will be Sanand," said a source close to the development. However, company officials denied having decided on Sanand.

"We are looking aggressively at the Indian luxury car market and aim at having a 15% share in the segment by 2020. The decision to identify a location is taken by our team in the US who are looking at the various options. Nothing has been finalized yet," said Tomas Ernberg, managing director, Volvo Auto India.

Land acquisition notice for Vadodara-Mumbai expressway (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-19/vadodara/32746639_1_ahmedabad-vadodara-expressway-land-acquisition-vadodara-and-mumbai)

Signalling the first concrete development on the ambitious 8-lane expressway project by National Highway Authority on Vadodara-Mumbai stretch, the land acquisition officer, Vadodara has finally issued notification for land acquisition for the expressway.

The NHA project is part of the Golden Quadrilateral project of the central government.

The expressway would extend over 380km while the notification has been issued for stretches between Dodka to Fajalpur, Sherkhi, Sevasi, Bhayli, Sokhda Khurd, Sadad and Sampa. It involves land of 24 villages in Vadodara district.

As per initial planning, the expressway is likely to be commissioned by 2016- 17 after incurring a cost of Rs 20,000 crore. The budget provision had been cleared by central cabinet a while ago.

According to the existing plans, the expressway would have six lanes from Vadodara to Bharuch , which presently involved a distance of 60 kms . From Bharuch, it would turn into eight lane right up to Dahisar. Vehicles on expressway highways are required to maintain a speed between 100 to 120 kms per hours.

The notification for land acquisition was issued on Wednesday and the LAO has invited objections over the next 21 days. A total of 6000 acres of land is expected to be acquired for the expressway between Vadodara and Mumbai.

The project would be a continuation of the Ahmedabad- Vadodara expressway which has already covered two towns of Anand and Nadiad.

Land acquisition has not yet started...who are they kidding by that 2016 date? They promised the e-way by 2015. 2020 would be my bet or at least 2018.

ગુજરાતમાં હવાઈ સેવા માટે ત્રણ કંપનીઓની પસંદગી

ગુજરાત સરકારે રાજ્યની અંદર ઓફશોર અને ઓનશોર સિવિલ અને કાર્ગો એવિયેશન સેવા પૂરી પાડવા માટે ત્રણ કંપનીઓની પસંદગી કરી છે . જેમાં વેન્ચ્યુરા એવિયેશન , ડેક્કન ચાર્ટર્સ અને મેહેર એર સર્વિસનો સમાવેશ થાય છે .

સરકાર હવે આ કંપનીઓને રૂટની ફાળવણી અંગે નિર્ણય લેશે . રાજ્યના ઉદ્યોગ મંત્રી સૌરભ પટેલે જણાવ્યું હતું કે , અગાઉ નવ કંપનીઓએ આ પ્રોજેક્ટમાં રસ દાખવ્યો હતો .

આમાંથી જે કંપનીઓ ટેક્નિકલ માપદંડ સંતોષતી હતી તેમાંથી ત્રણ કંપનીઓની પસંદગી કરવામાં આવી છે . વેન્ચ્યુરા અને ડેક્કનની ઓનશોર સર્વિસ અને મેહેરની ઓફશોર ( એમ્ફિબિયસ સી - પ્લેન ) સર્વિસ પૂરી પાડવા માટે પસંદગી કરાઈ છે .

આ સેવા ગુજરાતમાં વેપાર અને પ્રવાસનને પ્રોત્સાહન આપે તેવી ધારણા છે . તે મુલાકાતી એનઆરઆઇને સારી કનેક્ટિવિટી પણ આપશે . રાજ્ય સરકાર આ કંપનીઓને કર પ્રોત્સાહન અને વાયેબિલિટી ગેપ ફંડિંગ પૂરી પાડીને સહાય કરશે .

ગુજરાતના નાગરિક ઉડ્ડયનના ડિરેક્ટર કેપ્ટન અજય શર્માએ જણાવ્યું હતું કે , '' ગુજરાત એરવેઝ , ડેક્કન એરલાઇન્સ , સ્પાઇસજેટ , દ્વારકાધીશ અને કિંગફિશરે 1990 ના દાયકામાં સ્થાનિક કનેક્ટિવિટીની શક્યતા ચકાસી હતી .

પરંતુ ટ્રાફિકના અભાવે તેમણે તેમની કામગીરી આટોપી લીધી હતી . વધુમાં ટેક્સેશન અને નિયમન જેવા પણ અન્ય મુદ્દા હતા . ભૂતકાળના અનુભવ પરથી સરકારે 9-19 બેઠકના વિમાન પર ભાર મૂક્યો હતો .

ક્ષેત્રીય હવાઈ સેવા શરૂ કરનાર મધ્યપ્રદેશ દેશનું સૌ પ્રથમ રાજ્ય હતું . જોકે , તેનું મોડલ સરકાર સાથે સીટ શેરિંગ મોડલ આધારિત છે જ્યારે ગુજરાતનું મોડલ અંતરને આધારિત છે .

રાજ્ય નાગરિક ઉડ્ડયન વિભાગે અભ્યાસ હાથ ધર્યો હતો અને તેમાં જણાયું હતું કે કામગીરી શક્ય છે . સરકાર સેવા લાંબા ગાળો ટકી શકે તે સુનિશ્ચિત કરવા માટે રણનીતિ ઘડી રહી છે .

વિભાગે રાજ્યમાં ઓફશોર અને ઓનશોર સેવા માટે 5 સર્કિટ અને 11 એરસ્ટ્રિપ ઓળખી હતી .

જેમાં અમદાવાદ - સુરત - ભાવનગર , ભૂજ - રાજકોટ - અમદાવાદ , અમદાવાદ - પોરબંદર - જામનગર , કંડલા - માંડવી - અમરેલી - અમદાવાદ અને અમદાવાદ - કેશોદ - દીવનો સમાવેશ થાય છે .

એરસ્ટ્રિપમાં અંબાજી , પાલિતાણા , અંક્લેશ્વર , દ્વારકા , માંડવી , મોરબી , રાજકોટ , પરસોલી , રાજપીપળા , ધોળાવીરા અને દહેજનો સમાવેશ થાય છે . આ તમામ રૂટ એકબીજાથી 50-190 નોટિકલ માઇલ્સ અંતરની અંદર છે .

link (http://gujarati.economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/14842058.cms)

Colgate to open new plants in Gujarat, AP

Oral care major Colgate Palmolive India Monday said it so far invested about Rs 54 crore to ramp up the tooth brush and tooth paste production capacities.

"We are working on two new projects. One is in Gujarat at Sanand, just outside Ahmedabad, where we have taken on lease from Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation around 39 acres for Rs 42.62 crore. The objective is to make toothpaste at this plant.

"Sri City in southern Andhra Pradesh is another place where we have acquired around 25 acres and have paid Rs 11.4 crore as part of the initial lease. This place, where we will set up a tooth brush manufacturing plant, is not very far from Chennai," Colgate Palmolive India Chairman Mukul Deoras told the 71st annual general meeting here.

Both plants will be operational by 2013, he said, but did not give details of capacity addition at the new units.

The company, which is celebrating it platinum jubilee this year, had to shut operations at its Hyderabad plant last year due to poor demand for tooth powder.

"The Hyderabad plant used to manufacture only tooth powder. And as consumers upgrade from tooth powder to toothpaste, total volume of tooth powder that we could sell started coming down.

"We have two factories that make tooth powder - at Hyderabad and Aurangabad (Maharashtra). The capacity was significantly higher than what we needed for running our business," Deoras said.

He pointed out that demand for tooth powder has been shrinking in the last few years. Therefore, to remain competitive in an increasingly fierce market, the company decided to rationalise its tooth powder manufacturing plant at Hyderabad.
"All 62 employees at the Hyderabad plant had taken voluntary retirement and the factory has been closed with perfect settlement on September 29, 2011," Deoras said without disclosing the financial details of the plant closure.

Meanwhile, the FMCG firm Monday said its net profit rose by 16.9 percent to Rs 117.42 crore in the first quarter ended June 30 over the same period previous fiscal. The firm had posted a net profit of Rs 100.44 crore for the same period of previous financial year. Net sales rose to Rs 735.08 crore in the period as against Rs 611.10 crore last year.

Colgate company said its toothpaste brands like Dental Cream, Active Salt, Colgate Sensitive and Total contributed to the volume growth during the quarter.

"Prudent price increases and cost management has enabled us to maintain its strong gross margin for this quarter," Deoras said.

During the quarter, the company achieved a volume growth of 11 percent. "Our market share in toothpaste volume is 54.3 percent, up from 52.3 percent last year. In tooth brushes it is 38.1 percent from 36.2 percent last year."

The company imports finished goods from China, Thailand and Turkey, while the major export destinations are Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, Kenya and some African countries, he said.

On royalty paid by Colgate, which spends 10 percent of revenue on advertising, Deoras said, "royalty is paid to the parent company at the rate of 5 percent for tooth paste and tooth brush and 1 percent for tooth powder. Increase in royalty is primarily driven by increase in sales. The royalty is paid to the parent company for the technology provided by them."

http://zeenews.india.com/business/news/companies/colgate-to-open-new-plants-in-gujarat-ap_56423.html

Vegpro to set up plant in Gujarat

http://www.ghananewsagency.org/assets/images/Vegpro.jpg

Among the top 10 vegetable processors of the world, Kenya-headquartered Vegpro Group wants to set up processing plant in Gujarat. The group has asked the state government to help them identify a land parcel of over 300 acres for setting up the plant.

The company briefed Gujarat government officials about its investment plans during an eight-day tour of a state-level business delegation to Kenya and South Africa for promotion of Vibrant Gujarat 2013.

"The 15-member delegation which had senior state government officials and businessmen from Gujarat had visited VegPro plant in Kenya. During the visit, the company expressed eagerness to set up a plant in Gujarat and sought support to identify land. However, they didn't disclose the investment," said a state government official. During the tour, Gujarat government also signed memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Tanzania Investment Centre and Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) to give a boost to the bilateral trade.

The delegation had business leaders from healthcare, textiles, chemicals, renewable energy, agriculture processing, plastic, real-estate and gems & jewelry sectors. "The delegations interacted with over 600 company and business representatives through road shows and round-table meetings. Interests for bilateral trade between was shown in sector like food processing, textiles, healthcare, shipping and renewable Energy," the official said.

Officials said that Kenyan government officials said that they are looking at Indian companies to partner for Mombasa Port and Lamu Port.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-21/ahmedabad/32776321_1_gujarat-government-vibrant-gujarat-renewable-energy

Guys, I dont know if you have heard about it? I just happened to come across it when I browsing Kutch in GE.

There seems to be a road/bridge u/c in the huge salt marshlands in Kutch. It connects mainland Gujarat with the island where Dholavira is located and further connects the island to the east side of the desert... here are a couple of sat images. The completed road is approx 9 kms long and the u/c should be 30 kms (of which half of the road seems to be completed)

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg534/scaled.php?server=534&filename=kutch.png&res=landing

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg803/scaled.php?server=803&filename=kutch2.png&res=landing

^^ nice find man!

Guys, I dont know if you have heard about it? I just happened to come across it when I browsing Kutch in GE.

There seems to be a road/bridge u/c in the huge salt marshlands in Kutch. It connects mainland Gujarat with the island where Dholavira is located and further connects the island to the east side of the desert... here are a couple of sat images. The completed road is approx 9 kms long and the u/c should be 30 kms (of which half of the road seems to be completed)

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg534/scaled.php?server=534&filename=kutch.png&res=landing

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg803/scaled.php?server=803&filename=kutch2.png&res=landing

It's a state highway connecting Gujarat mainland to Khadir bet on which Dholavira is located. I am posting couple of images which are uploaded on Google Maps.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg31/scaled.php?server=31&filename=62695205.jpg&res=landing

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg824/scaled.php?server=824&filename=62695173.jpg&res=landing

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg31/scaled.php?server=31&filename=62695205.jpg&res=landing

^^
Brilliant location!!

:cheers:

Top Japan firms eyeing Guj: Govt

Official Plays Down Host PM’s Inability To Meet Modi

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/07/29/5/Img/Pc0051800.jpg

LINK (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/07/29&PageLabel=5&EntityId=Ar00501&ViewMode=HTML)

Ahmedabad: Apart from Suzuki Corporation Ltd — which is setting up its India car manufacturing unit in North Gujarat — at least half-a-dozen top Japanese companies have shown interest in investing in the state, an official has said.

On Friday, members of the delegation that accompanied chief minister Narendra Modi on his four-day visit to Japan interacted with the media. Principal secretary Maheshwar Sahu, who led the delegation, said that companies eyeing Gujarat included IHI, a heavy engineering firm; Mizuho, a value-added financial services player; and Mitsubishi, which manufactures cars and electrical equipment. Other interested companies are Hitachi, which makes a wide range of products from home appliances to electronic devices; and Etochu, a machinery, aerospace, and electronics major. These companies will participate in the Vibrant Gujarat summit in January 2013, Sahu said.

“The Japanese are particularly interested in building their first industrial township about 15 km from the Maruti-Suzuki plant site near Bhechraji temple, instead of the site proposed earlier in the Dholera Special Investment Region,” Sahu said.

The Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation plans to acquire 600 hectares of land between Mandal and Bhechraji, on which Japanese industries will set up shop.

Asked why Modi could not meet the Japanese prime minister, Sahu said, “The Japanese PM was busy. A parliament session was on. He is facing opposition within his party.” He added, “The Japanese deputy prime minister met Modi. That is almost equal to the PM’s post.”

As for the outcome of Modi’s previous visits to foreign countries, Sahu said, “We will put out a white paper on this.”

Sudhir Mehta, chairman of Torrent group who was a part of the delegation, said: “Investment for projects comes over a considerable period of time.” Another delegate, Parimal Nathwani, group president of Reliance Industries, said: “There was a difference in the approach of the Japanese this time. While previously they were at an exploratory stage, they now wanted to know where to invest and how.”


Opposing voices :ohno:

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/07/29/5/Img/Pc0051600.jpg

Members of Congress party’s kisan cell and Bhartiya Kisan Sangh interrupted the press briefing. A group of 30 to 35 members with placards started shouting anti-government slogans. “Farmers in the state are not getting water and electricity and the government is trying to project a glossy picture in Japan,” said Dashrath Patel, president Gujarat Congress’s kisan cell. The protesters had gained entry into the conference room posing as journalists.

Now, an ultra mega solar power project in state (http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=12883&boxid=55557&ed_date=2012-07-31&ed_code=1310005&ed_page=5)

With renewable energy the in thing nowadays, the state government is exploring the possibility of setting up a 1,000 MW solar power project. The government has initiated talks with International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank arm, seeking its support for the project.
“The project is still in the conceptual stage. We have initiated talks with the IFC to seek its support for the project. We will go ahead with it depending on their response,” said DJ Pandian, principal secretary, energy & petrochemicals department.
At the current costs of Rs8 to 9 crore per MW, the 1,000 MW project could cost anywhere between Rs8,000 to 9,000 crore.
The scale of the project can be gauged from the fact that total solar power generation capacity in the country presently stands at around 1,000 MW, including more than 600 MW in Gujarat alone. The Centre is eyeing solar power generation capacity of 20,000 MW by 2022 under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. While solar power is the cleanest form of energy, it is also the most expensive, costing four to five times the conventional power. This is solar energy’s biggest drawback, but the state government believes that the price can be brought down to the level of conventional energy.
“We have already managed to bring down cost of solar power from Rs15 per unit to less than Rs10 per unit. With better technologies, there is no reason why prices should not fall further. Our idea is to bring down solar power price at par with the grid, i.e. around Rs3 per unit,” Pandian said further.
The IFC, which is an arm of the World Bank, has said that it is keen to support such a project.
“We have funded quite a few projects in Gujarat, including solar power projects. We are keen to extend the partnership with Gujarat, and are in talks with the government to see how IFC can help in the 1,000 MW solar power project,” Anita George, regional industry director, Asia, infrastructure and natural resources, IFC, told DNA. The IFC official said that the funding agency could tie up with developers to provide funding to them.
“We could also be involved in development of infrastructure and other necessary framework for such a project,” she added.

lol that would be another 1000MW clean solar to Gujarats kitty. Gujarat alone can complete GOIs target of 20000MW solar by 2020 :P By the rate Guj is getting industrialised and modernised they would need more and more power. Good job by Guj`s government :) Very unlike Indian state Government :D

The scale of the project can be gauged from the fact that total solar power generation capacity in the country presently stands at around 1,000 MW, including more than 600 MW in Gujarat alone.

^^
Gujarat accounts for more than 60% of India's solar energy. With this project, its share will increase to 80%...:banana:

Nice article.
Gujarat tops in investments, says Assocham (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/article3707524.ece)

Note the Times group bias in reporting the same facts below
Gujarat top in attracting investments but slow in execution: Assocham (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/finance/gujarat-top-in-attracting-investments-but-slow-in-execution-assocham/articleshow/15295006.cms)

Moving away from industry, in light of poor monsoons, it would be interesting to see if 10%+ growth in agriculture can be clocked this year.

^^
Only confirms that TOI goes out of its way to hunt for negative feed on Gujarat...

Good comparison Abhishek :okay:

Last I heard from back home is it has been raining well in MP so narmada is rising in level, I guess thats all we need. Water in the canals and gujarat shall post 10% growth for another year.

Yeah, the areas covered by the canal network will be taken care of. But some parts of Saurashtra and Kutch will suffer :ohno:

Yeah, the areas covered by the canal network will be taken care of. But some parts of Saurashtra and Kutch will suffer :ohno:

yeah but the canals almost covers 80% of the area. So if not 10% we can atleast put a growth of 7-8%

After Olympic success, global firm game for Narmada

LINK (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/After-Olympic-success-global-firm-game-for-Narmada/articleshow/15301536.cms)


GANDHINAGAR: Top international engineering and design consultants, Atkins - involved in projects to improve transport and public space ahead of the London 2012 Olympics - is learnt to have shown keen interest in a major tourism project along the Narmada river.

Well-placed Sachivalaya sources have told TOI that senior Atkins executives met Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL) officials a few days back after they learnt that the Gujarat government has decided to develop the 80-km stretch along the Narmada river from the proposed Sardar Statue site in Sadhu Tekra to Bharbhut, where the river merges into the sea, as a top tourism hub.

"The talks with Atkins were preliminary. They showed interest in developing tourism infrastructure in the area, including a 65-km-long six-lane road from Vadodara to Kevadia colony, two railway lines from Tankhala to Kevadia (13-km stretch) and Rajpipla to Kevadia (22-km stretch) and overall landscaping," a senior official said. "They also took interest in a futuristic project of a metro rail from Vadodara to Sadhu Tekra."

Sardar Patel's statue is proposed to be 182-meters high, tallest in the world. Turner Construction, consultants for the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa of Dubai, was recently appointed as project management consultant for the Sardar Statue plan.

The decision to develop the tourism corridor along the Narmada river was taken at a recent high-level meeting at chief minister Narendra Modi's residence in Gandhinagar. A presentation made at the meeting said, a separate notified authority, on lines of Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA), will be set up to execute the project, whose initial cost is expected to around Rs 5,000 crore.

"This includes the cost to build the statue, six-lane road from Vadodara to Kevadia Colony, which is next to the Sadhu Tekra, rail link from Vadodara and Rajpipla to Kevadia, and a new bridge on Narmada," an official, who had participated in the high-level meeting, said.

A pre-feasibility study will have to be commissioned in order to assess viability of the tourism corridor project.

"Discussions at the CM's residence, held under the auspices of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust, revealed that Narmada waters will remain perpetually filled up in the 80-km-long Kevadia-Bharbhut stretch because of the proposed barrage on Narmada river at Bharbhut."

This will convert the whole area into a huge 80-km lake, where water sports can be promoted. "We can also have amusement parks, three and four star hotels, and other tourism activities next to the river. The pre-feasibility study will reveal what all can be done in this area," the official said.

Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar gets 400 riverside acres for own campus (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Indian-Institute-of-Technology-Gandhinagargets-400-riverside-acres-for-own-campus/articleshow/15301716.cms)

AHMEDABAD: Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT-Gn) will finally get its own address. After a four-year wait, IIT-Gn took possession of over 400 acres of land for its new campus on Monday. The land is on the banks of the Sabarmati near Palej in Gandhinagar.

IIT-Gn is one of six new IITs set up in 2008-09 and presently functions from a temporary campus at Vishwakarma Government Engineering College (VGEC) at Chandkheda.

This delay by state government in allocation of land drew flak from educationists and IITians across the country.

The institute was forced to function from a makeshift arrangement and saw its first batch graduate from the temporary campus.

The new campus will be constructed at a budget of around Rs 1,200 crore in the first phase, as a fully residential campus for 2,400 students. Work is set to begin in six to nine months, and the campus will flaunt some of the country's most environment-friendly buildings.

IIT Gandhinagar authorities hope to move into the campus by 2015.

Director of IIT-Gn, Sudhir Jain said, "Construction at the new campus will begin with classrooms and student hostels. Once these are ready, we can start functioning from there."

Jain added: "We will recycle used water to flush toilets, water plants and so on. The campus will also have a solid waste management system so refuse can be segregated and have non-organic waste sent to recycling centres."

The institute's new premises will have two parts - North campus and South campus - which will be connected by a Central campus. Along with solar back up for power consumed during the day, most of the campus will be vehicle-free zones.

Palej villagers also will benefit from the institute. Administrators have decided to set up a fund of Rs 1 crore. "The money will be used to teach village children and students will also venture go to the village to teach. This will create goodwill between the institute and villagers," said an IIT-Gn official.

Could this mean Air Asia is planning to operate to Ahmedabad?

Tune hotels Ahmedabad - the first tune hotels in India

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545118_420049424700042_721346852_n.jpg
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=420049424700042&set=a.110181125686875.6536.107468562624798&type=1&relevant_count=1

મારુતિ ગુજરાતમાં નિર્ધારિત સમય કરતાં વહેલા કામગીરી શરૂ કરશે

http://gujarati.economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/15288649.cms

જાપાની કાર ઉત્પાદક મારુતિ સુઝુકી ઇન્ડિયા લિમિટેડ ( એમએસઆઇએલ ) તેની ગુજરાતની કામગીરી નિર્ધારિત સમય કરતાં વહેલા શરૂ કરશે તેમ રાજ્યના ઉદ્યોગ વિભાગના ઉચ્ચ અધિકારીએ જણાવ્યું હતું .

કંપની ગુજરાતમાં પ્રથમ તબક્કામાં રૂ .4,000 કરોડનું રોકાણ કરવાનું આયોજન ધરાવે છે . કંપનીને જમીન ફાળવી દેવામાં આવી છે .

રાજ્યના ઉદ્યોગ અને ખાણ વિભાગના અગ્ર સચિવ મહેશ્વર સાહુએ જણાવ્યું હતું કે , ગુજરાતમાં મારુતિની ફેસિલિટી તેના નિર્ધારિત સમય કરતાં વહેલી શરૂ થશે . મારુતિના અધિકારીઓ તેમનાં આયોજનો ઝડપી બનાવવા માટે કામ કરી રહ્યા છે .

તાજેતરમાં ગુજરાતના મુખ્યમંત્રી નરેન્દ્ર મોદીની આગેવાનીમાં એક પ્રતિનિધિમંડળ જાપાન ગયું હતું . આ પ્રવાસ દરમિયાન તેઓ સુઝુકી મોટર્સના અધિકારીઓને પણ મળ્યા હતા . મે 2011 માં એમએસઆઇએલના ચેરમેન આર સી ભાર્ગવે ગુજરાત પ્લાન્ટ ખાતે કામગીરી શરૂ કરવા માટે પાંચ વર્ષનો સમયગાળો આપ્યો હતો .

બેચરાજી - માંડલ વિસ્તારમાં 500 એકરમાં ઉત્પાદન એકમ સ્થાપવા માટે 2 જૂનના રોજ કંપની અને રાજ્ય સરકારે સ્ટેટ સપોર્ટ એગ્રીમેન્ટ પર હસ્તાક્ષર કર્યા હતા . સાહુએ જણાવ્યું હતું કે , અમે થોડા દિવસ પહેલાં જ કંપનીને જમીન આપી છે . તેમણે વધુમાં જણાવ્યું હતું કે ગુજરાતની યોજનાને માનેસરમાં જે બની રહ્યું છે તેની સાથે કોઈ સંબંધ નથી .

મારુતિ ગુજરાતમાં તબક્કાવાર વાર્ષિક 20 લાખ કારનું ઉત્પાદન કરવાનું આયોજન ધરાવે છે અને તે પ્રથમ તબક્કામાં રૂ .4,000 કરોડનું રોકાણ કરશે . તેના વેન્ડરો પ્લાન્ટની નજીકમાં સ્થપાનારા વેન્ડર પાર્કમાં અલગથી રોકાણ કરશે .

બેચરાજી ફેસિલિટી કંપનીની ભારતમાં સાતમી અને હરિયાણા બહાર સૌ પ્રથમ ફેસિલિટી હશે . ગુજરાતમાં બીજો તબક્કો બજારની સ્થિતિને આધીન રહેશે . સાહુએ જણાવ્યું હતું કે , સુઝુકી મોટર કોર્પોરેશનના ચેરમેન ઓસામુ સુઝુકીએ અમને જણાવ્યું હતું કે , કંપની ગુજરાત પ્લાન્ટમાં નિયુક્ત કરાનારા 500 તાલીમાર્થીઓને લાંબા ગાળાની તાલીમ માટે જાપાન મોકલશે .

ગુજરાત સરકાર મારુતિના બેચરાજીમાં પ્લાન્ટ સ્થાપવાના નિર્ણય બાદ ઉત્તર ગુજરાતનો ગુડગાંવ અને માનેસરની જેમ ઔદ્યોગિક વિકાસ કરવા માંગે છે . આ ક્ષેત્ર ઔદ્યોગિક વિકાસની દષ્ટિએ અન્ય ક્ષેત્રોથી પછાત છે .

રાજ્ય સરકાર માંડલ - બેચરાજી પટ્ટામાં ઉત્પાદન ક્ષેત્ર માટે સ્પેશિયલ ઇન્વેસ્ટમેન્ટ રિજન ( એસઆઇઆર ) સ્થાપી રહી છે . આ એસઆઇઆર મુખ્યત્વે એન્જિનિયરિંગ ક્ષેત્ર તેમાં પણ ખાસ કરીને ઓટો કમ્પોનન્ટ ઉત્પાદકો પર ભાર મૂકશે .

રાજ્ય સરકાર મારુતિની ફેસિલિટીથી માત્ર 15-20 મિનિટના અંતરે એક જાપાની ટાઉનશિપ સ્થાપી રહી છે . સાહુએ જણાવ્યું હતું કે , ગુજરાત ઇન્ડસ્ટ્રિયલ ડેવલપમેન્ટ કોર્પોરેશન ( જીઆઇડીસી ) અને જાપાન એક્સ્ટર્નલ ટ્રેડ ઓર્ગેનાઇઝેશન ( જેટ્રો ) બંને ભેગા થઈને આ ટાઉનશિપ સ્થાપશે . જેટ્રો પ્રોજેક્ટ માટે ડેવલપર અથવા ભાગીદારો પણ લાવશે .

આ ટાઉનશિપ ઉત્તર ગુજરાતમાં બની રહેલા જાપાનીઝ ઝોનનો ભાગ છે . મોટા ભાગે જાપાનની કંપનીઆ ઝોનમાં રોકાણ કરી રહી છે . ગુજરાતમાંથી 29 જેટલી કંપનીઓ પહેલેથી કામ કરી રહી છે .

મોદીની જાપાનની તાજેતરની મુલાકાત બાદ રાજ્ય સરકારને આશા છે જાપાનની વધુ કંપનીઓ ગુજરાતમાં રોકાણ કરશે .

^^
Short translation:

"Maruti will start work in Gujarat ahead of schedule"

Great job guys, thank you all for keeping people like me who are far away from home updated.

If Hero comes, can Honda be far behind?

LINK (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/08/08&PageLabel=1&EntityId=Ar00104&ViewMode=HTML)


http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/08/08/1/Img/Pc0011900.jpg


Ahmedabad: After Hero MotoCorp announcing a Rs 1,100-crore bike plant in Gujarat, Honda Motor Corp has set its eyes on the state.

While Hero has chosen Halol, the Japanese auto giant is exploring a location near a port in Gujarat for building its fourth manufacturing facility in the country.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India (HMSI) rolls out 28 lakh bikes and scooters from its two plants in Haryana and Rajasthan and has announced a third plant in Karnataka.

Sources close to the company suggest HMSI is looking at having at least three new facilities by 2020.

“We are aggressively penetrating the rural market with new offerings and looking at an over 30% year-on-year growth in exports. Gujarat has become a chosen destination for many auto companies and we too are exploring opportunities here,” said HMSI president and CEO Keita Muramatsu.

A HMSI team is preparing a report about options for its fourth plant which will be announced most likely by 2014. “Gujarat has an edge with its impressive port infrastructure and active ancillary units,” said a senior company official. Company sources said Honda is looking at over 90% localization for all its offerings in longer run. HSMI has invested Rs 3,500 crore in India and will be investing another Rs 1,500 crore in FY13.

:banana: which location ???If Hero comes, can Honda be far behind?

LINK (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/08/08&PageLabel=1&EntityId=Ar00104&ViewMode=HTML)


http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/08/08/1/Img/Pc0011900.jpg


Ahmedabad: After Hero MotoCorp announcing a Rs 1,100-crore bike plant in Gujarat, Honda Motor Corp has set its eyes on the state.

While Hero has chosen Halol, the Japanese auto giant is exploring a location near a port in Gujarat for building its fourth manufacturing facility in the country.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India (HMSI) rolls out 28 lakh bikes and scooters from its two plants in Haryana and Rajasthan and has announced a third plant in Karnataka.

Sources close to the company suggest HMSI is looking at having at least three new facilities by 2020.

“We are aggressively penetrating the rural market with new offerings and looking at an over 30% year-on-year growth in exports. Gujarat has become a chosen destination for many auto companies and we too are exploring opportunities here,” said HMSI president and CEO Keita Muramatsu.

A HMSI team is preparing a report about options for its fourth plant which will be announced most likely by 2014. “Gujarat has an edge with its impressive port infrastructure and active ancillary units,” said a senior company official. Company sources said Honda is looking at over 90% localization for all its offerings in longer run. HSMI has invested Rs 3,500 crore in India and will be investing another Rs 1,500 crore in FY13.

To be decided, most probably near a port (so not Sanand)...

They might go for Kutch.

Govind Rubber to invest Rs 750 crore in Gujarat plant

Govind Rubber Ltd (GRL), a BSE-listed company, plans to set up a new tyre manufacturing facility at Dahej in Gujarat with an investment of Rs 750 crore.

“The plant will have a production capacity of 225 tonnes a day,” said Mr Vinod Poddar, Chairman and Managing Director, Govind Rubber, at the company’s annual general meeting.

GRL is engaged in manufacturing of auto tyres, tubes and high-end bicycle tyres.

Besides, the company will invest Rs 100 crore to modernise and enhance production capacity at its recently acquired unit at Alwar in Rajasthan. The acquisition was made through its subsidiary GRL Tires. GRL is further expanding into manufacturing of two & three-wheeler tyres at the current location in Ludhiana. The company has also entered into a joint venture agreement with a South Korean company GK Co to set up a manufacturing plant for specialised rubber. GRL aims to sell its products in Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, China and India. It envisages a turnover of Rs 150 crore in two years’ time from this project, Mr Poddar said.

GRL’s wholly-owned subsidiary in the Netherlands, GRL BV, has also set up an office and warehousing. to market its range of tyres and tubes in Europe.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article3646473.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home

Gujarat's first cable-stayed bridge worth Rs 30 crore was inaugurated near Bhavnagar by chief minister Narendra Modi on Saturday

(The pic could have been of better quality)


http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/08/12/7/Img/Pc0071700.jpg


Source (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/08/12&PageLabel=7&EntityId=Pc00717&ViewMode=HTML)

[NEW PICs]
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/428807_10150903787846548_1777405814_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/423514_342007205884253_124897382_n.jpg


Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today opened a cable-stayed bridge connecting Bhavnagar to Bhal region.

The new bridge has been erected on Bhavnagar creek replacing ‘Lakkadia pul’, which was swept away by heavy rain in 2007. The bridge reduces distance between Bhavnagar and proposed Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) as well as Ahmedabad. The 135-m-long four-lane bridge near old Bhavnagar port gives second entry point to the city from Ahmedabad. The bridge that has reduced distance to Bhavnagar by 30 km is expected to change economic dimension of around 30 villages of Bhal area, considered to be backward. The load of traffic from and toward Chitra industrial zone road will be reduced once the bridge construction is complete.

‘Lakkadia pul’, near old Bhavnagar port collapsed in 2007 due to heavy rain. The bridge was then used just by pedestrians or cyclists and was the only connecting link between Bhavnagar and Bhal. Hence, it is very important for hundreds of daily wagers from Bhal region who come to Bhavnagar for work.
Earlier, people used this bridge to reach salt pans, shipbuilding yards of Alcock Ashdown and Modest Infrastructure and wood industries in old Lati plots and small-scale industries at the old port. They also used the route to buy their daily household needs from Bhavnagar city. Ever since its collapse in August 2007, these labourers were also using private boats to cross the creek.

A new cable stayed bridge has been constructed by state government’s public works department through economic aid of Gujarat Maritime Board(GMB) at a cost of Rs 27.90 crore. It is 180 meter long and 11 meter wide with three lanes. On both sides two meter wide footpath has been provided.

Earlier the villagers of Bhal area villages like Kala talav, Narmad, Kheta,Khatli had to first come to Nirma chokdi first through vehicle, and from there were reaching Bhavnagar for employment. But with a new bridge in place, the distance of 35 km has been reduced to zero. The bridge connects old and new ports of Bhavnagar to Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara and other cities with 8 km lesser distance compare to traditional route.

SOURCE - http://deshgujarat.com/2012/08/11/narendra-modi-to-dedicate-a-cable-stayed-bridge-in-bhavnagar-today/

Is'nt the bridge a bit too cheap?? Here in Ahmedabad flyovers (normal 4 laners) are built at costs of 40-50 crores. And here we have a cable-stayed bridge in only 30 crores...:weird:

I am not a civil engineer, but may be the cost of pillars in an ordinary bridge is higher ???

Cable-stayed bridge should be more costlier. But here CSB takes 27 crores while in Ahmedabad double decker bridge takes 43 crores and single flyover takes 35 crore. Shivranjni flyover costs 17 crore. :bash:

I think so may be due to soil and groundwater but this much difference ??

http://www.gujaratvibrant.com/14-multi-level-flyover-in-ahmedabad-soon.html

http://deshgujarat.com/2012/01/17/two-new-flyover-in-ahmedabad-get-ready-watch-in-photos/

Cable-stayed bridge should be more costlier. But here CSB takes 27 crores while in Ahmedabad double decker bridge takes 43 crores and single flyover takes 35 crore. Shivranjni flyover costs 17 crore. :bash:

I think so may be due to soil and groundwater but this much difference ??

http://www.gujaratvibrant.com/14-multi-level-flyover-in-ahmedabad-soon.html

http://deshgujarat.com/2012/01/17/two-new-flyover-in-ahmedabad-get-ready-watch-in-photos/

Thanks for providing the insight on the bridge cost. I appreciate it man !

^^ Thanks UMANGSHUKLA :)

Narendra Modi announces new district Gir Somnath (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/08/13/narendra-modi-announces-new-district-gir-somnath/)

Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi today declared a new district in Gujarat.

Speaking at Sagar Khedu sammelan in Somnath Shri Narendra Modi said there will be a new district ‘Gir Somnath’ consisting 6 talukas of existing Junagadh district.

“Our government has taken a decision to give you a new district, a new district of Gir Somnath, consisting six talukas,” Shri Modi said.

Amid repeated slogans of ‘Jay Somnath’ Shri Narendra Modi said a committee headed by Chief Secretary will be formed to take up this cause, and a new district will be in existence on 26 January next year.

Shri Modi said, “the government will come closer to you. Administration will be now at your doorstep. You will not have to travel to Junagadh for government works.”

Junagadh district has a population of about 31 lakh, of which nearly 19 lakh reside in these seven talukas with 611 villages. To strengthen coastal security, Somnath has already been accorded the status of a police district. For some time now, leaders from seven talukas of Veraval, Maliya, Talala, Mangrol, Sutarapada, Kodinar and Una had been demanding a separate district.

While Veraval-Somnath Nagarpalika had already passed a resolution in this regard and forwarded it to the state government, Veraval Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gir Gadhda Chamber of Commerce, Kodinar Chamber of Commerce and various groups like Brahm Samaj and Lohana Samaj had been aggressively lobbying for the same.

Guys, how about length?
This bridge is only 180 meters long, whereas, if i am not wrong, most bridges in Ahmedabad are lengthier...

Not entirely sure if I agree with the overly negative tone of the article, but some info about the ongoing surveys is good to see.

Even after a decade, Kalpasar project yet to take off (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/article3764060.ece)


The Kalpasar dam project, envisaged more than a decade ago to resolve the water woes in Saurashtra and Kutch region in Gujarat, is yet to take off, official sources said.

The project, which is estimated to cost Rs 33,000 crore, was conceptualised in 1998 to establish a fresh water reservoir at sea by building a dam on the Gulf of Khambhat, with a projected storage capacity of 10,000 million cubic metres (MCM).

However, the project is still in study phase, even as the State is grappling with the non-availability of water due to scanty rainfall.

“Studies like the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for phase I of the Kalpasar project, comprising a 15-km barrage on the Narmada dam are almost over. All the mandatory clearances for it will be in place by the end of this fiscal,” a top official of Kalpasar project told PTI.

“While the requisite clearances for phase II, involving 30-km dam from Bhavnagar to Dahej, are expected to get over by 2013-14,” he said, requesting anonymity.

The project proposes construction of a dam on the Gulf of Khambat, leading to creation of a 2,000-sqkm fresh water reservoir. After the completion, it is expected to provide water for drinking and irrigation purposes to parched pockets of the state like Saurashtra and Kutch.

It also proposes to link Saurasthra to South Gujarat by a 30-km dam and a ten-laned road, officials said, adding that the project would offer a slew of opportunities for setting up renewable energy projects like solar, wind and tidal

A new grand building of Junagadh Collector office (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/08/14/in-pictures-a-new-grand-building-of-junagadh-collector-office/)

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/387065_460073254025035_609565844_n.jpg

https://p.twimg.com/A0MHA_cCUAETwZ1.jpg

Burj Khalifa consultant firm gets Statue of Unity contract



Source (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Burj-Khalifa-consultant-firm-gets-Statue-of-Unity-contract/articleshow/15593464.cms)

GANDHINAGAR: An international consortium, led by Turner Project Management - the project management consultants of Burj Khalifa - on Tuesday signed an agreement with the Gujarat government for "engineering, design and contract management" to construct the 182-metre-high Statue of Unity of Sardar Patel.

Dubai's Burj Khalifa happens to be the world's tallest building, while the Sardar statue, in the midst of Narmada river, is proposed as the tallest statue of the world. Other partners in the consortium, apart from US-based Turner, include Michael Graves and Associates, also from the US, and Mindheart from Germany.

The Statue of Unity will cost Rs 2,500 crore, the agreement says, and it will be built under the supervision of the consortium, which will charge Rs 56 crore for the job. During the first year and three months, the consortium will prepare master plan of the project and finalize contract bid documents. In the next 40 months, it will supervise the construction activity, and in the last two months, it will hand over the statue. In all, it will take 56 months to complete the Statue of Unity.

The formal agreement, signed in the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL) in Sachivalaya, says, the consortium will carry out technical and financial feasibility of building the statue, including its pre-investment planning, detail a financial and revenue model, prepare a tourism plan for the area surrounding the statue, and manage the bid process for choosing the contractor to build the statue.

Apart from the statue, the agreement says, the consortium will have to conceptualize "the bridge that will connect the statue in the Narmada river, off the Narmada dam on Sadhu bet, the approximately 3.5 km road connecting the project to the town of Kevadia, the memorial and the visitor centre buildings, the memorial garden, the hotel and convention centre, and miscellaneous support structures."

For all this, the agreement says, the consortium will have to supervise on a continuous basis in order to ensure that the work is of the highest order, carry out in-situ and ex-situ inspection, and assist dispute resolution.

2500 crores! Total wastage of money for a statue I guess.I know it would lure tourists but the timing to invest such a huge amount of money is not right at this moment.

Its not just for tourism. It will also be habitable and the govt will sell the inner spaces to certain research firms, if I can remember correctly. A revenue model is being prepared for the statue.

Anytime such a statue is being built, I think its a waste of money, be it SVP or Shivaji or Mayawati.

2500 crores! Total wastage of money for a statue I guess.I know it would lure tourists but the timing to invest such a huge amount of money is not right at this moment.

Anytime such a statue is being built, I think its a waste of money, be it SVP or Shivaji or Mayawati.

+1

Of all the projects/proposals in Gujarat that I know of, this is the only one I truly hope gets scrapped.

If they can achieve profit then even statues are feasible. Aside from the huge inflow of tourists this place will be connected by a 6 lane highway and perhaps a metro line to Vadodara. Imagine the scale of possible development along the way.

But then again, if they are incurring huge losses and dont have any way to recover them, then I am against this project.

This type of statue can fetch lakhs of tourist to Narmada Dam like statue of liberty to NYC and NaMo has planned to create 80km long tourism stretch by bringing FDI in tourism sector. This can boost tourism and as these is in South Gujarat many Mumbaikars or Amdavadis can plan for weekend trip there.

^^
And even Surtis and people from Vadodara (even Rajkot and Bhavnagar, if/when Kalpsar is completed :| )

hmmm even if Kalpsar is not ready people from Saurasthra can use ferry service :)

+1

Of all the projects/proposals in Gujarat that I know of, this is the only one I truly hope gets scrapped.

Bhailog, I am sure Modi and his team has thought about all the negatives and positives and then only approved this project, right?

Let's be positive and hope that this project will help attract tourists and help improve infrastructure around that region.

+1

Of all the projects/proposals in Gujarat that I know of, this is the only one I truly hope gets scrapped.
Kuch Bhi Karne Ka Lekin Modiji ke vision ko challenge Nahi Karne Ka

:lol:

Dahej SEZ makes it to world's top 50 free zones (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Dahej-SEZ-makes-it-to-worlds-top-50-free-zones/articleshow/15614427.cms)

AHMEDABAD:The multi-product Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Dahej has made it to the world's top-50 'free zones'. The ranking has been granted following a survey of over 600 free zones in 120 countries by the prestigious FDI Magazine.

Gujarat's minister of state for industries Saurabh Patel has said that Dahej SEZ stood 26th among the top-50 and is the only SEZ from India to have figured in the list from 24 countries for the year 2012-13. The selection was made by the jury on various parameters. He said that Dahej SEZ has achieved this for the second consecutive year. Earlier, it had figured in FDI Magazine's top-25 free zones. The Da-hej SEZ has been jointly developed by Gujarat Industrial Develop-ment Corporation (GIDC) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.

It is spread over 1,732 hectares and plots have been allotted to 68 units who have invested Rs.35,000-crore. About 26,500 people have been employed at the SEZ. The commercial units have exported goods worth Rs 865 crores. Dahej SEZ Ltd (DSL) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 and is promoted jointly by Gujarat Industrial Develop-ment Corporation (GIDC) and Oil & Natural Gas Corporation ltd. (ONGC) for development of Special Economic Zone (SEZ). DSL is developing a multi-product SEZ at Dahej in Vagra Taluka of Bharuch district in Gujarat, India.

Maruti Suzuki plans skill development centre in state

Source (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=MIRRORNEW&BaseHref=AMIR/2012/08/25&PageLabel=8&EntityId=Ar00803&ViewMode=HTML)


http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=AMIR/2012/08/25/8/Img/Pc0080700.jpg


Following a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday afternoon, Suzuki chief Osamu Suzuki announced setting up of a skill development centre and engineering institute in Gujarat.

The Suzuki Chairman met the chief minister around 4 pm. An hour later, Suzuki told media persons, “I came to thank Mr Modi because he visited me in Japan, and I came (to India) to attend an AGM of Maruti.”

Regarding the meeting with Modi, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) Chairman R C Bhargava said Suzuki had informed Modi about MSI’s plans to set up a skill development centre in Gujarat and send 500 technicians to Japan for training so that they get accustomed to the Japanese culture of working.

Bhargava said, “He (Suzuki) has come to Gujarat because he has never seen the site (of Maruti’s proposed plant) yet. So it is difficult for Mr Suzuki to invest up to Rs 4,000 crore without seeing the site.”

Maruti Suzuki India is setting up a Rs 4,000-crore plant at Hansalpur in Gujarat. Bhargava said they expected work on the plant to begin in three to four months. During his visit to Japan last month, Modi had conducted an investment seminar in Hamamatsu, where he had met around 430 members of the auto manufacturing units and automobile companies. “Suzuki told CM that you are going to get a lot of vendors from Hamamatsu.

They will be coming to Gujarat seeking your help in terms of infrastructure,” the MSI chairman said.

too costly GUJARAT Tourism (http://www.coxandkings.com/bharatdeko/gujarat-tourism/). But, I think so it is the first time any travel site is showcasing Gujarat. Hope tourists can afford it and help Gujarat to become preferred tourist destination.

That's way too costly... its not gonna work.. plus there is nothing special in the package description that can attract customers.

They need to revise the packages, and also they need to come up with better marketing skills... tour description needs to be more detailed and informative for example nothing is mentioned about type of hotel or kind of room etc...

^^ Yes, they have not chosen any extra-ordinary hotels and they have not shown picture of the places and resorts that can make tourist convince for travelling Gujarat. How any one can opt for this tour packages?? Who will give 14k for just Ahmedabad??

lol...even I wont give 14k for touring Ahmedabad :lol:

Shamlaji too gets facelift (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Shamlaji-too-gets-facelift/articleshow/16078753.cms)

Shamlaji the temple stands on the banks of the river Meshwo, in veneration of Lord Vishnu will too get a facelift. The state government has on Friday laid the foundation stone for the rs 70 crore project.

The Rs 70 crore development project of shamlaji mandir will give Ambaji-style look, status and facilities to Shamlaji. Laying the foundation stone, chief minister Narendra modi who performed ground breaking for Shamlaji mandir campus and pilgrim infrastructure development works. Modi said that with the development of Shamlaji, the Buddhist heritage site of Dev-ni-mori will also be developed, which would ultimately put Shamlaji on world tourism map.

Modi said adding that tribal people will taste benefits of new mode of employment generated through tourism.

Modi honored the donors who gifted gold for the gates and crown of Shamlaji. In a function held on this occasion Shri Modi gave agricultural right in forest land, village plots and housing aid to 29,535 homeless and below poverty line tribal.

Shamlaji is one of the largest pilgrim temples of the Sabarkantha district in India. It is more commonly known among locals as "Dhodi Dhwaja Wada" because it always has a white silk flag on top of temple.

^^
Fantastic news. I go there very often, mainly whenever I visit Shreenathji.

But I hope they will provide employment to the displaced shopkeepers and eateries that used to be along the road connecting the Temple to the NH 8.

I'm desperately waiting for the Rajasthan govt to redevelop Nathdwara. The condition of the temple town is no better than a gutter...:bash:

^^
Fantastic news. I go there very often, mainly whenever I visit Shreenathji.

But I hope they will provide employment to the displaced shopkeepers and eateries that used to be along the road connecting the Temple to the NH 8.

I'm desperately waiting for the Rajasthan govt to redevelop Nathdwara. The condition of the temple town is no better than a gutter...:bash:


I second you mate... Nathdwara really needs a redevelopment..

^^ They are developing Shreenathji but at very slow pace. Vallabh Cottage and New tower New Cottage are almost ready and likely to open by Diwali.
I don't know exactly about the incident but I have heard that locals there had thrown stones on Kokilaben's car against some of her development plans.
Mandir Mandal also have plans to modernize surroundings of main temple and they have started since last two years near Vanmaliji Temple.

Hotels are okay, they are not that important but the infrastructure is horrible. Open gutters and garbage on the road!! Its so sad to see that the most important religious town of Gujaratis is in such bad shape.

Why cant we have something like Balaji temple in Tirumala. It is by far the best temple city I have visited.

Ambaji has potential.

Four leading Chinese companies will visit Ahmedabad in September to explore investment opportunities in Gujarat.

The companies- Wuxi Xinje Automation, Sunfar, Estun Automation and Zhejiang Chint Electric Co-are eyeing investments in greenfield projects and partnerships in Gujarat.

The Chinese companies will meet entrepreneurs in Gujarat at a business conference organized by India China Economic & Cultural Council (ICEC) on September 12, 2012.
Maheshwar Sahu, principal secretary-industries & mines, Government of Gujarat along with Peng Gang, commercial counselor, embassy of the People's Republic of China along will address the meet of 100 participants...cont. (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Leading-Chinese-companies-eye-greenfield-projects-in-Gujarat/articleshow/16068900.cms)

SMEs in Gujarat launch unique project to set up common medical device manufacturing unit

With a view to boost the medical devices sector in the state, a group of small scale manufacturers from Gujarat have embarked on a unique project to set up a common medical device manufacturing unit to make raw materials and components that are essential for developing medical devices. This endeavour is initiated with an investment of around Rs.15 crore, to address the shortage of availability of high quality raw materials and components in the market which is a key requirement for manufacturing export quality medical devices.

For this purpose, this select group of 20 small scale medical device manufactures have already constituted a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). This company is basically established to serve as a common manufacturing unit to these manufacturers so as to meet their demands as per their requirements. They are at present scouting for an appropriate location which is strategically located in and around Ahmedabad for greater accessibility and mobility.

D L Pandya, an expert from the medical device industry, said, “Such a progressive approach is highly commendable especially since it is being initiated by the small scale manufacturers in the state. This clearly points out that even the medical device industry is undergoing a metamorphosis to meet up to the increasing standards which is essential if they want to survive in this industry.”

It is understood that the SPV is soon planning to send a proposal to the Central government requesting for the government subsidy under its cluster development scheme. Under this scheme the government provides 70 per cent of the total cost of expenditure on the equipments as a subsidy to the interested party, which accounts to almost Rs.6 to 7 crore in total.

They have already completed the first phase of the proposal by preparing the diagnosis report which needs to be submitted to avail the subsidy. The other report which is also required to be submitted along with diagnosis report is the feasibility study which is in the verge of completion. After which the proposal will be made to government under the cluster development scheme. Both the reports were prepared by Gujarat Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation Limited (GITCO), a premier technical consultancy organisation (TCO) that provides consulting services to accelerate the growth of industrial and services economy of Gujarat....Read more (http://pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=70862&sid=1)

SMEs in Gujarat launch unique project to set up common medical device manufacturing unit


Medical device manufacturing have a great scope, kapil sibal was saying in a interview that when he was science and technology minister he was working with the ministry of health & family welfare to fix up the standards because in the absence of them our products can't be exported or consumed in India.

Narendra Modi dedicates Khilkhilat, Amrutam, GMSC

Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi today dedicated Amrutam scheme for free treatment to poor people. He also flagged off Khilkhilat ambulances that are to be used to drop mother and new born child to their home. The Chief Minister also dedicated a newly formed Gujarat Medical Service Corporation on this occasion.

In his speech Shri Modi said that if this was not an election year, today’s this initiative could be seen as the best step in India and particularly in Gujarat.

Speaking about Amrutam scheme, Shri Modi said that this is unique new step in entire country. Using a smart card provided by the government, a poor citizen of this state will be able to access 47 hospitals of the state for treatment of serious diseases.

Speaking on launching of Gujarat Medical Services Corporation, Shri Modi said, “(Congress)people steal our ideas. There’s so much bankruptcy that they don’t get original idea. We mentioned formation of GMSC in out budget in March 2012, and today we are implementing the scheme, while they(the Congress party people in Gujarat) gave promise that they would do so(if elected to power).

Shri Modi spoke about how in past pregnant women had to struggle to reach home after delivery with a new born baby.

Shri Modi congratulated the 108 ambulance team and said that Gujarat government has given special color code to Khilkhilat vans, and even its horn doesn’t make ambulance like siren tone.

Khilkhilat ambulances are pink in color, with cartoons over its body, and funny horn that sounds like a smiling child’s voice

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/574674_467937533238607_439772559_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/523544_467937569905270_392435979_n.jpg

http://deshgujarat.com/2012/09/04/narendra-modi-dedicates-khilkhilat-amrutam-gmscvideos/

Modi is unmarried, that's ok but he should have pink :lol:

^^ What does being unmarried have to do with pink? I dont get it, please explain.


'Khilkhilat' van attends its first case in Gandhinagar (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Khilkhilat-van-attends-its-first-case-in-Gandhinagar/articleshow/16284692.cms)

AHMEDABAD: When Geeta Rawal, 25, a resident of Saheb na Muvada village near Dehgam in Gandhinagar district was taken to a van two days after delivery of her first child, she could not believe that she was to be taken to her residence by this pink van free of cost. Rawal became the first mother to have availed the newly-launched service 'Khilkhilat' on Wednesday afternoon.

"As is the case with any new venture, we were excited to attend the first case. Rawal was admitted to the Gandhinagar civil hospital for her delivery. Her relatives did not know about the initiative and asked us that they would take her on their own. However, when they got about the free service and its benefits, they agreed readily. We took her from the hospital to her village and also provided her with nutrition kit for the newly-born. The kit also included list of vaccines to be given at specific times and information about nearby government hospitals," said an EMRI official.

'Khilkhilat', an ambulance for safe homecoming of infants and mothers post-delivery, was one of the three health schemes launched by Gujarat chief minister on September 4 at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. The ambulances are in fact vehicles that are phased out by the EMRI's flagship emergency service 108 after stipulated time of service. They have been renovated to suit the purpose and fitted with cushions and LCD screen giving information to the mother and her relatives about childcare. The initiative was taken to reduce Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Mother Mortality Rate (MMR) in the state.

GVK EMRI 108 officials said that they have deployed 20 ambulances across the state in the first phase. The number will reach 124 in six months. "The vans will be equipped with en route video display about newborn care. On the lines of 108 ambulances, the vehicles will be monitored by a central control room," said a senior EMRI official.

Gujarat succeeds where Delhi fails, says Modi (http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/article/3/20120907201209070258162707221fab9/Gujarat-succeeds-where-Delhi-fails-says-Modi.html)

Delegates from across the world had assembled to discuss the best practices in bus rapid transport system (BRTS), but Chief Minister Narendra Modi chose the occasion to take a dig at the Union government. Inaugurating the conference on Thursday, he said, “Gujarat succeeds where Delhi fails.” Gujarat began working on BRTS before Delhi started its project but nobody paid attention to it. When BRTS failed in Delhi, people started looking at the success of BRTS in Gujarat, he said. Spelling out the state’s plan to improve infrastructure for transportation in the state, he said Multi- Model Affordable Transportation Authority (MATA) was formed to work on an integrated transport system for the entire city. MATA would also work for establishing better connectivity between cities and districts.

Modi also told the delegates about the state’s plan to start a ferry service in the 500-km-long Narmada canal that passes by the city. Also, the 1600-km-long coast of the state will have a ferry service. Municipal Commissioner Guruprasad Mohapatra said the municipal corporation was planning to increase the floor-space index (FSI) on either flank of the BRTS stretch. This will boost trade in the city. Sources later said FSI may be increased to 3 from the current 1.8. This will result in hectic building activity and attract more business houses along the BRTS stretches. Dr Mohapatra also announced plans to induct 200 air-conditioned buses in BRTS by the end of 2013.

Cattle feed processing plant inaugurated in Mehsana (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Cattle-feed-processing-plant-inaugurated-in-Mehsana/articleshow/16335482.cms?)

AHMEDABAD: Chief minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a cattle-feed factory and an institute for dairy technology at Mahesana's Dudhsagar dairy in Jagudan area.

Speaking on the occasion Modi admitted that the cattle-rearing sector has been neglected in the country. "Milk productivity per animal in India is lower when compared to other parts of the world. This is the reason why the cattle-breeders in India have not become prosperous," he said.

While highlighting the state's initiatives in the field of cattle-rearing Modi said, "Saurashtra did not have cattle-feed processing plants and there was also a shortage of cheaper cattle-feed. The state government recently announced a Rs 30 crore scheme for setting up of a cattle-feed factory in the co-operative sector."

The government, he claimed, has also set up Kamdhenu University to create a pool of manpower for encouraging scientific cattle-rearing techniques in Gujarat.

Chairman of Dudhsagar Dairy Vipul Chaudhary said that the cattle feed processing factory is the biggest in the country and will process 10 lakh kilograms of cattle-feed per day.

Narendra Modi inaugurates district help centre at Vyara (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Narendra-Modi-inaugurates-district-help-centre-at-Vyara/articleshow/16335281.cms)

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a Rs 90 crore district seva-sadan for the tribal dominated Vyara of Tapi district. The new seva-sadan is Gujarat's first eco-friendly district help centre which includes offices of the revenue, panchayat and police bhavan at one place.

During the occasion Modi handed over land entitlement letters worth Rs 27 crore to about 5,100 tribals. He also distributed smart health card to the beneficiaries of Mukhyamantri Amrutam scheme.

Modi claimed that the state government has approved four irrigation schemes of Rs 400 crore. These schemes include link canal of Ukai right bank, Rs 330 crore irrigation scheme spreading over 25,000 acres covering 62 villages by constructing Ukai Gordha link, Rs 10 crore for removing silt from 100 year old Doshavada lake, 11 lift irrigation schemes for Nizar-Uchchal-Songadh covering 10,000 acres.

He also announced the state government's plan's for setting up of an engineering college for Tapi.

Shamlaji Temple Redevelopment Project

?v=FsQ-U1B5tWw

Facilities to be provided in the first phase:


Access Improvement
Town Front development
Bus stand improvement
Jeep & Taxi stand
Parking provision
Temple access
Pedestrian provisions
Pradakshina Path
Access to river and ghat
Temple facilities
Shopping ans public plaza
Food court
Affordable housing
Road infrastructure
Public facilities


Again I hope they provide stalls at the food court to the displaced owners and food carts...rest everything is just fantastic. Rajasthan govt should learn from this and develop (or at least clean) Nathdwara.

Global giants are vying for ‘Made in Gujarat’ products

Source (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/09/17&PageLabel=4&EntityId=Ar00400&ViewMode=HTML)

Boeing uses chemical sourced from the state to ensure safer flights
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/09/17/4/Img/Pc0041400.jpg


Ahmedabad: While Indians vie for imported personal care products, global giants have focused their attention on small pharma and healthcare firms in Gujarat for the unique products manufactured here.

For instance, world’s largest retailer Walmart’s toothpaste is manufactured at Sihor in Bhavnagar. Goran Pharma, which produces several other personal care products like hand wash, hand sanitizer, antiseptic, toiletries, shampoo and creams, also supplies products to two biggest retail chains in Australia and to companies in the UK and Germany.

“It is important that assurance and adherence to the best quality standards, as laid down by them are followed,” said Hemant Dholakia, managing director, Goran Pharma.

Similarly, Valsad-based Atul Ltd is a leading manufacturer of Dapsone, an anti-bacterial drug. According to Gujarat government officials, the drug is sourced by American multinational Boeing as a chemical for sturdy fiber used in building the airplane.

“Dapsone, which is originally used to treat leprosy, is being supplied to Boeing to build its containers. Another company, Vapi-based Perstorp Chemicals, has become the only company in the world to supply herbal extract of balsam tolu in large quantities, after a similar plant in China was scrapped recently,” said HG Koshia, commissioner, Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA), Gujarat.

The Gujarat government is in the process of making a coffee table book profiling such companies in the state. The book will be launched and presented to multinationals during Vibrant Gujarat summit in January 2013.

The food industry in Arab countries relies on Patel Remedies, a Junagadh-based manufacturer of Papain powder, a papaya extract for softening meat, including Halal meat. The enzyme in the extract is also used in biscuits, beer, cosmetics and cancer drugs. The latex extract from papaya fruit, called enzymes are supplied to US-based DSM, which markets the enzyme to the food, beer and drug industries.

“We started exporting to some countries on a small scale a few years ago. Today, our exports are worth Rs 100 crore,” said Maganbhai Patel, managing director, Patel Remedies, which has set up extraction centres across the country and processes the enzyme at its Junagadh unit.

Zantac, a product of British multinational GlaxoSmith-Kline (GSK) to cure acidity, contains a medicine called ranitidine hydrochloride. “Ranitidine hydrochloride is produced at our plant in Rajkot for GSK and domestic companies like Zydus Cadila and Cadila Pharmaceuticals,” said Vasant Bhalodia, managing director, Orchev Pharma.

Gujarat had first mooted metro project in 1987

Source (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/09/17&PageLabel=5&EntityId=Ar00503&ViewMode=HTML)


Ahmedabad: It is like resurrecting a plan from the ashes. The metro rail project, which is touted to change the local transit system between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, was actually mooted in 1987.

Shelved away in the dingy corners of Gujarat assembly records is the state’s first proposal for a metro rail between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. This was a significant document prepared in March 1987 by a committee set up by the state assembly to draw a road map for the metro plan. The committee was headed by Govind Patel. Chief town planner V B Shah was put in charge of preparing a feasibility report for the project.

The issue was timely as the many in the government felt that unless a reliable mass transport was provided between the two cities, Gandhinagar would never develop as an institutional area. The Gujarat state transport department by this time was incurring losses of up to Rs 3 crore per annum by running buses between the two cities. By this time, the Calcutta metro rail had finished construction of the first phase between Esplanade and Bhowanipur in 1984 and was in the news for being the first underground metro in the country.

The planners, according to the document, wanted an underground metro rail line between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar just like that of Kolkatta. The committee also decided to approach the planning commission with the proposal for inclusion of the metro rail in the five year plans.

“There is a regional rail between the two cities, which is hardly being used and serves little purpose. We need a mass transport system that takes people to important transit nodes that eases their purpose of travel, rather making it more cumbersome,” claimed the report. “An underground metro rail is more feasible model between the two cities as future road expansion will be possible with the increase in population along the routes,” said the report.

“Gandhinagar had yearned to be a vibrant city with its open spaces and good transportation connectivity. a good city is one which takes care of the education of your children, working place at stones throw distance and good transport connectivity,” said a senior urban development official.

Gujarat has a strong system to enable PPP projects: report (http://www.firstpost.com/economy/gujarat-has-a-strong-system-to-enable-ppp-projects-report-459754.html)

London: Terming the Gujarat government as “fiscally credible”, a two-year review of the Indian infrastructure sector conducted by London’s financial district lauds the state’s performance in implementing public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

The review by the City of London released last evening during a seminar on India said that the legal framework for PPP in the state is “solid”, and that the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Act (1999) sets a “comprehensive framework” for a variety of projects.

During the seminar attended by leading lights of India’s business and financial sectors, development in Gujarat was described as “amazing” by Nasser Munjee, Chairman of Development Credit Bank.

The City of London refers to a small part of London and often stands for the UK’s financial services industry. The City has an office in Mumbai to strengthen trade and investment links between India and the UK.

The Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB) oversees PPP projects and provides a “relatively high
standard of expertise and judgement”, the review said. “Institutionally, Gujarat has a strong system, with a clear delineation of responsibilities between the GIDB, and the line departments of procuring government agencies. The technical expertise of GIDB is also adjudged to be high,” it added.

The GIDB provides a fair and clear mechanism for the selection of concessionaires, and “in practice, this system typically works well”, the review said.

“In terms of financing, Gujarat is in a strong position, having emerged as a top investment destination in India; the government is also fiscally credible, meaning that payment risk is considered very low,” it said.

The Gujarat State Guarantee Redemption Fund (initiated in 2010) acts as a cushion for contingent liabilities arising out of state guarantees, the review adds, and quotes a recent report of the Asian Development Bank that the state is the “best destination” in India for PPP projects.

Overall, the review for the years 2010-2012 concludes that while India’s PPP framework has improved, further coordination at a central level is needed, “as well as improvement to governance capabilities for infrastructure projects across India if it is to meet its infrastructure development target”.

Coca-Cola to set up India's biggest water plant in Gujarat (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/indl-goods/svs/engineering/coca-cola-to-set-up-indias-biggest-water-plant-in-gujarat/articleshow/16484231.cms)

NEW DELHI: Beverages giant Coca-Cola plans to build the country's biggest production facility for packaged water in Gujarat for more than Rs 200 crore, an official involved in the development said.

The Greenfield plant will be set up by Coca-Cola India's bottling arm Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages.

It will have a capacity to produce more than 700 bottles per minute and, besides water brand Kinley, it will test flavoured and fortified waters. "The plant may also include production lines for carbonated drinks," the person said.

A Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages spokesman neither denied nor confirmed the development, but said the company is investing in manufacturing and distribution capabilities for packaged drinking water without sharing details.

The development is part of Coca-Cola's push to accelerate growth in India following a global restructuring last week that said the new operating unit is in keeping with business priorities positioned to capture 'latent growth potential' in the region.

Both Coca-Cola and rival PepsiCo are moving to broadbase their portfolios to include functional and fortified beverages and reduce dependence on core cola.

The retail packaged water market in the country is estimated at about Rs 2,000 core, growing at about 15% a year. Small and regional brands account for almost three-fourths of the overall market in this low-margin business. With limited consumer brand pull, the category is heavily dependent on distribution channels, supply chains and retail presence.

Globally, Coca-Cola's packaged water brands include Dasani and Vitaminwater Zero. In India, however, the firm sells only Kinley, which competes with category leader Bisleri, owned by bottler-entrepreneur Ramesh Chauhan, PepsiCo's Aquafina, Tata Group's Himalayan and Narang Group's Qua. Coca-Cola's other premium water brand in India, Bonaqua, sells only in and around Delhi.

Volkswagen, Tata Motors enter into MoUs with Gujarat Govt for skills development


Ahmedabad, Sept 21:

Automobile majors Volkswagen and Tata Motors, besides 117 other industries, have signed MoUs with the Gujarat Government to develop industry responsive skill in workers, an official spokesman said here on Friday.

The State Labour and Employment Department had signed these MoUs at a function held here on Thursday.

The event was attended by over 5,000 participants, with representatives from industries, educationists and training providers from ITIs, engineering and management institutes, and government authorities.

Representatives from nearly 300 skill development centres were also present.

In his keynote address, Chief Minister Narendra Modi said that more than 50 per cent of it in Gujarat now operate in PPP mode. More than 50 crore people would be required to be skill-trained in India by 2022.


Source (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/article3922131.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home)

Nice.

woo hoo.......

State highways' quality flies over global standard


http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2012/10/10/2/Img/Pc0021100.jpg

GANDHINAGAR: In its latest report, the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the World Bank has said that Gujarat state highways' International Roughness Index (IRI) - the commonly used method worldwide for evaluating quality of road - is better than the internationally desirable level.

Saying that it is "less than 4 metres per km", the study adds, prior to 2000, when the Bank began funding 16 state highway projects, the IRI was quite bad, ranging between 6 metres per km to 20 metres per km. Called "Project Performance Assessment Report: India", it was prepared in June 2012 and released this month.

The report says, on completion of the project in 2007, things began to improve, and between October 2011 and February 2012, when the IEG studied the roads, IRI was better than the internationally desirable level of 4 metres per km in 13 out of 16 state highways. The three highways that failed to meet international standards were Vadodara-Padra-Jambusar (4.18 metres per km), Halol-Godhra (4.24) and Bharuch-Dahej (4.02). Giving full marks to the state roads and buildings (R&B) department for this, the study says, it "managed the project in a professional manner."

Praising state highways maintenance, the study says, "The administrative cost in the capital maintenance and maintenance budget was reduced by almost half from 30 per cent at project approval to 15.7 per cent on project completion, The figure for 2011 shows a further decrease to 11.5 per cent, indicating an impressive and continued improvement beyond the project." The "maintenance backlog" in these years went down from 10,000 km when the project began to 1,290 km in 2011.

Based on its evaluation, the report, which also compares Gujarat state highways with that of Karnataka, has rated "implementation completion and results" of the Gujarat state highways as "highly satisfactory" as against Karnataka's merely "satisfactory". This, it believes, has happened because Gujarat has been a "pioneer" in pursuing economic reforms not just in the roads sector but also in fiscal policy, power, and education, and private sector participation in infrastructure.

This is the third Bank report in three years in praise of state highways. The first one, in August 2010, "Good Governance in Highway Sector: Learning from Gujarat", said the "exemplary" reforms in Gujarat's roads sector should be replicated by other states. The second one, a year later, "Lessons from International Experience: Road Asset Management", prepared for the Planning Commission of the Government of India, took almost the same view, adding, reforms in the state roads sector come "closer to international standards" and these could be followed by other developing countries.


Source (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/State-highways-quality-flies-over-global-standard/articleshow/16746906.cms)

RIL looks to expand refining capacity at Jamnagar (http://business-standard.com/india/news/ril-looks-to-expand-refining-capacity/191249/on)

Mukesh Ambani promoted Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is looking to expand its refining capacity at Jamnagar in Gujarat. The company ranks second in domestic refining sector after IndianOil that has a capacity of 65.7 million tonnes.

"Our chairman (Mukesh Ambani) has said Reliance will be doubling profit. Downstream (oil refining and marketing) are very much part of this plan" Tony Fountain, chief executive officer of refining and marketing at RIL told reporters at the ongoing Petrotech 2012.

RIL owns and operates a 33 million tonne domestic tariff area or DTA refinery that sells bulk of its produce at domestic market. It also operates a 29 million tonnes refinery in a special economic zone in Gujarat dedicated to exports.

"We are very much looking at all sorts of plans", he said. "We are looking at options at both DTA and SEZ refineries". However, he did not share details of the refining capex.

At its annual general meeting (AGM) in June this year, Ambani said the company aims to invest Rs 100,000 crore in its petrochemical, oil and gas business along with new sectors of telecom and retail business to double profit. However, he did not speak on refinery expansion.

RIL is setting up a $4 billion petroleum coke gasification project that will replace expensive LNG as fuel at its refineries. "We are adding significant project of petroleum coke gasification", Fountain said.

The country’s oil refining capacity is expected to rise 24% to about 267 million tonnes by 2015-16 as both public and private sector refiners have lined up expansions. The country presently has 25 oil refineries with a crude oil processing capacity of 215.066 million tonnes. This will rise to 264.966 million tonnes by 2015-16, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas R P N Singh had said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha in August this year.

Batting for a level-playing field in retail fuel business, Fountain said the government should either free diesel pricing from its control or provide subsidy equivalent to private firms too.

He said the company continues to keep most of its 1,452 petrol pumps closed in absence of a level playing field with its main public sector competition.

While the government has freed petrol pricing, diesel continues to be sold at highly subsidized rates. “We are not selling diesel anywhere… only a few outlets are operating (for petrol sales),”he said. “We were 13% of the market (before outlets were shutdown as it could not complete with public sector).”
“We are ready to reopen (petrol pumps) if the fiscal environment is right,” he said.

Award for Reliance Industries Jamnagar refinery (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/award-for-reliance-industries-jamnagar-refinery/article3999119.ece)

Reliance Industries Ltd’s (RIL) SEZ refinery at Jamnagar has won the ‘Globe of Honour Award’ for excellence in environmental management. The award is given by the British Safety Council, London.

This is the first time that a Reliance Industries’ manufacturing site has been bestowed with such a coveted award. The award will be presented at a celebratory luncheon at Mansion House in the City of London on November 23.

In all, there were 13 applicants with nine receiving the Globe of Honour award. All applications were marked by an independent adjudicator.

To be nominated for the award, applicant organisations needed to demonstrate a culture of best practice for health and safety throughout the business — from the boardroom to the shop floor.

The British Safety Council is a global health, safety and environmental charity. For over 50 years, the British Safety Council has been a champion of workplace health and safety.

Land acquisition starts for 6-lane Dholera road

Source (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/10/16&PageLabel=8&EntityId=Ar00801&ViewMode=HTML)


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Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad district officials have begun the process of acquiring land for a six-lane road that will connect Ahmedabad to Dholera’s special investment region (SIR).

Sources said that the land acquisition for the metro project connecting city and Dholera SIR has also begun simultaneously. Officials said that in all 9.16 lakh sq metre land will be acquired for the two projects.

The state government had in mid-September — just before the elections were announced — put on the fast track the work for introducing six town planning (TP) schemes across the 902 sq km area of the Dholera SIR.

The government has also announced that Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad-Dholera stretch will be covered in two legs, from Gandhinagar to Ahmedabad and from Ahmedabad to Dholera by metro.

Elevated metro has been proposed for the 100 km stretch. This will provide faster movement and will be important for the new international airport which is coming up in the region.

The metro has also been approved under DMIC master plan by the central government.

Officials said that the land is being acquired expeditiously as the work is expected to commence by January.

Karjan farmers say wont give land for Expressway (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/karjan-farmers-say-won-t-give-land-for-expressway/1027443/)

The farmers of Kanbha and Bodka villages in Karjan taluka of Vadodara district on Monday said they would not surrender their land for acquisition for the proposed Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway and requested the special land acquisition officer to trash the project to save their livelihood.

“We have submitted that if the project is pushed forward, 36 farmers of Kanbha would lose their land. They are all marginal farmers and would no longer remain farmers if their land was acquired. They will have no means of livelihood,” said Akbar Saiyed, sarpanch of Kanbha.

The sarpanch made the submission before Ramesh Chaudhary, special land acquisition officer (Unit-I) during a public hearing in the village over the project. “Farmers of our village have already lost land to Narmada canal. Moreover, the National Highway 8 is being expanded. So, there is no need for this expressway,” Saiyed added.

The sarpanch said they had demanded that if the land was to be acquired in any case, the affected farmers should be provided farming land as compensation.

Around 25 farmers of neighbouring Bodka village made the same demand during a hearing there.

Chaudhary said he had taken a note of farmers’ objections and would scrutinise them. “This was a primary hearing under Section 3(a) of National Highways Authority of India Act 1956. The objections would be scrutinised and a final decision on them would be announced. We will also hear individual farmers,” said the officer.

Convenor of Akta Gramin Praja Vichar Manch, a forum fighting for rights of farmers, also demanded scrapping of the multi-crore project.

"Akta Gramin Praja Vichar Manch" is allied to anti-industrial campaigner Kanubhai Kalsaria.

Worth noting that Govt of Gujarat managed to acquire all the necessary land in going through the same region for the Dedicated Freight Corridor under Gujarat Land Acquisition model.

Karjan farmers say wont give land for Expressway (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/karjan-farmers-say-won-t-give-land-for-expressway/1027443/)



"Akta Gramin Praja Vichar Manch" is allied to anti-industrial campaigner Kanubhai Kalsaria.

Worth noting that Govt of Gujarat managed to acquire all the necessary land in going through the same region for the Dedicated Freight Corridor under Gujarat Land Acquisition model.

I think land for land is good policy.

Think it through, it cant possibly work. Are NHAI meant to buy land from farmer A for expressway, then buy land from farmer B to give as compensation to farmer A, then buy land from farmer C to give as compensation to farmer B, then buy land from farmer D to give as compensation to farmer C etc etc etc...

Its a demand that simply cannot be met without moving the famers to a different part of the state altogether.

Details of the Govt of Gujarat land acquisition policy can be seen in this (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article956957.ece) article. That model has worked perfectly fine for acquiring land for DFC in the same farm belt, I dont know what exactly NHAI have been offering farmers, but clearly something has gone wrong somewhere along the line. It really is frustrating to see the uselessness of Central agencies at handling important projects when compared to similar things done by Govt of Gujarat.

but acquiring land has to be done. ppl cant stay with agriculture for ever. more industry SVP

General Motors to expand its Halol plant in Gujarat (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/11/17/general-motors-to-expand-its-halol-plant-in-gujarat/)

US car maker General Motors today said it would shortly have 1.10 lakh units annual commissioned capacity at its Halol plant in Gujarat, up from its present installed annual capacity of 85,000 units.The company is planning to roll out the new eight seater MPV -Enjoy- from its Gujarat plant in the next couple of months according to the company’s Vice-President (Corporate Communication) P Balendran.

“Halol capacity was short…so it is being expanded. With the inauguration of a press shop at Halol, it is now an integrated manufacturing plant,” Balendran said.

The company has phased out few of its models such as the Chevrolet Optra and Aveo. “After phasing out of models like Chervolet Optra and Aveo and the launch of Chevrolet Sail U-VA a hatchback, we plan to roll out a new sedan model of Sail by the next month,” he said.

Maruti puts Gujarat plan in fast-lane (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Maruti-puts-Gujarat-plan-in-fast-lane/articleshow/17316459.cms)

Eschewing doubts of Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) keeping its Gujarat plans on hold, the company sped up its journey from Hamamatsu to Hansalpur via Haryana. Sources suggest that the company decided to change gear after its board approved fast-tracking the Gujarat plant, where the company will invest close to Rs 4,000 crore.

Chief minister Narendra Modi too, during his Japan visit, pitched scaling up capacity at the Gujarat plant and putting the project on the fast track, to the top brass of Suzuki Motor Corp.

In August this year, MSIL paid the first installment of Rs 22 crore for the 640 acres of land allotted to them at Hansalpur in Ahmedabad. The land has been allotted at Rs 673 per square metre and payment will be made in eight installments totaling around Rs 175 crore.

MSIL has already awarded a contract for building the outer wall of the earmarked area for the plant with an annual capacity of 2.5 lakh cars. "To start with we are working on the boundary wall with L&T. Details of the project are still being worked out," said M M Singh, chief operating officer (production), MSIL. When contacted, L&T officials refused to divulge details of the contract.

Chief operating officer (administration) S Y Siddiqui on Wednesday said the company will start constructing the plant next year. Earlier, senior MSIL officials, including chairman R C Bhargava, suggested that looking at the market conditions, the plant would not begin operations before 2016.

Company sources said the MSIL board is mulling rolling out its all new diesel engines from Gujarat. "Work to develop a small two-cylinder 800cc diesel engine is underway in Japan. Once the development is completed, there the project will come to India. The MSIL board is yet to decide on whether they will begin commercial production of the engine from the new facility or the one at Manesar," said a source.

Adani, Shapoorji offer sites for IOC refinery (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Adani-Shapoorji-offer-sites-for-IOC-refinery/articleshow/17394333.cms)

Flagship refiner-marketer IOC is in touch with Gujarat-based Adani and Mumbai-based Shapoorji Pallonji groups for land to set up a refinery on the west coast at an investment of Rs 30,000. Sources said the Adani group has offered land at Mundra region in Gujarat, where it is operating a port, and Shapoorji Pallonji group has offered a site in Saurashtra.

IndianOil director (refineries) Rajkumar Ghosh on Tuesday said the company was looking for sites for the new unit in Gujarat and Maharashtra. "We are looking at options to set up a 15 million tonne refinery on the west coast."

"We have commissioned Engineers India Ltd to do a configuration and location study for the west coast refinery," Ghosh said, adding the study is likely to come in by year-end after which the company will commission a detailed feasibility report.

The west coast refinery is to come up by the 13th five year plan. Ghosh said IOC has plans to raise its refining capacity to 100 million tonnes by 2021-22.

Hopefully IOC will choose Gujarat and this will turn into another major investment in Kutch/Saurashtra.

Shapoorji Pallonji recently announced an LNG terminal as a JV with Hindustan Petroleum for their upcoming deepwater port near Simar in Jungadh District. link (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/shapoorji-pallonji-plans-deepwater-port-in-gujarat/article4037747.ece)

Adobe enables electronic issue of official documents in 18,000 Gujarat villages (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/software-services/Adobe-enables-electronic-issue-of-official-documents-in-18000-Gujarat-villages/articleshow/17404484.cms?)

AHMEDABAD: Villages in Gujarat can now easily access their official documents, certificates and other government services online. Adobe Systems Incorporated has deployed its software across 18,000 villages in the state, transforming all the paper-based work into digital system.

This project is a collaboration between Adobe and the Panchayat Rural Housing and Rural Development Department, Government of Gujarat. Under the initiative, a range of services including certificates of birth, death, income, caste, domicile, property, residence proof, agriculture, tax collection, marriage, family information and land ownership will be issued, managed and stored electronically.

Umang Bedi, managing director, South Asia, Adobe said, "Besides transition from the old, paper-based system to the digital era, the project will also remove red tape, waiting period and bring in an effective grievance system. The design is so simple that even a non-savvy user can avail the services with ease."

The initiative of the Gujarat Government aims to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural Gujarat by providing citizens access to digital information for all government documentation.

"This technology will truly touch the grassroots of India. We have been progressively testing and adding the service to each village over the last six months. Our engineering centres in Gandhinagar will take up queries in terms of any doubt or technical glitch," said Bedi.

A K Rakesh, development commissioner, Government of Gujarat said, "Earlier, citizens had to travel to the district taluka for these requirements. Life has become much simpler for them."

Hitachi Hi-Rel starts operations at new facility in Gujarat
12 Dec, 2012, 1823 hrs IST, PTI
NEW DELHI: Japanese firm Hitachi Ltd today said it has initiated manufacturing operations at a new facility in Gujarat. Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics, a group firm of Hitachi, has started operations at a new manufacturing facility in the Sanand-II Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) Estate, Hitachi said in a statement. "With this new factory now operating alongside its existing Gandhinagar factory, Hitachi Hi-Rel intends to enhance the lineup of industrial power electronics for use in plants in fields such as power generation, steel making, and chemicals," it added. The new factory will produce industrial power electronics products such as medium-voltage and low voltage inverter drives steel automation drives and industrial automation products to increase its lineup of offerings. In order to expand business, Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics is also looking at increasing production capacity and exporting products to regions like Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa among others. "Through these and other measures, Hitachi Hi-Rel aims to generate revenues of 8 billion Indian Rupees in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016," the company said. Hi-Rel Electronics became a subsidiary of Hitachi in October 2011.

ONGC proposes integrated FDP for all discoveries in Nadiad and Vadatal areas

ONGC has proposed submission of an integrated Field Development Plan for discoveries made in two contiguous NELP blocks CB-QNN-2001/1 (Nadlad-1) and CB-ONN-2004/2 (Vadatal-1, 3 and 5) in Cambay Basin of Gujarat. ONGC has mentioned that it proposes to submit an integrated FDP with common surface facilities for all the discoveries of Nadiad and Vadatal development areas. According to the Company officials, this approach would facilitate early monetization of the production from these blocks with considerable cost savings.

ONGC as operator has made four discoveries in two contiguous NELP blocks namely CB-ONN-200.1/1 (Nadlad-l) & CB-ONN-2004/2(Vadatal- 1, 3 & 5). As per the Company, geographical contiguity and play similarity in these blocks would provide an opportunity to the operator to go for a cost optimized development plan for all these discoveries on a fast track. In Block CB-ONN-2001/1, ONGC is the sole Contractor and in Block CB-ONN-2004/2, ONGC (55%) and GSPC (45%) are the consortia members with ONGC being the Operator.

In the northern Block CB-ONN-2001/1 measuring an area of 215 sq. km, one oil discovery Nadiad-l was made in Phase-II and was notified to DGH in May 2009. Declaration of Commerciality for the discovery was submitted to DGH on in March 2012 as per PSC timelines and is presently under examination at DGH. At the expiry of Phase-II on February 21, 2009 ONGC relinquished 189 Sq.Km. of the block area and retained 26 sq. km discovery area to pursue Nadiad-l discovery.

In the southern Block CB-ONN-2004/2 measuring an area of 423 Sq.Km, the contractor has, so far, made three oil discoveries namely Vadatal-l, Vadatal-3 and Vadatal-5 reservoirs under Phase-I which is valid up to June 18, 2013. The drilling commitment under Phase-I is of 8 wells out of which 6 wells have been drilled. Out of the two remaining Minimum Work Programme wells, one well is under drilling. These wells will further probe the hydrocarbon potential of the block.

The geological and geophysical data analysis indicates that considerable data has been acquired through the exploratory wells drilled and will not require appraisal wells for Vadatal-3 and Vadatal-5 discoveries advancing the process for early monetization through development. ONGC mentioned that the declaration of commerciality submission deadline for Vadatal-5 is January 9, 2014. However in the proposed scenario of integrated development of these discoveries operator is intending to submit FDP by July 2013.

Conceptual production profile for the discoveries made so far has been drawn. Peak production from block CB-ONN-2004/2 is projected to be 1375 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) and for Block CB-ONN-2001/1 113 BOPD. However, these are expected to undergo modifications by integration of data from the wells under drilling.

http://www.projectsmonitor.com/COAL/ongc-proposes-integrated-fdp-for-all-discoveries-in-nadiad-and-vadatal-areas

Nadiad-Modasa road upgradation by July 2014


Nadiad-Madhudha-Kathlal-Kapadwanj-Bayad-Modasa road upgradation project is likely to be completed by July 2014. DBL Nadiad Modasa Tollways Limited (DNMTL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) incorporated and owned by Dilip Buildcon Limited is implementing the project. The company has entered into a 14-year Concession Agreement with Roads & Building Department, Government of Gujarat for the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) of 108.40 km road project. The total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 207.22 crore and the company has already achieved financial closure for the project. Dilip Buildcon will undertake the project for a fixed price of Rs.183.89 crore.

http://www.projectsmonitor.com/ROADWAY/nadiadmodasa-road-upgradation-by-july-2014

I think land for land is good policy.

i think because that land between tapi to mahi is the most fertile land in Gujarat and no one wants to give up that kind of asset unless they get paid very well. I myself hold few farms in kanam (area in between mahi to Narmada) area that is called as one of the most fertile region in India.

Narendra Modi reviews water grid works in Saurashtra/Kutch (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/12/19/narendra-modi-reviews-water-grid-works-in-saurashtrakutch/)

Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi today reviewed the progress of ongoing Narmada oriented water supply works in Saurashtra and Kutch in a high-level meeting in Gandhinagar.

As per the orders of the Election Commission of India, the execution of time-table of Narmada water supply in Saurashtra and Kutch was delayed. The Cheif Minister had promised the people of Rajkot that Narmada based canal pipeline water grid supply will begin after voting. As per the details shared in the meeting today, a ministerial sub-committee in Gujarat had finalized a time-table for completion of various branch-canal works in Saurashtra in August 2012. As per the timetable, 971 more villages and 21 more towns of Saurashtra-Kutch regions are supplied Narmada water in last four and half months through pipelines. Rajkot has started getting supply of 14 crore litre water from today itself.

In the meeting, the CM said that Narmada branch canal oriented pipeline works should be completed on war foot basis in all rural and urban areas of 8 districts of Saurashtra and Kutch before the limits prescribed in timetable.

The water supply department has connected 5588 villages and 79 cities of Saurashtra and Kutch through Narmada based pipeline and local water supply projects.

Narmada oriented water grid work was reviewed in the meeting. As per the details shared in the meeting:

Daily 36 crore liter water supply to 1045 villages and 23 towns in Rajkot, Jamnagar and Porbandar district from Malia canal head-works.

Daily 19 crore liter water supply to Kutch district’s 801 villages and 8 towns from Malia headworks.

Daily 17 crore liter water supply to 2325 villages and 38 towns of Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Junagadh and Porbandar districts from Navda head-works.

Daily water supply to 1045 villages and 23 towns of Rajkot and Jamnagar districts from Sadulka(Dhrangadhra branch canal).

Water supply to Khambhalia and Kalyanpur by connecting 606 villages and 14 towns ahead of Jamnagar district’s Panchdevda.

8 crore liter water supply project through pumping in Dholidhaja dam and Thangadh-Ratanpar pipeline works are to be completed on war foot basis.

Capacity of Navda head-works pumping stations raised to 44 crore liter from earlier 35 crore liter in August 2012. By April 2013, a grand pumping station will be able to supply 60 crore liter water. Thus 15 crore liter water supply has been added to this pipeline network. At present the works for daily 100 crore liter Narmada water supply and 163 crore liter locally sourced water supply are in progress.

The meeting also discussed SAUNI project.


Great to see project news from Gujarat again rather than just election news :lol:

This will give a major boost to solving Saurashtra's water woes.

Narendra Modi reviews water grid works in Saurashtra/Kutch (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/12/19/narendra-modi-reviews-water-grid-works-in-saurashtrakutch/)



Great to see project news from Gujarat again rather than just election news :lol:

Gujarat is the state where development continues even after completion of election. Resurfacing work on many roads in Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar are started just after election day. :)

^^
Cool!! Which ones?

I'd read that many resurfacing projects were stuck due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct.

^^ Some portion of Ch Road, Kh Road (Where the Mahatma Mandir lies) in Gandhinagar, some stretches of SG Highway and work on RTO-Chandkheda BRTS route is in full progress..

Kind of a cross between Sabarmati Riverfront and Khari-cut Canal development, but its the location rather than the scale of the project that is the significant thing :okay:


Himmatnagar Canal-front Development (u/c)
link (http://www.hcp.co.in/project-details/61/73/230/canal-front-development)

The main canal from the Hathmati river passes through Himatnagar dividing the city. This canal is used for irrigation purposes but for most of the year it has little or no water flowing through it. The canal acts as a divide and the canal front itself is not usable by the public. Furthermore, storm water and sewerage lines open into the canal thereby making it an unpleasant feature within the city. The canal development project aims to turn the presently unused and decaying Hathmati Canal into an area that can be used as a space for social interactions and reconnect the two parts of the city.

The main challenge of the project is efficient water management, as the site is located in a dry region. Keeping this in mind, the design of the project will use a sustainable approach and try to incorporate various water recycling, ground water recharge and rainwater harvesting techniques.

The canal development project will hold water for a stretch of almost a kilometer. The project will provide access to the water and spaces of various kinds for public use which will include a landscaped linear park. There will also be shops, informal markets, and outdoor eating facilities, on the canal front on either side. The project also proposes three pedestrian links across the canal that connects into the existing fabric for facilitating pedestrian movement. The water quality will be maintained through a well-designed aerating system which will also function as a water feature in itself. The project aims to be completely self-financing in the long term by generating revenue from the proposed commercial development.




Plan

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3108/masterplan.jpg

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/5663/123dimensionalmodel.jpg

Renders

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1693/08ghatsandlowerpromenad.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/4480/09viewofthepedestrianbr.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/1743/viewofthecommercialcent.jpg

Before and after shots (Still u/c)

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5377/existingandconstruction.jpg

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/7325/ongoingconstructiondeve.jpg

:eek2:

Where did this come from? Absolutely mind-blowing considering it is in a town having a population of 2 lakh people only.

Whoever thought of this, hats off to them :applause:

Towns of 1,00,000 to 5,00,000 are actually crucial for sustainable urbanisation. If there could be more such projects across Gujarat, it would be really good. I am eager to see how this shapes up. :)

Maruti Suzuki to set up second plant in Gujarat; acquires 600 acres
NEW DELHI: Maruti SuzukiBSE -0.88 % India today said it has started spadework to set up its second facility in Gujarat with acquisition of another 600 acres, in addition to its existing plan to invest Rs 4,000 crore for setting up a plant in the state.

The company also said it expects about 6-7 per cent sales growth in 2013-14 after closing the current fiscal with about 6 per cent rise in vehicle sales.

The country's largest car maker also said it will not enter the premium segment of passenger cars in India and will "protect" its image of a small car manufacturer.

"We have land at two locations in Gujarat. The first one is offered by the government and the second one is a private land that is directly acquired by us with some negotiations by the government," Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) Chairman R C Bhargava told reporters here.

The company has acquired about 600 acres, located about 40 km from the first site near Mehsana, he added.

"The second location is for our future expansion. Once we exhaust the capacity at the first site, we will move to the second one," Bhargava said.

He, however, did not share details such as when the firm is likely to start construction at the second site.

When asked if MSI is shifting its focus from Haryana, where it has recently witnessed severe labour unrest, Bhargava said: "We are not moving away from Haryana. We have two plants in the state and going to Gujarat after utilising the capacity completely at Gurgaon and Manesar. We will do the same once we exhaust the capacity in Gujarat also."

He said the company will do the ground breaking ceremony for the Gujarat facility early next year.

MSI had earlier this year announced to invest Rs 4,000 crore, its biggest ever outside Haryana, to set up a 700-acre new production facility in Gujarat by 2015-16. Besides, components suppliers of the company are also likely to make an equal amount of investment to set up their respective plants. The capacity in the first phase will be 2.5 lakh units a year.

Talking about the company's performance in this fiscal, Bhargava said: "We are going to end this year with a growth of about 6 per cent over last year. Overall, there is a sign of softening in India's car market due to various factors."

During the next financial year, the company is not expecting anything better than the current fiscal and it will grow in single digit only, he added.

"We hope to grow 6-7 per cent growth at best in next fiscal, which is going to be the election year and so we don't expect anything drastic happening," Bhargava said.

Commenting on exports, MSI Managing Director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi said MSI is finding it tough due to the decline in European market.

"Last year we had a total export of 1.27 lakh units. This year we may be a little less than that because of the slowdown in Europe, which used to be our biggest overseas market."

Wow I never thought I would see something like that from Himmatnagar and its already under construction. :okay:

Kind of a cross between Sabarmati Riverfront and Khari-cut Canal development, but its the location rather than the scale of the project that is the significant thing :okay:

It's unbelievable.. I have heard somewhere that twin cities of Surendrangar-Wadhwan will also have a riverfront in future on river Bhogavo. Gujarat govt is really serious about developing public space and environmental planning. Now Gujarat has all kind of waterfronts (lakefront, riverfront, canal-front) except a seafront. :banana::banana::banana:

It's unbelievable.. I have heard somewhere that twin cities of Surendrangar-Wadhwan will also have a riverfront in future on river Bhogavo. Gujarat govt is really serious about developing public space and environmental planning. Now Gujarat has all kind of waterfronts (lakefront, riverfront, canal-front) except a seafront. :banana::banana::banana:

Seafront will be developed in Suvali though its a private project named Atlanta citi

Does anyone know if there is anything happening for the Vishwamitri in Vadodra?

Seafront will be developed in Suvali though its a private project named Atlanta citi

But meet, that project is on hold right? :ohno: Till MOEF gives clearance.

With Gujarat plants, Maruti set to double capacity (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/with-gujarat-plants-maruti-set-to-double-capacity/496695/)

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, India's largest passenger car maker, is on its way to create a production capacity of 1.5 million vehicles per annum in Gujarat, which would be close to the company's net installed capacity in the country now.

The car maker had earlier announced that the Gujarat plant would have an initial annual capacity of 250,000 units in a phased manner, and that future expansion would depend on market conditions.

Maruti Suzuki currently has an installed capacity of 1.75 million vehicles per annum at Gurgaon and Manesar plants (in Haryana) combined. This is including the Manesar C plant, which is expected to go onstream in 2013.

"We are planning to have three plants or assembly lines at the first site, with a combined installed capacity of 750,000 units per annum. After we exhaust capacity at the first site, we will move on to the second site, which has been privately acquired by us," said R C Bhargava, chairman of Maruti Suzuki.

When asked about the capacity at the second site, Bhargava said: "As a standard practice, at one site we do not wish to build a capacity more than 750,000 units per annum. Therefore, the second site would also have something around that (installed capacity)." He, however, added production could be more than the installed capacity working in multiple shifts.

A senior state government official, however, claimed that the second site would house the main plant, and that it will have higher capacity than the first plant.

Maruti was allotted 640 acres by the state government from its land bank. It has recently acquired around 600 acres for the second plant, around 40 km from the existing site at Hansalpur.

"Maruti's second plant will be set up near Mehsana and about 40 km away from its first unit. The company has already acquired 600 acres of private land. While the first site will also have vendors park, the second site would be used by the company itself. There will be no vendors park in the second location," said M Sahu, principal secretary at the Gujarat industries department.

Construction at the first site is likely to start in the first quarter of 2013. "The construction at the first site will start in the January-March quarter. The second plant would be constructed after commissioning the first plant over the next two-three years," Sahu said. "If the company requires further land, they can buy private land, where we can help in land acquisition."

Maruti's production in Gujarat would be both for exports and domestic sales, Bhargava confirmed. "We are yet to decide on the exact product mix, and the ratio of exports," he added.

But meet, that project is on hold right? :ohno: Till MOEF gives clearance.

One TOI reporter told me that very soon they will get approval and work will start by April....Hope for the best :cheers:

The construction of compound wall at the maruti suzuki's plant is already started..
contract given to L&T..
L&T expecting to get contracts of different shops at this plant..

Gujarat on the move (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2012/12/28&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00200&ViewMode=HTML)

The ferry service, Ahmedabad Metro and GIFT are the projects I am keenly interested in.

GNFC plans to set up vending machines for fertilizer at 57 places in Gujarat (http://deshgujarat.com/2013/01/04/gnfc-plans-to-set-up-wending-machines-for-fertilizer-at-57-places-in-gujarat/)

Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers Company Ltd (GNFC) plans to set up vending machines at 57 places across Gujarat for easy availability of fertilizers to farmers. GNDC’s Managing Director Anandmohan Tiwari shared this detail while speaking at Auto and Agro expo organized by Vadodara based Federation of Gujarat Industries.

Tiwari said, “presently farmers have to buy a 50 kg bag of fertilizer, however in many cases farmers don’t afford to buy 50 Kg bag at one go. Once vending machines are operated, they can buy even one Kg fertilizer and that too easily compare to now.”

Tiwari said fertilizer prices are up because raw material is exported from other countries. He said the government should work in direction of cheaper availability of raw material from African countries. NRIs and NRI Gujaratis can offer their help in this direction, he added.

Global trade show to set new record

It will be the largest-ever exhibition under a temporary structure in the country and is likely to make it to the Limca Book of Records


Source (http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/article/3/201301072013010700542081b472d534/Global-trade-show-to-set-new-record.html)


The global trade show, being organised as part of Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2013, is expected to set a new record in terms of expanse, say top government official. The six-day trade show, starting January 8, would be spread over an area of 1,00,000 sq m and will have participation of over 1,000 companies from 14 countries.

"It would be the largest-ever exhibition under a temporary structure in the country. We expect footfall of 15 lakh," Principal Secretary (Industries) Maheshwar Sahu said. "It will have largest-ever facade of 3,000 sq m, 300 m in length and 10 m in height," he said.

"The show will have 30 domes, 14 exclusive pavilions, over 1,000 stalls and more than 25,000 products on display from 25 diverse sectors such as renewable energy, plastics, electrical, real estate, amongst others. "On demand, a special agri-business pavilion has been set up," Sahu said.

There will also be a model of solar village. "The trade show spread across 25,000 sq m at VGS 2011 had entered Limca Book of Records, and this exhibition would set another benchmark," Sahu claimed. The government expects the CM’s pavilion to draw a crowd as the plans for future cities of Sanand, Bahucharaji and Dholera will be displayed here.


PSUS TO INK MOUS

Public Sector Undertakings are likely to take up the cause of upgrading state government’s education and health facilities in coming years. During Vibrant Gujarat meet, various PSUs will sign MoUs with health and education department to set up greenfield schools/upgrade existing schools and open modern diagnostic health centres in next 2-3 years.

A total of 70 schools and 73 diagnostic centres will be set up. This was decided at a meeting held between principal secretary (education) and principal secretary (health) on one hand, along with PSUs and other stakeholders on December 31.

Principal Secretaries (Industries) Maheshwar Sahu said, “After industrialists, we are going to rope in PSUs/government boards for health and education sectors. Seven PSUs are going to ink these MoUs in education sector and nine (including industries) in health sector.”

Ferrari, Ford, Fiat, GM use made-in-Gujarat castings (http://autocarpro.in/contents/technologyDetails.aspx?TechnologyID=139)

Tamboli Castings manufactures investment castings and supplies to some of the most quality-driven companies in various industries including automotive, construction, mining, forming and fabricating, petrochemical, material handling, hydraulic equipment, pumps and valves, and power transmission.

A small city with an area of hardly 55 square kilometres in the semi-arid region near the gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat is home to a 100 percent export-oriented unit – Tamboli Castings Ltd (TCL). This Bhavnagar-based company, which is not so well known in India, is a more prominent name among some of the best-known automotive brands.



http://www.autocarindia.com/promos/Website_banners/AP_webimages/ferrari_castings02.jpg

Three smart cities to come up in state (http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/article/3/201301122013011202201883160dd657/Three-smart-cities-to-come-up-in-state.html)

Proposal for three smart cities were announced on the first day of Vibrant Gujarat 2013. The cities will come up on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor at Detroj (70 km away from Ahmedabad), Dholera (110 km from Ahmedabad) and Bahucharaji (116 km from Ahmedabad).

According to government officials, the first smart city will come up at Detroj on 1,200-hectare land. “It will be a Japanese village. Around 50 Japanese companies will set up business,” said former Japanese envoy to India Yasuhukuni Enoki.

He further added, “The Gujarat government has given us land. We will provide investment for a worldclass smart city. The plan for the city is being readied. Our government has directed us to focus specially on Gujarat as far as investments are concerned.”

Another smart city is likely to come up at Dholera on 87,000 hectares of land. CEO and MD of Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) Amitabh Kant said, “This smart city will become a model for the entire country. This will be India’s first smart city where the entire system will be digitally enabled. Seventy-eight MoUs worth Rs 33,353 crore have been signed. CISCO will look after the logistics.”

Apart from this, the state government is also planning a 110-km superfast train service between Dholera and Ahmedabad with financial and financial and technical support from Japan. There is also a plan to build a super-express highway worth Rs 2,200 crore between Ahmedabad and Dholera. The third smart city will come up at Bahucharaji, according to Urban Development Minister Anandiben Patel.

“This city will have world-class facilities,” she said. A smart city experience centre was also inaugurated at the Mahatma Gandhi complex in Gandhinagar. A model of Dholera smart city was unveiled here. The Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board entered into 12 MoUs for Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor. Investments of Rs 10,700 crore will be made for Dholera development plant, Rs 650 crore for pharma park and Rs 500 crore for aviation infrastructure.

Welspun to set up research lab in Gujarat (http://deshgujarat.com/2013/01/15/welspun-to-set-up-research-lab-in-gujarat/)

Welspun Energy Ltd. (WEL) is partnering with Gandhinagar based Gujarat Energy Research & Management Institute (GERMI) for the advancement of solar technology in India. The organization will be setting up a lab at GERMI where different solar technologies will be studied for their performance in Indian terrain and climatic conditions.

The MoU was signed with Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), during the recently held Vibrant Gujarat’s International Conference for Academic Institutions (ICAI) 2013. WEL has been stressing the need to develop indigenous solar energy research & study facilities. Results of these studies can greatly help IPPs like Welspun Energy in improving performance of their solar power projects.

The organization will also be working closely with students. Welspun Energy will be designing & offering internship programs to students of PDPU’s Solar Program. With WEL’s large solar and wind projects under development, it is expected that students participating in this internship program will be able to witness the entire project development cycle of a clean energy power plant. Skilled manpower in this field is scarce and through such initiatives the organization will be able to help students transform into specialized resources.

Mr. Vineet Mittal, Co-Founder & Managing Director Welspun Energy stated “Solar energy industry in India is still young, with some amount of research carried out in India for standardization & technology selection. However, we need to be ready for the next phase of growth and that calls for a greater focus on research and building relevant skill sets in our young. As an extension to society, we want to support leading institutions in India and foster indigenous capability.”

A student exchange program has also been initiated by WEL with the Singapore Managment Univesity. Through the corpus, scholarships will be awarded to PDPU’s select meritorious students to study at Singapore’s leading university.

Simultaneously, Welspun Energy has also committed to making PDPU a green energy institute by commissioning a 25 KW rooftop solar system.

Welspun Energy Ltd., is today India’s biggest developer of clean energy projects. Since inception, the company has been aggressively moving forward in the renewable energy space. India’s leading renewable energy company plans to meet the country’s growing energy needs in an efficient and environment friendly manner. The organization is developing India’s biggest solar energy project of 130 MW (by reverse bidding) in Madhya Pradesh. While it’s 50 MW solar power project in Rajasthan is nearing its completion cycle.

With commissioned solar capacity of 824 MW, Gujarat has established itself as the solar state of the country. High irradiation levels in the state offers an ample opportunity to establish solar energy research institutes. Promoted by Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC), PDPU offers energy education and research. Its School of Solar Energy offers MTech and PHD in the field of solar engineering.

Gujarat government launches Rs 20 crore projects in Dangs (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/Gujarat-government-launches-Rs-20-crore-projects-in-Dangs/articleshow/18134119.cms)

SURAT : The state government on Tuesday launched development projects in the interior villages of the tribal-dominated Dangs district on the part of the Republic Day celebration.

Official sources said that the water resources and agriculture development minister Babubhai Bokharia launched 119 projects for setting up water supply, primary health centres, higher secondary schools, check dams, road construction, solar lights etc worth Rs 20 crore for areas like Gadvi, Piplaidevi, Borkhal and Galkund.

This time around, the state government has selected the tribal dominated Dangs district for the state-level Republic Day celebration. Chief minister Narendra Modi and the entire government machinery from Gandhinagar will remain present on January 26.

Ahead of Modi's visit to the district headquarter at Ahwa, the government buildings and other properties have been decorated with colourful lightings.

Official sources said a series of events have been organised starting from January 8 to January 26 including paragliding, film festival, Dangi food festival, Art and Craft Mela, Ayurvedic medicine theraphy camp by the Bhagats of Dangs, Bamboo handicraft mela, half Marathon etc.

The projects are aimed at the development of tourism in the district, basic amenities to the tribal like water facility and construction of check dams, animal husbandry, dairy development and a special focus is given on the skill development and health projects for providing job opportunities to the hundreds of unemployed tribal youths in the district.

Apart from this, special attention is given on increasing the tourism and the development of the religious pilgrimage spots in the district. Don Hill in the district is being projected as the tourist destination after Gujarat's only hill station, Saputara.

:madwife: :doh: :no: :bash:

Source (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=MIRRORNEW&BaseHref=AMIR/2013/01/31&PageLabel=6&EntityId=Ar00600&ViewMode=HTML)

‘Centre’s bias affecting JnNURM projects’

Alleges government following reports that Gujarat may not be first choice for additional funds, despite top performance


The state government is crying foul following reports of politics trumping performance in the distribution of funds amounting to Rs 15,000 crore under the next phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM).

Despite successfully completing JnNURM projects, these reports claim that Gujarat is not on the UPA government’s radar for additional funds. It adds that, with parliamentary elections due in 2014, the UPA is keen to allot funds in such a way as to further its electoral cause.

The reports also say that BJP leaders believe that any attempt to derail the irreversible process of growth will intensify Centre-state conflict.
Finance minister Nitin Patel said, “This proves the kind of bias that the Centre has against Gujarat. Congress led Rajasthan has been very low on performance and yet all funds have been disbursed to them. Before the Gujarat election, the UPA had hired external agencies to examine the projects, and were satisfied with the reports. Yet, Congress delegates are attempting to pick holes in the projects.”As state urban development minister from 2007 to 2012, Patel was responsible for the completion of most of these projects.

He adds that the state is trying to ensure that projects are not affected in case funding is stalled. “This is a serious matter and we will take it up with the Centre,” he said.

During the Assembly election, Congress leaders including AICC president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi had highlighted the role of funds disbursed by past Congress governments and the UPA government in Gujarat’s development story.

Chief Minister Narendra Modi has called attention to the Centre’s step motherly attitude towards the state.

State leaders believe that any decision by the Centre to use JnNURM funds to gain an edge in the 2014 election will only lend credence to the Gujarat government’s view that there is injustice being done to Gujarat.

Ahmedabad Mayor Asit Vora said, “Since Gujarat is a huge performer,it is bound to receive funds. The Centre has a history of injustice to the state in several sectors, including gas pipelines and disbursement of funds for projects. Any move to delay or stall funds will be counter-productive.”

Under JnNURM, 35 per cent of funds come from the Centre, 15 per cent from the state government, and about 50 per cent from the urban development authority.

Principal Secretary (urban development) I P Gautam said, “We may be second in terms of fund utilisation but first in terms of project completion. Reports say Gujarat has completed 42 of the JnNURM 71 projects, when we have completed 50. Maharashtra has completed just 20 of its 81 projects.” Maharashtra has used 91 percent of its allotted funds, followed by Gujarat, with 82 per cent.


http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=AMIR/2013/01/31/6/Img/Pc0060600.jpg


http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=AMIR/2013/01/31/6/Img/Pc0060700.jpg

Indo-German JV company Schott Kaisha launches new plant (http://bsl.business-standard.com/india/news/indo-german-jv-company-schott-kaisha-launches-new-plant/206093/on)

Schott Kaisha, an Indo-German joint venture company has stepped up its pharmaceutical packaging business with 20 million euros ( about Rs 150 crore) investment in a new plant The company which specialies in manufacture of ampoules, vials and other products today announced the launch of new plant in Gujarat.

The new plant will expand the production capacity by 50% to around 2 billion ampoules and vials per year. “We see a steadily rising demand for locally manufactured primary packaging that meets the rising quality demands”, says Kairus Dadachanji, managing director of Schott Kaisha.

The packaging market is expected to grow in line with the overall pharma market by about 11% each year and the company is planning further expansion to cater to demand.
The new plant in Jambusar in Gujarat has 20 production lines for ampoules and 16 for vials, with scope for further expansion. Its fully automated production process uses high-end robotic feeding technology for tube-loading as well as high-precision camera inspection systems, the company said in a statement today.

Canada to help Gujarat set up food security system (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2013/02/12&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00203&ViewMode=HTML)


http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIA/2013/02/12/2/Img/Pc0021300.jpg


Ahmedabad: At a time when the proposed National Food Security Bill is being debated, the Canadian government has expressed interest in helping Gujarat reduce food-related issues.

In a meeting with Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, the head of government of Canada’s Manitoba province, Greg Selinger said the Manitoba government will set up its Food Development Centre in the state.

“The centre, to be operated by the Manitoba government, is expected to be set up at the mega food park at Savli by Anil Group, and will help farmers get better prices for their produce and will help the agrifood industry to develop and commercialize food products,” said Jagat Shah, foreign representative of government of Manitoba in India.

The centre will act as a common facility for companies setting up units at the park. From developing new products and processes, to piloting plant production and packaging, the Food Development Centre assists food businesses in every stage of product development. The centre also helps companies launch new products and enhance quality and market potential of existing products. The research lab at the centre has helped many small and medium-sized food companies sustain themselves.

According to Shah, the Manitoba government expressed particular interest in working with the nutraceuticals segment.

Pune's Emcure Pharma scouting for land in Gujarat!

Pune-based Emcure Pharmaceuticals is scouting for land in Gujarat to set up a formulations plant here, state government sources indicated.

The privately held company which is into manufacturing both active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceutical formulations, currently has three formulations plants and one API manufacturing plant in Pune.

"The company officials visited Gujarat to scout for location around two weeks back and plan to invest around Rs 150 crore to set up a formulation plant here," informed a senior state government official close to development. The company officials could not be reached for a comment.

Emcure is one of the largest contract manufacturers of tablets, capsules, liquids, ointments and creams in India and manufactures the key brands for some of the largest MNCs in India, the company website noted.

It forayed into supplying the regulated markets with the setting up of a solid dosages facility at Hinjwadi.

The Hinjwadi manufacturing facility has approvals from both the UK MHRA and MCC South Africa, while the USFDA certification was received recently for the solid dosages plant.

The company also has a facility for manufacturing liquid injectables, while the small volume parenterals facility has independent lines for filling pre-filled syringes, vials and ampoules. This plant has been set up as per standards and guidelines laid down by US FDA, the website noted adding that "to cater to the demand of domestic market and emerging markets a new state of the art facility at Bari - Brahmana Jammu, India was created in 2009. This facility manufactures both solid and liquid orals."

Emcure has set up research and development centers for both API and formulations at Pimpri, Bhosari and Hinjwadi in Pune. It has operations in India, USA, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and other emerging markets.

In the last few months, a slew of domestic and global pharmaceutical companies have shown interest in coming to Gujarat, which accounts for almost one-third of the country's pharmaceutical production.

Abbott India, a subsidiary of Illinois head-quartered Abbott Laboratories is all set start commercial production at its upcoming facility at Jhagadia this year where it plans to make nutraceutical products.

Meanwhile, Teva and Proctor & Gamble (P&G) joint venture that would be making the Vicks range of products from P&G stable at Sanand, has started work on the first phase of the project.

Associated Capsules Private Limited (ACPL), one of the largest producers of pharmaceutical empty hard gelatine capsules in the world, is also planning to set up a plant in Bharuch for the same.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/pune-s-emcure-pharma-scouting-for-land-in-gujarat-113021800726_1.html

Some highlights of Gujarat budget 2013-14:

-Formation of Gujarat Agriculture Commission.
-Formation of Seeds Development Mission.
-Rs 15 crore allotted for International level Agri-tech fair.
-Rs 657 crore allocated for farmers against the impacts of poor monsoon. Crop insurance, accident insurance, loan interest relief included.
-2030 villages of 14 districts to be added to Narmada canal command areat his year. Rs 500 crore allocated for land acquisition payments this year.
-1115 km long four Narmada link canals for one million acre ft water supply to Saurashtra region. Rs 1,000 crore allocated for this under ‘SAUNI’ scheme.
-2,50,000 ha more land to be covered under Micro Irrigation this year.
-A horse breeding center to be set up at Hingolgadh in jasdan for Rs 6 crore.
-75% rise in planned allocation for Labour and Employment department budget.
-5,000 new seats to be added in ITIs this year. New ITIs in tribal areas to be opened this year.
-Teaching of Japanese and Chinese languages.
-New 48 English medium primary schools to be opened, 18 of them will come up in tribal areas.
-Chief Minister Scholarship Fund to be set up to provide financial support to need students.
-22 hospitals to have special infant care and nutrition care units.
-Rs 35 crore for stem-cell hospital in Surat.
-100 ambulances to be added this year to 108 emergency service.
-17 new police stations.
-Rs 22 crore for women units in police stations.
-1000 cops to be added for traffic management.
-Rs 182 crore allotted for sea routes ferry projects, including Dahej-Ghogha ro-ro ferry project.
-120 new sub stations, over 3000 circuit km new power line, 40% sub stations to come up in tribal areas.
-One lakh new power connections in agriculture sector. Rs 550 crore allocated.
-100 new CNG stations and one lakh new gas connection for home usage.
-A new LNG terminal at Mundra for Rs 50 crore.
-13 crore Rs allotted for Tourism development works in Saputara.
-Aatmiya Nivas scheme to be launched for home-stay of tourists.
-Rs 100 crore allotted for Sardar Patel’s tallest statue.
-Rs 9391 crore for Urban development sector.
-Rs 801 crore for Narmada canal network development in Kutch district.
-Crocodile park in Vadodara.
-Inclusion of Tidal power project in the budget.
-Rs 33 crore for Signature bridge connecting GIFT city in Gandhinagar.

Source: DeshGujarat (http://deshgujarat.com/2013/02/20/some-highlights-of-gujarat-budget-2013/)

Read entire details here (https://docs.google.com/file/d/1j1SkHWJ5we8cT5aThaI28N72E8wKG4al_HZc-Ap_dW53CamSQXU0n8zPFBWd/edit?usp=sharing)(In Gujarati)

Following on from here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=69310765&postcount=898), progress on another project that should help to attract a lot more manufacturing industries (esp Auto) to Gujarat, and will help to strengthen the ties with Russian Industry.

But most importantly for me, its another major project for Jamnagar.

Work begins on Reliance-SIBUR plant in Jamnagar (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/ril-sibur-start-construction-on-450-mn-rubber-plant-in-gujarat/article4442590.ece)


Reliance Sibur Elastomers Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and Russian gas processing and petrochemicals company SIBUR, today began construction of its butyl rubber plant in Jamnagar. RIL owns 74.9 per cent in the joint venture.

When commissioned in 2015, this plant will be India’s only manufacturer of butyl rubber and the joint venture will be among the world’s top five producers of butyl rubber.

When complete, the Jamnagar plant will have a capacity to produce 100,000 tonnes annually.

RIL and SIBUR have signed a technology licensing agreement facilitating the use of the latter’s proprietary butyl rubber production technology at the new facility.

This includes a basic engineering package (BEP) and provision of experienced technical personnel on both project and operational stages.

RIL will supply the monomer and provide the joint venture with world-class infrastructure and utilities. It has also already started market seeding butyl rubber from SIBUR in India.

After this (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=98524089&postcount=1439) surprising project from Himmatnagar, seems like another one is on the cards for the Temple-town of Shamlaji, which is one of the focus areas for Gujarat Tourism.


Shamlaji Riverfront and Ghat Development Project
link (http://www.hcp.co.in/project-details/61/73/255/shamlaji-river-bank-and-ghat-development)

Tourism Corporation of Gujarat limited (TCGL) in collaboration with irrigation dept. has proposed Shamlaji Ghat & Riverbank development to develop Shamlaji (Meshvo River) into a religious and recreational town in the vicinity. A length of 800 m of riverfront along with 200 m of ghat and river bank development is proposed with an exclusive pedestrian access connecting the temple to the river.

Shamlaji River bank and Ghat Development proposes the river access from the temple in a manner that will integrate it with the proposal of the temple complex as well as with the overall master plan of Shamlaji Town. The project also aims to define and protect the northern river bank through multiple design interventions such as ghats, river promenade, embankments etc.

The project will also include the redevelopment of the old Nagdhara kund with separate male and female areas. This will be equipped with changing facilities. Two proposed check dam near the existing causeway will ensure that there is water with sufficient depth present at most times of the year in the project area. This can be utilized for promoting boating activities for leisure.

There will be a river promenade along the entire length of the river bank between the check dam and Meshwo dam connecting all the proposed facilities. This is done keeping in mind all the religious and leisure activities that are linked to the temple and their significance at special occasions such as Kartak Punam. On normal days this will provide a peaceful and serene environment close to the water for the tourists and pilgrims to sit and relax.

The river access and main ghats will also have provisions for tourist facilities, food stalls and public toilets. The design of the entire project will take into consideration local architectural styles and language in order to preserve the character of the place. Additionally, the design for the project aims to be universally accessible as far as possible.



Overview
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/3742/aerialviewoftheghatandr.jpg

Sections and Elevation
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/3233/elevationandsections.jpg
Larger version here (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/14/elevationandsections.jpg)

View of Riverbank/Ghat
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2923/viewofthedevelopmentatt.jpg

After this (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=98524089&postcount=1439) surprising project from Himmatnagar, seems like another one is on the cards for the Temple-town of Shamlaji, which is one of the focus areas for Gujarat Tourism.

This is definitely a surprise.. but I just saw the Shamlaji area on Google Maps and the Meswo river is all empty... There is a reservoir near by which is filled up...

Don't know if they will fill the river from the reservoir water...

Yup they will fill the 800m stretch by reservoir water. Surrounding temple complex, renovation work is going on full swing. Riverfront work has not started yet.

^^ Wow that is awesome. I guess next time I visit shamlaji it will be a completely different experience.

How I wish Rajasthan govt does something like this for Shrinathji/Nathdwara.

No offence, but that place literally stinks!

Gujarat should annex the territories of Mt Abu and Nathdwara. After all both places survive mostly on Gujaratis ;)

How I wish Rajasthan govt does something like this for Shrinathji/Nathdwara.

No offence, but that place literally stinks!

Gujarat should annex the territories of Mt Abu and Nathdwara. After all both places survive mostly on Gujaratis ;)

But than Gujaratis will still have to find another place in Rajasthan for their "regular outings" :P

But than Gujaratis will still have to find another place in Rajasthan for there "regular outings" :P

:lol: good one

For us, Nathdawara is our Mecca cum Vatican and Mt Abu is our Switzerland cum Ladakh. We dont need anything else :D

For us, Nathdawara is our Mecca cum Vatican and Mt Abu is our Switzerland cum Ladakh. We dont need anything else :D

True !!

But than Gujaratis will still have to find another place in Rajasthan for there "regular outings" :P

The way things are going, all this area might end up becoming one large sprawl.

Maruti Suzuki Plans to Begin Building Gujarat Plant

NEW DELHI—Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. plans to start building a 40-billion-rupee ($728 million) factory next quarter that will allow the auto maker to save on export costs.

A proposal to build the manufacturing plant in the western state of Gujarat will likely be placed before the company’s board next month, Chairman R.C. Bhargava said.

“The project report is still under preparation,” he said Tuesday. “We are trying to bring it out in April at the board meeting.”

The plant will be the third for India’s largest car maker by sales and its first outside the northern state of Haryana, where labor agitation affected production at a factory for most of last year.

The company locked out employees at its plant in Manesar for about a month after a senior manager was killed and a part of the facility was damaged in labor unrest in July. The violence was the worst since Maruti began manufacturing cars in 1983.

The company’s other factory is at Gurgaon. Together, the two plants of Suzuki Motor Corp.’s largest unit can produce as many as 1.5 million passenger vehicles a year.

Mr. Bhargava said the new plant is expected to start production in late 2015 or early 2016 with an initial capacity of 250,000 vehicles a year. Maruti acquired 700 acres of land for the plant from the Gujarat government, he said.

Three assembly lines, each with a capacity to make 250,000 vehicles a year, could be built at the proposed facility, he said.

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2013/03/07/maruti-suzuki-plans-to-begin-building-gujarat-plant/

Gujarat's Kalpasar dam project likely to commence next year (http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/gujarat-s-kalpasar-dam-project-likely-to-commence-next-year-113030600630_1.html)

The Kalpasar Dam project envisaged a decade ago to resolve the water woes in Saurashtra and Kutch region in Gujarat, is likely to take off next year after the receipt of techno-economic feasibility study report, the state Assembly was told today.

"As soon as we receive Techno-economic feasibility study report government will commence further work on Kalpasar Dam project and report will be ready by the end of this year," said Minister of Ports Bhupendrasinh Chudasama while answering a series of questions raised by Congress members during question-answer session in the House today.

The project, which is estimated to cost Rs 33,000 crore, was conceptualised in 1998 to establish fresh water reservoir in sea by building a dam in the Gulf of Khambhat, with projected storage capacity of 10,000 million cubic metre (MCM).

In his reply to a question raised by Congress MLA from Petlad Niranjan Patel during the question answer session, the minister has informed the House that as Kalpasar Project includes building of a dam state government has invited different offers for survey and feasibility in regards to the project.

"Kalpasar project department is awaiting a techno-economic feasibility study from National Institute of Oceanography(NIO) on the coastal study and the impact of Tsunami on the proposed dam," the minister said.

"On the proposed project state government has, till now, spent more then Rs 15 crore," he said.

Time and again, Opposition in Gujarat has targeted Modi government in the state for its 'neglect' for starting of the the project, which proposes construction of a dam on Gulf of Khambat, leading to creation of 2,000 square km fresh water reservoir.

Gujarat Tourism signs MoU with Indian Oil, to offer highway side facilities!!

Tourists in Gujarat will be able to get information and access amenities at the large network of IOCL petrol pumps. Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC) on Thursday signed a MoU to help promote tourism in the state by offering facilities to tourists at IOC petrol pumps.

This is the first instance in the country wherein such an agreement has been entered into to promote tourism, TGCL said in a statement here on Thursday.

As part of this agreement, TCGL will acquire land in the areas of IOC and create basic amenities such as toilets, food courts, kiosks etc at select places on national highway. Such facilities will be made available at IOC outlets, including restaurants, every 100 km on national highways and every 75 km on state highways. Work is expected to begin in the next six months towards this end.



http://DeshGujarat.Com/2013/03/07/gujarat-tourism-signs-mou-with-indian-oil-to-offer-highway-side-facilities/

:) :)

How I wish Rajasthan govt does something like this for Shrinathji/Nathdwara.

No offence, but that place literally stinks!

Gujarat should annex the territories of Mt Abu and Nathdwara. After all both places survive mostly on Gujaratis ;)


ur right abt mt.abu and nathdwara tourism.....
we visit nathdwara every year and its true it survives jst because of gujaratis.....
but there r several reasons for it
maybe because rajasthan is not a big economy except there tourism sector
and its ruled by corrupt congress goverment whose goal is to only form goverment by any means............
:)

ur right abt mt.abu and nathdwara tourism.....
we visit nathdwara every year and its true it survives jst because of gujaratis.....
but there r several reasons for it
maybe because rajasthan is not a big economy except there tourism sector
and its ruled by corrupt congress goverment whose goal is to only form goverment by any means............
:)

But thats precisely the point! Tourism is an imp factor for Rajasthan and thus it really needs to improve the facilities of Abu and Nathdwara...

I dont know if its Rajasthan Govt or Centre, but theres no doubt they have happily invested a lot of money where they get foreign tourists. Tourist trail in Jaipur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer etc are some of the Jewels in the Crown of "Incredible India"

But places like Nathdwara and Mt Abu are "2nd class" destinations because only brown-skinned people go there. Also, lets not forget that Rajasthan is still a very poor BIMARU state, so shouldn't expect them to be able to do what others can.

Future Cities Of India Ahmedabad Overview
gRp0qsu491U
CNBC Awaaz praises development of Gujarat and Ahmedabad
:)
:cheers:

100 more Japanese companies to come up in Gujarat by 2016

Link (http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/getpage.aspx?pageid=4&pagesize=&edid=&edlabel=TOIA&mydateHid=16-05-2013&pubname=&edname=&publabel=TOI)


Ahmedabad: Japan will set up 100 more companies in Gujarat by 2015-16.This was announced by Japanese officials on Wednesday during a workshop on Doing Business with Japan at Ahmedabad Management Association.The focus would be on the automobile sector.Along with joint ventures,there are 12 Japanese companies operating in the state at present.
Addressing the workshop,Kenichiro Toyofuku,deputy director general of Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) unveiled plans to make Gujarat the biggest automobile hub in the country.We have no plans for expansion in the National Capital Region (NCR),so we have decided to invest in Gujarat and in six to seven years,we will make the state the biggest automobile hub, said Toyofuku.

It was Maruti-Suzukis decision to set up a plant in Gujarat that triggered the interest of other Japanese companies in Gujarat.We are looking at long-term investment,so there will not be many companies in the next one year,but we will expand our presence slowly, said Toyofuku.Japan also plans to create three lakh jobs in the state.

So far,Japan has invested over $25 billion in various projects in India.After Delhi-NCR,Chennai,Bangalore and Pune,Gujarat is the next target,largely because of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) cutting across the state.Almost 40 per cent of DMIC will pass through Gujarat and since Japan is a major partner in the project,it is looking to set up base here, said Mukesh Patel,president of Indo-Japan Friendship Association.

Japanese attorney for Indian business Tatsuhiro Kubo stressed on the working environment in the state as the reason for the huge plans.We learned a lot from the recent labour unrest in Gurgaon.We found that Gujarat has a more conducive environment.We in Japan believe in working as a family and the same is visible in Gujarat, said Kubo.

We dont have a very cordial relationship with China,so bonding with India comes naturally to us, said Kubo.
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http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/TOIA/2013/05/16/4/Img/Pc0041100.jpg

The first Japanese investment came here 28 years ago when Hitachi started a collaboration with a local company.We have come a long way since and there is a lot to be done

Mukesh Patel | PRESIDENT,INDO-JAPAN FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION



http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/TOIA/2013/05/16/4/Img/Pc0041000.jpg

We plan to make Gujarat the biggest automobile hub in the country in next seven years.We also plan to invest in logistics and hospitality.The Maruti Suzuki plant is our most important project

Kenichiro Toyofuku | DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL,JETRO



http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/TOIA/2013/05/16/4/Img/Pc0041200.jpg

The Indian judicial system is complex.We plan to work with local partners and help implement plans faster.Small incidents should not stop our longterm vision

Tatsuhiro Kubo | JAPANESE ATTORNEY FOR INDIAN BUSINESS
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I, every day, get amused by interacting with Japanese and looking at the way Japanese work. I am very happy to see Japanese companies to come to Gujarat/India. I hope they spread their work culture as well along with their companies.

I am eagerly waiting to visit Gujarat.