HYDERABAD Projects and Updates - II [Archive] - Page 12

Babji

March 2nd, 2010, 02:42 AM

Date:02/03/2010 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2010/03/02/stories/2010030259230300.htm

Completion of key link road hangs fire

V. Geetanath
Once proposals are finalised, it may take just four months to open the
Raj Bhavan to Fatehnagar road, claim officials

HYDERABAD: For all its high talk and mega plans to decongest some of the main thoroughfares, GHMC has been unable to get a key link road going. The Raj Bhavan to Fatehnagar road has been hanging fire, though imaginatively the project was broken into two phases for expediting work.
Alternative route

But, work which began on the second half of the stretch — Begumpet to Fatehnagar through Balkampet — nearly two years ago at a cost of Rs. 22 crore is yet to see light of the day. If this 1.8-km stretch is opened, it will provide an alternative route to commuters to reach Erragadda or even Secunderabad avoiding the super busy Punjagutta and Ameerpet crossroads.

One lane of the four-lane road starts from the backside of Hanuman temple, Begumpet and another at Katta Maisamma temple, adjoining the Hyderabad Public School (HPS) and connecting to Balkampet and the Fatehnagar flyover.

Commuters from Secunderabad to Fatehnagar have to get onto the lane abutting Varun Motors at the beginning of the flyover near HPS, go underneath the Begumpet ROB to reach the link road. Commuters going to Secunderabad from Balkampet will traverse by the Katta Maisamma temple through another arm of the link road.

“Except for relocation of inhabitants of Indira Gandhipuram slum numbering about 50, there are no other major obstacles towards completing the road. We have two to three proposals for the same and once they are finalised, it will just take four months to open the road,” says Engineering-in-Chief P. Panduranga Rao.
Shifting pipeline

South Central Railway authorities have agreed to construct a road under bridge near the Nature Cure Hospital and this is expected to cost about Rs. 15 crore. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) is also seized of the matter of shifting a sewerage pipeline. Compensation has to be paid for a few structures too.

First half of road is about 4 km from Raj Bhavan to Begumpet via Necklace road MMTS station, Methodist Colony and Brahmanwadi but objection from residents of colonies and pending clearance from the Supreme Court monitoring committee for taking up road on the Hussainsagar lake buffer zone have held it up. Erstwhile MCH had received Rs. 45 crore from the Centre for the entire road under the Mega City development plan several years ago.

rizwan3

March 2nd, 2010, 07:55 AM

Hyderabad Metro Rail to create 50,000 jobs

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Metro Rail is expected to trigger mammoth economic activity in and around the city and provide employment to about 50,000 people, Andhra Pradesh chief minister K Rosaiah said on Monday.

The chief minister, who reviewed the Rs 12,132-crore project at a meeting here, said it would provide employment for about 5,000 engineers and about 45,000 skilled and unskilled workers.

He also hoped that with a requirement of about 26 lakh tonnes of cement, two lakh tonnes of steel and 58 lakh cubic metres of concrete, the project will help set up many ancillary industries and machinery manufacturing and servicing units around Hyderabad. This would give fillip to developmental activities in various parts of Telangana, he added.

The Telangana region, which comprises 10 districts including Hyderabad, is currently witnessing movement for separate statehood.

Noting that Hyderabad Metro Rail project is back on track, he asked the officials to speed up the process to finalise works with a firm deadline.

All eight companies/consortia that filed pre-qualification bids have qualified to participate in financial bids which will be finalised in April.

The new concessionaire is expected to be in place by May.

The ground work for the project will be launched in November and most of the sections will be thrown open for public travel in four years, while the whole project is expected to be completed in five years.

The companies/consortia qualified to participate in financial bids are: Transstroy-OJSC Transstroy (Russia)-CR18G (China)-BEML consortium; Reliance Infra-Reliance Infocomm consortium (ADAG); Lanco Infra-OHL Concesiones (Spain) consortium; Essar-Leighton (Australia)-Gayatri-VNR consortium; GMR Infra; GVK-Samsung (South Korea) consortium; Soma-Strabag AG (Austria) consortium and Larsen & Toubro.

rizwan3

March 2nd, 2010, 08:05 AM

AP to get more funds from 13th finance panel

Our Bureau

Hyderabad, March 1

The Andhra Pradesh Government is likely to get nearly twice the fund allocations according to the 13 th Finance Commission recommendations for the five-year period of 2010-2015 as against the previous finance commission term of 2005-2010.

According to the recommendations of the Finance Commission, the Andhra Pradesh Government is poised to garner Rs 1,00,616 crore as the State's share of Central taxes and Rs 13,802 crore as grants in aid for the next five years period during the 13 th Commission as against actual receipts of Rs 57,000 crore during the 12 th Finance Commission report period of 2005-2010.

This is significant as these recommendations help in higher devolution for the State just about doubling the total funds it had received during the 12th Finance Commission report period. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, has expressed happiness over the 13 th Finance Commission report and hoped that this will result in further economic development of the State.

Bigger share

With the divisible pool of Central taxes increased from 30.5 per cent to 32 per cent, the State is expected to get a bigger share, which is likely to be about 6.93 per cent. In addition, the grant amount, which includes Rs.1,270 crore towards the State specific needs, may also be of help to the State's plans in various spheres.

The State's share of Central taxes has marginally been reduced to 6.9 per cent from 7.3 per cent. However, the impact of lower allocations has been neutralised as the divisible pool of Central taxes has been enhanced to 32 per cent.

Late last week, the Chief Minister thanked the Chairman and members of the 13 {+t} {+h} Finance Commission for their recommendations and for higher fund allocations.

The allocations for the State are higher in the areas of supply of drinking water in fluoride affected villages, inaccessible tribal areas, seed bank scheme and for setting up of Greyhound regional training centres, police training colleges and construction of prisons and establishment of primary health centres and for addressing pollution related issues.

The Chief Minister is keen that the Central Government recommendations on GST implementation from April 1, 2011 should not adversely impact the State.

rizwan3

March 2nd, 2010, 08:06 AM

Satellite townships to dot Hyderabad Metro Rail network

Our Bureau

Hyderabad, March 1

As the Rs. 12,136-crore Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd (HMRL) project gets into the crucial financial bid stage, the Andhra Pradesh Government is planning to develop satellite townships along its course to encourage development of new areas and thereby help decongest the city.

Following a review meeting of this major urban project, which seeks to decongest the city by creating a new transport network along three dense corridors in the twin cities and the neighbouring areas, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, today said that urban areas require more thrust and investments.

He also suggested that similar satellite towns should come up in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Warangal and Vijayawada to meet the growing demand.

Job creation

The State Government also expects huge job creation as the project work gets under way. The project, which is set to consume about 26 lakh tonnes of cement, two lakh tonnes of steel and 58 lakh cubic meters of concrete, is likely to spur economic activity by helping create many ancillary industries and servicing units around Hyderabad.

About 5,000 engineers and 45,000 skilled and unskilled workmen are likely to be engaged during the project work.

Discussing the progress of HMRL project, which is back on track with the new rebidding process after the Maytas Infra contract was cancelled last year, Mr Rosaiah directed the administration to speed up the process of finalisation of award of contract.

He favoured close and constant monitoring of the project and strict adherence to deadlines.

Eight consortia have been pre-qualified on the basis of independent evaluation of both technical and also their financial credentials by independent firms.

Transstroy-OJSC (Russia)-CR18G (China)-BEML consortium, Reliance Infra (ADAG) consortium, Lanco Infra-OHL Concessions (Spain), Essar-Leighton (Austria)-Gayatri-VNR consortium, GMR Infra consortium, GVK-Samsung (South Korea) consortium, Soma-Strabag AG (Austria) consortium and Larsen & Toubro have been qualified for the project for the next phase of financial bids.

The Hyderabad metro team outlined that the financial bids of the project were due by April and the new concessionaire is expected to be in place by May. According to plans, it is proposed to commence work on the project by November and work on the project will be completed within five years thereafter.

As a part of the project plan, the pre-qualification criteria now expects bidders to deposit a bid security of Rs 240 crore that is about 2 per cent of project cost as against Rs 60 crore (0.5 per cent of the project cost) earlier. The performance security too has been hiked from Rs 240 crore to Rs 360 crore.

Babji

March 4th, 2010, 04:01 AM

Date:04/03/2010 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2010/03/04/stories/2010030464090300.htm
Unchecked illegal constructions in Cantonment

V. Geetanath
Aircraft crash brings forth illegal extra floors constructed and installation of cell phone towers
‘There are at least 1,000 buildings with an unauthorised extra fourth or fifth floor'
While every building in the area needs ‘NOC' from AAI, there have been deviations post-construction

HYDERABAD: The two-storied building which bore the impact of the Indian Navy plane in the Secunderabad Cantonment on Wednesday not only had a penthouse but also a cell phone tower atop, both of which were unauthorised.

The HJT-16 Kiran MK II aircraft, either due to some engine malfunction or pilot losing control, crashed into the concrete slab between second floor and the penthouse, the impact of which led to the collapse of the penthouse a little while later.

Initial reports of the plane hitting the cell tower before the crash proved to be incorrect. However, the mishap brings forth illegal extra floors constructed and installation of cell phone towers in Cantonment.

Cantonment's policy is to allow ground plus two floors only whereas in the funnel zone – aircraft path for landing or taking off – it is up to 15 metres from the ground-level. While every building coming up in the entire area needs a ‘no objection certificate' from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) before construction can begin, there have been deviations post-construction.

Official sources aver that there could be at least 1,000 buildings with an unauthorised extra fourth or fifth floor that have come up but these are outside the funnel zone. “Rasoolpura is a slum with hardly any high rise structure and the other side of Sanatnagar is outside our jurisdiction,” explained an official.

On Sanatnagar side, the AAI did not allow opening of the Fatehnagar flyover for a long time as it was directly on the funnel zone yet political pressures triumphed in the end. “A road under bridge could have been an ideal solution,” sighed a senior municipal official. He also admitted that quite a few illegal high rises and stacking of plastic drums at an unacceptable height are potential dangers.

In Cantonment, there has been a clamour for increasing the Floor Space Index (FSI) as well as a regularisation scheme for deviated structures. The AAI has already rejected another request for removing height restrictions in the funnel zone after the Shamshabad airport was opened, pointing out that the Begumpet airport has not been shut.

As for cell phone towers, the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) has written to all telecom companies to remove them (at least 40 towers) a year ago as they were installed without any permit. It wanted to emulate Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) which came out with a set of guidelines for their installation following a High Court direction when an apartment building with such a tower developed cracks.

But, not a single telecom firm bothered to respond while the SCB got busy with the general elections and forgot later. Incidentally, even the GHMC after much huffing and puffing has let sleeping dogs lie in this matter.

viper9999

March 6th, 2010, 12:24 AM

Sikorsky may make choppers at Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (UTC), is looking at the possibility of manufacturing helicopters in India.

The company has already set up base in the country by tying up with the Tatas to get the helicopter cabins manufactured at the Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) facility on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

“If all goes well, we will evaluate the option of making helicopters in India, may be in Hyderabad itself, by 2015,” AJS Walia, managing director - India & South Asia, Sikorsky Aircraft, told DNA.

Under the agreement with the Tatas, the helicopter major would get the cabins for S-92 helicopters manufactured in Hyderabad. “We have transferred the technology and the project is at an advanced stage. We are expecting the first cabin to be delivered in November 2010 and another two deliveries in December 2010,” said Walia.

The cabin-making capacity would be gradually ramped up to 36-48 cabins per annum in the next 2-3 years, he said.

While the initial cabins, starting November, 2010, would be supplied to Sikorsky’s facility in the US, the Hyderabad facility is also expected to play a key role in the helicopter company’s supplies to the UK government order for 28 S-92 search and rescue helicopters.

“We have a backlog of orders worth $12 billion over the next two years. The new cabin facility would play a key role in delivering the backlog orders and normally these supply agreements are very long-term in nature and there are instances of the agreements remaining valid for centuries. So, our commitment to the facility in Hyderabad is equally long-term in nature,” he said.

The company had also signed an agreement with TASL for manufacture of aircraft components. This agreement provides for manufacture of various components on original equipment manufacture (OEM) basis in addition to the components for S-92 helicopter. The new components facility would also be located adjacent to the cabin manufacture facility and get into production in 2012.

In the Indian market, Sikorsky had supplied three helicopters two years ago. Two more helicopters are ready for delivery, while one order for a S-76D helicopter is pending.

“We are sure that helicopter is going to be the most sought after machine in this country in the years to come. We already see significant interest for various applications in areas like surveillance, patrolling, oil and gas pipeline operations and also for some jobs like cleaning of high tension cables,” he explained.

The company is also in the process of identifying a commercial service centre in India for providing service to the existing and potential customers. In fact, the company is pinning hopes on the X2 technology that is being tested for garnering significant share in the helicopter market.

“The X2 technology is going to revolutionise the entire vertical takeoff philosophy. The new helicopter would also have greater speeds up to 500 kmph as against 260 kmph in the existing models. A prototype is already flying now and we will start talking about it in the days to come,” Walia said.

viper9999

March 6th, 2010, 12:25 AM

Copter assembly unit for Hyderabad

Italian helicopter manufacturer Agusta Westland and Tata Motors which recently signed joint venture for setting up a final assembly unit of AW 119 have finalised Hyderabad as location for the proposed unit.

“We have finalised Hyderabad for the helicopter project owing to its closeness to several special economic zones and we are on the look out for suitable piece of land. We are hopeful of rolling out the first copter from this facility by 2011,” a senior official of Agusta Westland said. Once operational, the new unit would enhance the country's presence in the growing rotocraft market.

The unit would take up final assembly and fly test of the copters before they are delivered to the customers. The joint venture is engaged in preparing designs to ensure a capacity to produce 30 units a year, catering not only to requirements in domestic market, but also markets abroad.

The Italian chopper major produces a range of military helicopters from the single engine AW 119, three-engine AW 101 in addition to two combat copters, AW 129 and Apache AH. The copters that are proposed to be assembled at the new facility are primarily intended for defence purposes, but they could be used for civil and public services including executive transport, emergency medical services, the official said.

Agusta Westland, he said, was planning to tap the high potential in rotocraft market in India where the requirement was expected to be around 800 copters in the next decade. The company was one among the three firms in the race for a recent tender from the Indian Army for 197 copters to replace the older fleet. “If we get the contract, the choppers would be assembled in the Hyderabad unit,” he said.

irutavias

March 6th, 2010, 07:26 AM

Good news. The Gov't should ensure these aerospace companies settle down in Hyd. This will have a huge domino effect, in terms of developing a supplier/distributor network. This in turn will snowball and attract even more avionics and aerospace companies, along with other high skilled jobs. This pace needs to be maintained.

Kamal Reddy

March 6th, 2010, 01:13 PM

Hi
I am new to this community

I wanted to know if bangalore when compared to hyd is ahead of hyd in terms of projects and development. If so how much bigger is one city compared to other?

Babji

March 6th, 2010, 03:27 PM

Date:06/03/2010 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2010/03/06/stories/2010030660080100.htm
Copter assembly unit for Hyderabad

Special Correspondent
BIG BREAK: Agusta Westland helicopter at the Aviation expo in Hyderabad on Friday.

HYDERABAD: Italian helicopter manufacturer Agusta Westland and Tata Motors which recently signed joint venture for setting up a final assembly unit of AW 119 have finalised Hyderabad as location for the proposed unit. “We have finalised Hyderabad for the helicopter project owing to its closeness to several special economic zones and we are on the look out for suitable piece of land. We are hopeful of rolling out the first copter from this facility by 2011,” a senior official of Agusta Westland said. Once operational, the new unit would enhance the country's presence in the growing rotocraft market.

The unit would take up final assembly and fly test of the copters before they are delivered to the customers. The joint venture is engaged in preparing designs to ensure a capacity to produce 30 units a year, catering not only to requirements in domestic market, but also markets abroad.

Rotocraft market: The Italian chopper major produces a range of military helicopters from the single engine AW 119, three-engine AW 101 in addition to two combat copters, AW 129 and Apache AH.

The copters that are proposed to be assembled at the new facility are primarily intended for defence purposes, but they could be used for civil and public services including executive transport, emergency medical services, the official said.

Agusta Westland, he said, was planning to tap the high potential in rotocraft market in India where the requirement was expected to be around 800 copters in the next decade. The company was one among the three firms in the race for a recent tender from the Indian Army for 197 copters to replace the older fleet.
wow! it sounds like they are really serious this time. :cheers:
and this is different form this:
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (UTC), is looking at the possibility of manufacturing helicopters in India.
The company has already set up base in the country by tying up with the Tatas to get the helicopter cabins manufactured at the Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) facility on the outskirts of Hyderabad...

rizwan3

March 7th, 2010, 10:53 AM

MSN Laboratories to set up a new R&D centre in Hyderabad

Usha Sharma - Mumbai

Hyderabad-based Rs 390 crore formulation and contract research and manufacturing services provider, MSN Laboratories, is setting up a new R&D centre in Hyderabad with an investment of over Rs 40 crore. The full fledge commercial operation from the new centre will begin by first quarter of 2011. The company has arranged for funds from internal accruals.

The new R&D centre will be dedicated for process chemistry, oncology chemicals, formulations and R&D, process engineering etc. The company is involved in the manufacturing of high quality Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and key pharmaceutical intermediates. MSN Lab has strong R&D background supported by IPM team to develop non-infringing and cost effective processes to cater to the specific requirements of the customers worldwide.

Bharat Reddy, Executive Director, MSN Laboratories said, "We have a very strong team and R&D backup. Looking at the pharma generic products opportunity in the market we have finalized our expansion plans. Initially, we will be building up a brand new integrated R&D centre for finished dosages, APIs and CRAMs. For our new R&D centre we will be hiring 350 scientists. We have already commenced construction work and it should be completed by early next year."

At present, MSN Lab has total manpower strength of 1,350 people, of which 20 percent staff is dedicated for R&D on new product development and R&D process equally. The company is actively working on generic APIs for oncology and anything related to synthetic organic chemistry. MSN Lab is outsourcing required raw material from India, China and some parts of Europe.

The company has 55 APIs globally, out of which it has obtained 30 plus drug master files (DMFs) for US and Europe market. It has filed seven COPs/CEP for Europe market. Overall, it has filled 85 patents and soon it is targeting to get thre to four product patents. "We have been continuously working on novel root of synthesis and we are applying for patent on process development," Reddy said.

MSN has 60 odd branded generic products for anti hypertensive, anti-hyper lipoprotenemic, anti depressants, anti-thrombotic, anti fungal, anti-bacterials, anti migraine, anti diabetic and anti psychotic etc in its basket. It is in the process of product registration of existing portfolio for ROW market. "We have already started registration work and in next six months we will be having everything in place."

Reddy comments on the company's inorganic growth, "At present we do not have any activities in place, but we are looking for marketing tie ups. We are entering into the Japanese market, while also extending our presence in the Korean market."

From the financial year 2010-11, the company is expecting a turnover of Rs 650 crore. The company has strong expansion plans lined up for the next two years.

Prodigist

March 7th, 2010, 07:40 PM

From India Aviation 2010
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/6875/aerosezhyderabad1.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/i/aerosezhyderabad1.jpg/)

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/5018/aerosezhyderabad2.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/aerosezhyderabad2.jpg/)

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/9448/aerosezhyderabad3.jpg (http://img693.imageshack.us/i/aerosezhyderabad3.jpg/)

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/8929/aerosezhyderabad4.jpg (http://img696.imageshack.us/i/aerosezhyderabad4.jpg/)

Prodigist

March 7th, 2010, 08:07 PM

From India Aviation 2010, Hyderabad
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/7006/hial1.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/i/hial1.jpg/)

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/3839/hial2.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/i/hial2.jpg/)

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/6462/hial3.jpg (http://img716.imageshack.us/i/hial3.jpg/)

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/5629/hial4.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/i/hial4.jpg/)

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/778/hial5.jpg (http://img15.imageshack.us/i/hial5.jpg/)

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/6066/hial6.jpg (http://img242.imageshack.us/i/hial6.jpg/)

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/1386/hial7.jpg (http://img294.imageshack.us/i/hial7.jpg/)

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/2240/hyd6.jpg (http://img718.imageshack.us/i/hyd6.jpg/)

harsh1802

March 7th, 2010, 08:26 PM

Nice finds!

swajayr

March 8th, 2010, 01:19 AM

AP finds itself without power
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/ap-finds-itself-without-power-202

Prodigist

March 8th, 2010, 04:10 AM

DELETED

jjain

March 8th, 2010, 09:25 AM

http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1232464

Nagarjuna Construction Company said that it bagged orders for Rs.1,221 crore . The company said that it bagged two orders totaling to Rs.647 crore from the Hyderabad Growth Corridor Ltd. Hyderabad for construction of Access Controlled Expressway as outer ring road to Hyderabad City to be completed in 30 months.

superfan

March 8th, 2010, 11:21 AM

^^Cool news

rizwan3

March 8th, 2010, 03:54 PM

Powered paragliding launched in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Mar 8 (ANI): In a maiden attempt in India, enthusiasts took to the skies of Hyderabad in a powered paraglider, launched for the first time in the country.

Buzz up!
Dean Eldridge, Senior Pilot of Thrust Aviation, a UK based parajet company, is promoting paragliding in India, by giving training to the young people in India.

"It is being used in India at the moment and I am helping for the promotion with the Thrust Aviation. They are responsible for certifying the use of aircraft in India and so I am helping them here conduct a training course in India with a syllabus adopted from a British syllabus we have for paragliders," said Eldridge.

Powered paragliding also known as paramotoring is a form of ultra-light aviation where the pilot wears a motor on their back. It provides enough thrust to take off using a parachute style paraglide wing.

It can be launched in still air, and on level ground, by the pilot alone, without any assistance.

Powered paragliders usually fly between 15-45mph at altitudes of up to 18,000ft, although most flying is done under 500ft. (ANI)

us2cyberabad

March 9th, 2010, 05:50 AM

Real estate companies begin wooing customers again

B Krishna Mohan / Chennai/ Hyderabad March 9, 2010, 0:19 IST

Leaving the slowdown turmoil behind, real estate companies in Hyderabad are wooing customers with price incentives. And, in return for the upfront payments, the companies are committing themselves to complete the projects according to the deadline.

For instance, Ramky Group, which is into residential towers and waste management, is offering to bear the pre-EMI of its customers till the property is handed over to them.

According to Nanda Kishore, assistant vice president, the idea is to ensure that customers are insulated from delays. The offer is for its ongoing project Ramky Towers at Gachibowli, which is home to quite a few big companies.

“The pre-EMI would vary with the cost of the unit bought by the customers. The bigger the unit, the larger the pre-EMI component. The onus here will be on the builder to complete the construction on time to avoid paying the pre-EMI, which starts immediately after the banks disburse one tranche of the loan,” he says.

Typically, banks finance up to 80 per cent of the project cost in tranches and the EMI starts only after full disbursal.

A customer buying a new flat or a house has to bear the pre-EMI (interest component to the banks), followed by EMI till he gets the possession.

“This is an effort to ensure that cash flow of the customers are not affected,” he says without quantifying how much the company was paying as pre-EMI.

About 40 customers have opted for Ramky’s pre-EMI interest offer so far. The company expects to complete one block by September and another by this December. In all, it is building 550 dwelling units. The average price per sft varies from Rs 3,400 to Rs 4,000 and the size of the unit, normally a 3BHK, varies from 1,900 sft to 4,000 sft.

Aparna Constructions, which is constructing Aparna Kanopy at Dhulapalli on the city outskirts, offered a special price for its double bedroom flats. The scheme was valid for customers who booked till February end. It was quoting Rs 1,500 per sft and offered a unit of 935 sft for Rs 14 lakh. The amenities cost another Rs 3.65 lakh taking the total to Rs 17.36 crore. However, the company said, the prices would go up by Rs 100 an sft from March.

The company is also offering a price protection scheme for a limited period to the customers of Aparna Sarovar, its project at Nallagandla near Gachibowli. Under this, customers will be refunded the difference if the price falls after they take possession. The company, however, would charge the old rate if the price increases.

While a few units of Aparna Sarovar are ready, Aparna Commune, its another project, would be ready for possession this calendar year, an official said.

Another city-based company Janapriya Engineers is offering properties on dual rates — Rs 1,395 per sft for 60 per cent of the unit and at Rs 1,895 per sft for the remaining 40 per cent — for its new project Lake Front coming up near Sainikpuri here.

“We have devised this scheme to encourage buyers in view of the slowdown,” said Janapriya chairman and managing director K Ravinder Reddy. The company gets 60 per cent of the payment, though at a reduced price, upfront. In return, it is giving an assurance to the customers to complete the project in one year.

Janapriya would construct 2,000 flats, in all, in this venture. However, the deadlines would be applicable only to the blocks where construction had begun, he said.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/real-estate-companies-begin-wooing-customers-again/387887/

rizwan3

March 9th, 2010, 06:18 AM

DQ Entertainment IPO is very expensive
8 Mar 2010, 0535 hrs IST, Rajesh Naidu, ET Bureau

DQ Entertainment (International), one of the leading players in animation business, is entering the capital market with a public issue of 16 million shares at the face value of Rs10 each. The Hyderabad-based company, which began as an IT training and consultancy firm in 1993, forayed into animation business in 2000.
The company branched out into gaming and distribution business in the past eight years; however, it still derives a substantial portion of its revenues from its animation business. Considering the half-year period of this fiscal ended September 30, 2009, the company’s animation business accounted for around 93% (Rs 61 crore) of the total revenues of Rs 65 crore.

The issue will help the company raise around Rs 150 crore at the higher end of the price band. This includes Rs 25 crore already raised through the pre-IPO placements to IDFC Investments and a clutch of highnetworth individuals. The company would spend around Rs 51 crore for developing IT parks at its SEZ in Hyderabad. It would use around Rs104 crore in co-production and IP content generation.

The industry:

With advancement in technology, products associated with animation business are no longer restricted to specific age group especially children in early teens. Animations films (2D, 3D) like Hanuman Returns, Roadside Romeo and Bal Ganesha in India and Hollywood productions like Madagascar, Finding Nemo, Shrek series, Ratatouille and the recently Avataar have audiences that traverse all age groups.

Besides this, television channels like Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, a Zee group channel, and animation games based on celebrated characters have led to an explosion in the demand for animation. Also there is growing use of animation in education as textbooks are being animated to improve the learning experience for students. Then there is booming demand for animation from advertising and film industry.

A key trend observed in the animation business is the outsourcing of animation projects by Hollywood production houses to firms in India and other Asian countries. As Indian animation industry matures and gets bigger, the extent of outsourcing is expected to grow dramatically.

A Nasscom-Ernst & Young report had valued the global animation industry at around $68 billion in 2008 and the reports expects it to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 10% to become $100 billion industry by 2012.

rizwan3

March 9th, 2010, 06:19 AM

‘Iron Man' season 2 soon
Special Correspondent

Company plans to invest Rs. 153 crore, says CEO

HYDERABAD: City-based DQ Entertainment (DQE) has announced plans to produce 26 episodes of season 2 of the hugely-popular cartoon ‘Iron Man' at a multi-million Euro production budget, apart from making its initial public offering (IPO) of equity shares 1.6 million shares of Rs. 10 each at a price band between Rs. 75 and Rs. 80.

At a press conference here on Monday, Chairman and CEO of DQE Tapaas Chakravarti said the episodes would be co-produced with Marvel Animation and Method Animation. He said the company planned to invest Rs. 153 crore, of which Rs. 25.69 crore was raised through a pre-IPO placement of 37.72 lakh shares.

He said that Rs. 100 crore would go for developing the company's intellectual property and the rest for developing the land that they had got on a 66-year lease at the Special Economic Zone in Kokapet.:banana::cheers: They had orders for Rs. 415 crore for delivery over a two year period, he added, in response to a question.

Mr. Chakravarti said the company was into live action videos and that 3D technology would be widely used in future productions.

Presspersons were treated to a visual delight as they watched through 3D glasses snippets from Jungle Book being screened.

Visual effects

Chairman and CEO of Method Animation, Aton Soumache said they were proud to renew their collaboration with Marvel Animation and DQE and added that ‘Iron Man: Armored Adventures season 2' would provide even more stunning visual effects and entertainments to the delight of all ‘Iron Man' fans. Marvel Animation president Eric Rollman said the ‘Iron Man' season 2 episodes would go well with fans in the premiere season and added that entertainment for fans would be taken to a whole new level.

mailshubhamkumar

March 10th, 2010, 08:26 AM

WHich layout are u refering to?
1007 has many layouts.

The dispute was not between one of these societies of sy 1007 and the Vishnu housing guys (sy 1002-1006). but it was between GHMC and the layout in 1007. The GHMC proposed to widen the road from 80ft to 100 ft. This has now been scrapped.
Hi, How's the road work going any progress. Can you upload any photos of the new road.

stupid007

March 10th, 2010, 11:10 AM

Digging and filling has started from hitech flyover side. the boulders left by the old stone crushing unit are coming handy. they made a small change in alignment. instead of starting from the hitech stn and going all along the railway line, it has now been started from under the flyover as a 100ft road, reduces to 80ft when it reaches the sy 1007 plots and then goes back to 100ft thereafter.
will see if my phone can capture some photos properly when i visit next.

Hi, How's the road work going any progress. Can you upload any photos of the new road.

hyd

March 10th, 2010, 05:25 PM

I saw it yesterday, just some mud and rocks, do not know if it can be called a road.
looked more like ppl dumping their construction waste, i could be wrong as i observed it from a distance

Digging and filling has started from hitech flyover side. the boulders left by the old stone crushing unit are coming handy. they made a small change in alignment. instead of starting from the hitech stn and going all along the railway line, it has now been started from under the flyover as a 100ft road, reduces to 80ft when it reaches the sy 1007 plots and then goes back to 100ft thereafter.
will see if my phone can capture some photos properly when i visit next.

carzzz12

March 10th, 2010, 06:39 PM

Work is going on at Hitec city flyover at good speed, if they continue with same speed flyover will be ready in next 3 months....lets hope for the best....

Babji

March 13th, 2010, 09:39 PM

MIM opposes demolition
By By DC Correspondent Mar 14 2010

Hyderabad, March 13: Religious structures dot a majority of the 670 roads that are proposed to be widened as part of the development planned in the draft master plan for Hyderabad and Secunderabad, the 172-sq km area of the erstwhile Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad.

Though the GHMC has given an undertaking to the AP High Court that it will remove illegal structures from roads in a phased manner, it is easier said than done. What’s more, the GHMC has failed to comply with the Supreme Court’s directions on not allowing any more new religious structures to come up on roads. Though the GHMC has widened roads at several places in the city in the past, it did so without removing the shrines for fear of provoking a violent reaction.

Traffic jams are common from MJ Road to Afzalgunj, Road No 2 in Banjara Hills and on Mettuguda road, where places of worship obstruct the flow of traffic.

Main roads in upmarket areas of Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, SP Road, Secunderabad are obstructed by religious structures.

The BJP MLA, Mr G. Kishan Reddy, is in favour of relocation of religious structures as any talk of removing them does not go down well with worshippers.

Roads in the Nampally, Darusalam, Jambagh and MJ market areas have the most numbers of religious structures. For instance there are 53 places of worship on the 1.5 km stretch between Ek Minar Masjid and Darusalam road, a city planner said.

Likewise, 38 religious structures stand in the way of widening of roads at Asif Nagar, Langer Houz, Toli Chowki, Puranapul, and Lakdikapul area. On the 1.5 km stretch between Purnapul and Toli Mosque at Karwan, there are 31 religious structures. The MIM president and MP, Mr Asaduddin Owaisi, says, “We will oppose the move to even relocate mosques. The Central and the State Wakf Acts stand as protection to existing mosques. First, let the officials come out with a list of religious structures that have been constructed illegally and those that have existed for decades with proper documents,” he said.
Source URL: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/mim-opposes-demolition-757
==
Wider roads may still land you in traffic jams
By By DC Correspondent Mar 14 2010

Hyderabad, March 13: The draft master plan for the core city proposes among other things, widening and construction of a whopping 670 roads at various places in the city.

Urban development experts say that not only will thousands of families be rendered homeless if the plan is executed, but thousands of crores of public money will be spent on an exercise that is unlikely to achieve the desired results. As urban and traffic experts the world over have come to realise, widening roads does not necessarily ease traffic congestion.

“What is required for the core city is a comprehensive mobility plan which should be a combination of roads, public transport system, parking space, pedestrianisation, strengthening of MMTS and introduction of alternative transport systems like BRTS among others,” says Mr Srinivas Chary, director of the Administrative Staff College of India.

Instead of widening a large number of roads, experts recommend that arterial roads for mass transport systems should be identified. No high-rises or commercial complexes should be allowed in the lanes and by-lanes branching off from the arterial road because that will only lead to further congestion. The vast open lands in surrounding municipalities should also be utilised properly to reduce the load in the core city.

Widening of roads will have other consequences. Mr Veda Kumar of Forum for a Better Hyderabad says that as many as 1,500 structures of immense heritage value will have to be bulldozed if road widening is allowed as proposed in the draft master plan for the core city. Many trees too will be felled.

“Take for example, the Monda Market road which is presently 40 ft wide. The proposal is to widen it up to 80 or 100 ft. The old jail, which is a heritage structure, will have to be demolished if this road is to be widened up to even 60 ft. If officials are allowed to do what they want,they will also bulldoze the Charminar one day, all in the name of development. Road widening is an exercise which only benefits the officials,” Mr Kumar said.

He says that the draft master plan has been prepared without consulting the stakeholders. “What is the use of taking suggestions and objections from stakeholders after the preparation of the master plan?” he asked.

The BJP MLA, Mr G. Kishan Reddy, said road widening in the last few years has not reduced traffic congestion nor has it improved mobility. Widening roads in the core city 10 years ago may have been necessary but today it can only be considered as a knee-jerk reaction. The government does not pay compensation for land that is taken from citizens for the purpose of widening roads. The structural compensation paid by the local authorities is not sufficient to buy a small piece of land even on the city’s outskirts. “Where will they go? How many rounds of road widening will officials take up? Don’t they have any other alternative plans?” asked the BJP legislator.

Mr Jeevan Kumar of Campaign for Housing and Tenurial Rights (CHATRI) questioned the speed at which officials are trying to finalise the revised master plan for the core city. “When the Telangana issue is burning and there is uncertainty over the fate of Hyderabad, why act in haste to implement a master plan that projects development for the next 30 years?”

Mr V.V.L.N. Sarma, the expert consultant hired by HMDA for preparation of the master plan clarified that this was only a draft of the master plan and the work will be taken up over several years. “The widening of all the 670 roads will not be done in a year or two. It is an exercise to be taken over the next couple of decades. Besides, the master plan is also very clear on aspects of development like the public transport system, parking spaces, recreational zones, multiple land use zones, lake protection and development, and heritage conservation among others. The micro-level plans will be prepared later, that too after duly considering the objections and suggestions of stake holders,” he said.
Source URL: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/wider-roads-may-still-land-you-traffic-jams-758

us2cyberabad

March 14th, 2010, 05:55 AM

AP to bring information technology under esma
BS Reporter / Chennai/ Hyderabad March 13, 2010, 0:36 IST

Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/ap-to-bring-information-technology-under-esma/388415/

The Karnataka government may be watching some of the developments on the IT sector front in the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh with much interest. The Andhra Pradesh gove-rnment is all set to bring the IT and ITeS sector under the Essential Services Maintenance Act, making it free of riots and agitations, and allowing operations without any interruption including power cuts, according to state IT and communications, youth services and sports minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy.
“A file pertaining to the legislation to make IT an ess-ential service was signed by chief minister K Rosaiah on Thursday and the same will be tabled in the ongoing Assembly session for necessary amendments and bringing it into force,” he told reporters on the sidelines of Information Technology and Services Industry Association of Andhra Pradesh (ITsAP)’s two-day software products showcase and awards event that kicked off here on Friday.

Stating that the present IT policy would come to an end by this month, the minister said the government was in the process of preparing a new IT policy for the next five years. “Draft copy of the policy is getting ready. We are presently seeking suggestions and recommendations from the captains of the industry,” he said.

Assuring the industry that they need not worry about investments and business in the state because of the ongoing political agitations, Reddy said the state IT&C ministry was taking serious action against those who took land from the government for setting up special economic zones (SEZs) and then began using them for some other activities. “We have slapped notices on Indu Projects, which went to New Delhi and tried denotifying its SEZ,” he added.

Andhra Pradesh is the first state in the country to send a proposal to the Centre for setting up an Infor-mation Technology Invest-ment Region (ITIR) in an area of 202 square kilometre, the minister said. The ITIR is expected to create an annual revenue of Rs 3,10,849 crore, generating 1.5 million direct and 5.3 million indirect employment by 2035.

us2cyberabad

March 15th, 2010, 02:40 AM

ITsAP sees 20% growth in exports in FY11

BS Reporter / Chennai/ Hyderabad March 11, 2010, 0:37 IST
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/itsap-sees-20-growth-in-exports-in-fy11/388148/

The IT and ITeS Industry Association of AP (formerly Hysea) is anticipating a growth of about 20 per cent in exports from Andhra Pradesh in the next financial year, according to its president Narasimha Rao. Software exports from the state touched Rs 32,500 crore last year and according to an estimate, the figure crossed Rs 30,000 crore this year in December.

“We expected exports to be flat or negative this year. However, there has been a positive upturn since the last six months and we hope to witness a 5-6 per cent growth this fiscal. Next year, a 15-20 per cent growth is a reasonable expectation,” he told mediapersons here on Wednesday.

Stating that the impact of extension or non-extension of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) scheme will be felt only in the long-term, Rao said the industry had picked up after the downturn, with the US being the biggest driver of growth. “However, the largest growth is expected from the Asian countries over the next decade,” he added.

ITsAP will be organising its 18th annual awards and software products’ showcase and conference in Hyderabad from March 12. The two-day event will see about 63 companies, with the majority being early-stage start-ups, showcasing their technology innovations.

“We saw a total of 111 nominations for various categories and this year, ITsAP is expecting further uncovering of new product companies. Venture capital companies like DFJ, IDJ, Helion and Ojas Ventures and angel investors like Ananth Rao had confirmed their participation,” said Ramesh Loganathan, member of management committee and chief coordinator (ITsAP software products forum).

jeethu570

March 15th, 2010, 10:24 AM

:banana:Social networking site Facebook announced on Monday that it will set up its office in Hyderabad to support the growing number of users, advertisers and developers in India and globally.

Facebook has seen exponential growth in recent months and has more than eight million active users in India, it said in a statement.

The rising popularity of Facebook has also come as a threat to various other social networking sites like Orkut, MySpace and Flickr.

It has more than 400 million active users worldwide.

The centre will house online advertising and developer support teams and provide round-the-clock, multi-lingual support to its users and advertisers globally, it further said.

The new centre in Hyderabad will supplement operations out of California, Dublin, Ireland and a recently announced location in Austin, Texas.

It has already started its hiring procedure for the Hyderabad centre.

"We expect our new office in Hyderabad to tap into the region's strong pool of talented people who understand operations and technology, and help us more effectively serve the needs of our users, advertisers, and developers around the world," Facebook Director (Global Online Operations) Don Faul said.

Kamal Reddy

March 15th, 2010, 12:20 PM

thats good news

hyd

March 15th, 2010, 12:27 PM

any one knows where in Hyderabad?

:banana:Social networking site Facebook announced on Monday that it will set up its office in Hyderabad to support the growing number of users, advertisers and developers in India and globally.

Facebook has seen exponential growth in recent months and has more than eight million active users in India, it said in a statement.

The rising popularity of Facebook has also come as a threat to various other social networking sites like Orkut, MySpace and Flickr.

It has more than 400 million active users worldwide.

The centre will house online advertising and developer support teams and provide round-the-clock, multi-lingual support to its users and advertisers globally, it further said.

The new centre in Hyderabad will supplement operations out of California, Dublin, Ireland and a recently announced location in Austin, Texas.

It has already started its hiring procedure for the Hyderabad centre.

"We expect our new office in Hyderabad to tap into the region's strong pool of talented people who understand operations and technology, and help us more effectively serve the needs of our users, advertisers, and developers around the world," Facebook Director (Global Online Operations) Don Faul said.

rizwan3

March 15th, 2010, 12:37 PM

HYDERABAD still has the glory..of expansion...:banana:
Facebook to set up centre in Hyderabad
:banana::banana::banana::cheers:
Press Trust of India, March 15, 2010 (New Delhi)

Social networking site Facebook on Monday announced that it will set up its office in Hyderabad to support the growing number of users, advertisers and developers in India and globally.

Facebook has seen exponential growth in recent months and has more than eight million active users in India, it said in a statement.

The rising popularity of Facebook has also come as a threat to various other social networking sites like Orkut, MySpace and Flickr.

It has more than 400 million active users worldwide. The centre will house online advertising and developer support teams and provide round-the-clock, multi-lingual support to its users and advertisers globally, it further said.

The new centre in Hyderabad will supplement operations out of California, Dublin, Ireland and a recently announced location in Austin, Texas.

It has already started its hiring procedure for the Hyderabad centre.

"We expect our new office in Hyderabad to tap into the region's strong pool of talented people who understand operations and technology, and help us more effectively serve the needs of our users, advertisers, and developers around the world," Facebook Director (Global Online Operations) Don Faul said.

us2cyberabad

March 17th, 2010, 02:50 AM

one month back news:

Hyderabad News. Tishman Speyer Inaugurates 7 Million SFT Waverock in Gachibowli. TCS picks up 2 Million SFT

Hyderabad News. BL 18.02.10

Tishman Speyer India (TSI) Business Parks (Hyderabad) today announced the completion of the Phase-1 of the Wave Rock IT special economic zone (SEZ) project with a built-up space of 7 lakh sq ft, wherein TCS has taken up major space (2 Million SFT).

The US firm is now embarking on the next phase which will entail investment outlay of Rs 650 crore for 18 lakh sq ft of additional office space.

The Managing Director of Tishman Speyer, Mr A. Robert Paratte, and the Country Head and Managing Director of Tishman Speyer in India, Mr Rakesh Sharma, told Business Line that these investments are part of the $350 million Tishman Speyer Fund created by the company for India operations.

ICICI Ventures is part of the venture and TSI also plays the role of construction partner. Located in the Financial District near Hyderabad and close to Indian school of Business and campuses of Microsoft, Infosys and Wipro, this is projected as a landmark project marked by unique designs. The project is architected by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, New York, with civil works by Shapoorji Pallonji.

us2cyberabad

March 17th, 2010, 02:52 AM

Hyderabad - Hot Destination for Medical Tourism
Monday, March 15, 2010 at 11:30:18 PM
Source:http://www.medindia.net/news/Hyderabad-Hot-Destination-for-Medical-Tourism-66426-1.htm

Indian Health News Font Size Chief Minister K Rosaiah has said that Hyderabad is fast becoming a major health tourism center as many foreign patients are opting to get treated here.

“Hyderabad has become one of the major health tourism hubs in India as a number of hospitals are providing services at affordable costs. Hundreds of foreigners are showing interest to obtain better health care treatment in Hyderabad hospitals which employ the latest technology and have modern facilities,’’ the CM revealed.

He was speaking on the occasion of the launch of a new Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) prevention initiative, called ‘Healthy Hearts’ project at the national-level Prevent India- 2010 conference.

This project has been launched by the Medwin Hearts Foundation. Dr Ramesh Babu Byrapaneni, president of Medwin Heart Foundation, said the new initiative would help policy-makers and health care professionals develop guidelines for screening and preventing heart disease.

rizwan3

March 17th, 2010, 06:34 AM

Lodha Group introduces Spa Villas at Lodha Bellezza

Redefining luxury in Hyderabad, Lodha announces the third phase of Lodha Bellezza on the auspicious occasion of Ugadi.These exclusive and premiere 'Spa villas' emphasize the importance of cultivating community relationship and social security

Lodha Bellezza - HyderabadLodha Bellezza - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, March 15, 2010 /India PRwire/ -- Continuing to build up on the spectacular success of its luxury project - Lodha Bellezza, one of India's leading real estate developers Lodha Group, now introduces spa villas at Lodha Bellezza. Being launched on the auspicious occasion of the Telugu New Year Ugadi, Lodha Bellezza is spread across 12.9 acres of prime land at Eden Square, near HiTec City.

The super luxury first 'By Invitation Only' project in Hyderabad stands tall at the pinnacle of redefining luxury in Hyderabad along with providing a rich experience to its residents. These exclusive and premiere 'Spa villas' emphasize the importance of cultivating community relationship and social security.

Says R. Karthik, Sr. VP Marketing, Lodha Developers Ltd, "Over the last five years, this location has witnessed unprecedented growth, swiftly emerging as one of Hyderabad's most coveted destination. Lodha Bellezza goes much beyond quality construction, making a definitive statement in opulence and luxury. Here, you have the privacy of your own spa villa, the lifestyle of a plush resort, the security of a gated community, and the advantage of having like minded individuals as neighbours."

Themed on Californian style living, these fully air conditioned 'spa villas' offer cutting-edge home automation technology with cell phone-operated appliances, internationally branded modular kitchen, exquisite designed bathroom fittings to private spa pool in the residence. Complementing the superlative residences, are high-end external lifestyle amenities like the clubhouse, party lawn, a high-end gymnasium, indoor games arena, swimming pool for both adults and children will surely appeal to both a sports enthusiast and a leisure seeker.

Emergence of Hyderabad as a leading IT destination and high disposable incomes has spurred the growth of luxurious homes exponentially in this southern city. It is this need of the aspirant populace of Hyderabad that the spa villas by Lodha Bellezza strive to meet.:banana::cheers:

ranga

March 17th, 2010, 02:59 PM

us2cyberabad

March 18th, 2010, 03:35 AM

Hyderabad sees bullish hiring activity in Feb 2010Wednesday, March 17, 2010,16:50 [IST]
Source:http://news.oneindia.in/2010/03/17/hiring-activity-growth-naukri-com-survey.html

Editor's pick
India Inc s hiring activity up 17 pc in Feb

New Delhi, Mar 17: Leading job portal Naukri.com has found that the hiring activity of India Inc surged by 17 per cent in Feb 2010, signaling a renewed optimism among recruiters.

Buzz up!In a monthly survey, the portal found that the new job index moved up to 947 in Feb 2010 as against 808 in Jan 2010. Compared to the situation in Feb 2009, there was growth 14 per cent in the job index in the month under study.

"Recruitment activity accelerated in February, reflecting underlying strength and positive momentum in the job market. The 'cautious optimism' that pervaded throughout the last year and a half has evaporated as most industry sectors are now looking to hire," Info Edge COO Hitesh Oberoi is quoted as saying in a news agency report.

The hiring activity was the highest in telecom and auto sectors. All of the country's top ten industry sectors have shown positive trends.

Telecom registered an annual growth of a 27 per cent while IT-software and auto sectors moved up by 24 per cent and banking and insurance grew 14 per cent in Feb 2010.

Hiring in the field of sales and accounts also saw a rise of 18-19 per cent in Feb 2010 in comparison to Jan 2010.

Hyderabad topped the list of cities with 25 per cent growth in job index. After two months of negative trends, hiring activity in Kolkata went up by 21 per cent.

During the month under study, Chennai recorded a growth of 21 per cent, Delhi saw 12 per cent growth and Bangalore 11 per cent increment in hiring activity.

us2cyberabad

March 18th, 2010, 03:39 AM

Convergys Celebrates Six Successful Years in Hyderabad
Business Wire (Business Wire India)
2010-03-17
Source:http://www.itnewsonline.com/showbwstory.php?storyid=2143

Six years ago, Convergys Corporation, a global leader in relationship management, opened the doors of its state-of-the-art information technology campus in Hyderabad, India. Known as the "City of Pearls," Hyderabad is a major hub for the information technology industry and its location is ideal for global companies like Convergys that need access to the wider Asia Pacific region.

When Convergys opened the 80,000 square foot facility, 400 professionals began providing top quality software research and development, professional services, and operations support for Convergysâ€™ Information Management clients both in Asia Pacific and around the world. Now the high-tech location is celebrating its sixth anniversary. Not only has the staff grown to over 1,100 Convergys employees, the facility has increased in size to 200,000 square feet in Hyderabadâs prestigious HITEC City the information technology township.

From the beginning, Convergys dedicated employees demonstrated their extensive talents and abilities, utilizing state-of-the-art software technologies to provide a range of services that include software development, systems integration, business continuity services, and application maintenance and support. Convergys' Hyderabad team has earned client plaudits for sustained high performance in the delivery of vital Smart BSS solutions.

Convergys employees have also won the praise of their community, given their notable volunteer activity in Hyderabad. In association with the NGO Project 511, Convergys employees have supported the educational needs of over 400 students of the Central Upper Primary School, located in nearby Lingampally. Employee volunteers have donated money to install critical amenities and helped ready a new school building for classes as well as helping school authorities set up a library.

From the very beginning, our employees in Hyderabad have impressed Convergys and its clients with their professionalism and dedication. Opening our campus in Hyderabad not only put us closer to our regional clients, but also enabled us to tap into the rich network of talent available in India,said Jatin Jhala, Centre Head. œOne of Convergys' core values is teamwork. We value all of this teams accomplishments to date and anticipate many more notable accomplishments in the years to come.

us2cyberabad

March 18th, 2010, 03:43 AM

Wipro to provide job offers to 4,000 B.Sc graduates
Source:http://www.thehindu.com/2010/03/16/stories/2010031662090400.htm

Students can also do MS from BITS -Pilani

HYDERABAD: Here's some good news for B.Sc graduates as Osmania University in collaboration with Wipro Technologies is providing exciting job opportunities for more than 4,000 graduates of 2010 batch.

Informing this to presspersons here on Monday, OU Vice-Chancellor T. Tirupati Rao said the Wipro Academy of Software Excellence (WASE) programme is based on the theme “earn while you learn.” This programme will provide job opportunities to students.

They can also pursue MS degree from BITS - Pilani simultaneously while doing their job.

Students registered will be selected based on written test followed by an interview.

Mr. Rao said the company has also come forward to conduct road shows for students pursuing B.Sc in university constituent and affiliated colleges to educate them about the programme.

The company is planning to conduct two or three road shows accommodating 1,000 students in each programme. The first programme will be held on March 21 at University College for Women in Koti. Similar events will be organised on March 28 and April 4 based on the response from students.

Students enrolling for WASE programme must fulfil the following criteria: B.Sc (CS/ IT/Electronics/Physics/Maths/Statistics/BCA/BCM) with 60 per cent pass percentage in tenth class, Intermediate and graduation. Maths as a subject in Intermediate is mandatory.

Students can also apply on http://careers.wipro.com/wase.

If candidates are selected, then stipend will be paid to them and on successful completion of the course, M.S. Degree will be given from BITS-Pilani.

us2cyberabad

March 20th, 2010, 03:13 AM

IPO of DQ Entertainment receives 86 times subscription
Submitted by Gaurav Mehra on Thu, 03/11/2010 - 07:00. Company Updates IPO Update Featured TNM DQ Entertainment India
Source:http://www.topnews.in/ipo-dq-entertainment-receives-86-times-subscription-2255932

The Initial Public Offering of DQ Entertainment got a good response from the investors. According to the NSE, the IPO, which closed today, got subscribed around 86 times. DQ Entertainment is one of the leading companies in animation business in India.

The company has entered into capital market entailing the public issue of 16 million shares at the face value of Rs 10 each in its bounty.

However, DQ plans to use this money in developing IT parks in SEZ in Hyderabad and in financing its investment in co-production and IP content generation. The company would reportedly spend around Rs 51 Cr for developing IT parks and Rs104 Cr in co production and IP content generation.

us2cyberabad

March 20th, 2010, 03:26 AM

GMR to develop aerotropolis at H'bad airport

Press Trust of India / Hyderabad
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/gmr-to-develop-aerotropolis-at-h/bad-airport/87254/on

The GMR Group, which operates the New Delhi and Hyderabad international airports, will develop an 'aerotropolis' here, which will house special zones for entertainment, education and hospitality among others.

GMR Group Chairman G M Rao said the group will create seven 'ports' which would form the aerotropolis with a view to support revenue and the growing airport traffic in future.

An aerotropolis is a new type of urban setting comprising aviation-intensive businesses and related areas extending up to 25km off major airports.

"We will set up aerospace, hospitality, health, medical, logistics, convention, education and entertainment ports to make the airport a world-class one," Rao said on the sidelines of the formal launch of CFM International's training facility at the 250-acre Aerospace SEZ, near Hyederabad airport today.

He said a 500-bed hospital, an international school and a management school with world-class standards will also be set up in the first phase. However, he declined to answer whether the group is talking to someone for tie-ups.

"We have 5,500 acres and we would create all necessary infrastructure for the seven ports to make the 'aerotroplis' the world's best model," Rao said.

He said the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, a joint venture between GMR and Malaysian Aerospace, will be operational by next year. He also said the company would request CFM International to set up another MRO unit at the Aerospace SEZ.

ranga

March 20th, 2010, 06:58 PM

Builders back to the drawing board

http://www.hindu.com/pp/2010/03/20/stories/2010032050280500.htm

The construction industry is gauging the choices of the post-boom phase buyers and some builders have even altered plans to suit the needs of consumers, says T. LALITH SINGH

Changing times: Only ready properties or those nearing completion seem to appeal to buyers.

With real estate struggling to limp back to normal after collapse from an unprecedented high, the construction industry is eager for an understanding of the choices and preferences of the post-boom phase buyers.

Till a year-and-half back when buyers flocked the construction sites and the offices of developers, the rush was more to book a property but this particular trend has gone for a nosedive now. Most in the industry concede that selling a property based on brochures or presentations is no more possible. In days when cancellations of bookings have turned a real threat for the construction sector, only ready properties or those nearing completion seem to appeal a prospective buyer. “Not many are willing to glance through brochure and book a flat despite even an assurance on delivery within 12 to 18 months. They want something that is ready or will be available in short time,” says a builder.Even plots have lost their sheen with developers lamenting at not being able to find buyers for them even in and around Shamshabad and along Srisailam road where plots were once sold like hot cakes at high prices. “Investing in plots does not hold much interest for most as of now and ready to possess properties has some evincing interest in buying,” adds another builder. This emerging trend after a prolonged lull in real estate activities has builders who are in the process of either launching a new project or stuck mid-way to completion in a bind. No more can one announce a project and look forward to start construction with advances collected from bookings, it is pointed out.

Several builders particularly in suburbs too find themselves in a tight corner with fewer flats booked. It is a piquant situation, states one adding, “Only on getting all bookings I can start construction from money thus raised. ” Similarly, there seem to be some changes in buyers' perception that has started to emerge and the builders are trying to understand it better. Limit plans for more villas or spacious 3BHKs and concentrate on 2BHKs and that too without much of paraphernalia that came associated with during boom time. Some builders have gone back to the drawing boards to look at the possibilities of carving out 2BHKs from earlier plans of 3BHKs and make them available at reduced prices.

us2cyberabad

March 21st, 2010, 05:13 AM

Source:http://www.greatandhra.com/ganews/viewnews.php?id=19915&cat=10&scat=25

Hyderabad: It was in March last year the US Consulate in Hyderabad started its operations. A year hence, Hyderabadis could be counting the money they saved on their Chennai trips each time they needed a visa, but industry at large has turned optimistic with the consulate’s presence giving Hyderabad a much-needed edge over Bangalore. And they say, they are already witnessing some spin offs to the presence of the US consulate in the city.

When Facebook announced its decision to set its first Asian office in Hyderabad, IT industry observers said there was more than the officially given reason of “talent pool’’ in the city that drove one of the world’s fastest growing companies here. Industry observers say the consulate’s presence here could have been crucial among the range of factors behind the move.

“It’s the overall brand identity of the city that has improved. And the city now offers a complete package—the international airport, the US consulate and the presence of major IT firms,’’ says Arjun Rao, founder and CEO of Value Labs. He says the city now has the presence of high valuation internet companies, Google and Facebook, multinational IT giants like Microsoft and Oracle, and Indian IT majors like Infosys, Wipro and TCS.

While US consul general Cornelis M Keur says that while he too has heard similar speculation regarding Facebook’s decision of choosing Hyderabad being due to the consulate’s presence, he added that benefits due to the consulate’s presence may not be felt overnight but over a period of time.

Keur further notes how while the city’s first aviation show had the participation of a handful of small and medium-sized companies in the aviation sector from the US, but this year the number shot to around 20. “Of these two are in significant talks with companies here for a joint venture related to the aviation industry,’’ Keur says.

Besides, industry players say there is better interaction between trade bodies of the city and those in the US after the consulate came into being. Speaking of business and trade relations, K Harishchandra Prasad, president of Fapcci, says that there is now a direct link between various bodies mainly because of many trade delegations coming to town over the last year. These visits could take time to yield some tangible result, but the industry is hopeful. “We are also working on ways and means of improving relations with US (firms) that have a connection with Hyderabad,’’ Prasad says. However, the hospitality industry in the state rues that the Consulate’s presence hasn’t really turned their fortunes, with no significant rise in the number of tourists visiting the state from the US. “But then Hyderabad or AP is not a tourist destination because there is nothing in the leisure segment that the state offers,’’ says Pradeep Dutt, general secretary, hotels and restaurants association.

However, Cornelis Keur notes there could be some upward movement on that front, particularly in medical tourism given the healthcare facilities the state has on offer. That visas can be issued now in Hyderabad, remains the consulate’s biggest advantage to the city. In the last one year, it has issued 75,000 visas and the numbers would only go up, says Keur.

With the Telangana agitation casting a shadow on Hyderabad as a business-friendly destination, industry players say the consulate may act as the catalyst the state needed to buffer the impact of the agitation on its image.

ranga

March 21st, 2010, 11:42 AM

Kamal Reddy

March 21st, 2010, 04:38 PM

If that is so every state in the country will be demanding U.S consulate offices in their state capitals.Most of the muslims in hyderabad are averse to the American policies and they may not be happy with this types of news.

Hyderabad genuinely needs a US consulate...considering the number of people from state in US

su_hyd

March 21st, 2010, 05:48 PM

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/education/Foreign-university-campuses-to-help-India-save-75-billion-outflow/articleshow/5708741.cms

Foreign university campuses to help India save $7.5 billion outflow
21 Mar 2010, 1754 hrs IST, PTI

NEW DELHI: Allowing foreign universities to set up their campuses in India will help the country save up to $7.5 billion (about Rs 34,500 crore)
foreign exchange annually that students spend on studying abroad, industry body Assocham said.

"It will not only dramatically enhance profile of higher education in India but help it save outflow of about $7.5 billion of foreign exchange per annum as large number of Indian students go abroad to receive higher education," Assocham said.

Assocham president Swati Piramal said students going abroad, cost the country a foreign exchange outflow of $10 billion annually and foreign universities campuses in India could prevent at least three-fourth of students from leaving the country for higher education.

On March 15, the Union Cabinet approved a Foreign Educational Institution (Regulation of Entry and Operation) Bill, 2010, to allow foreign education providers set up campuses in India. The Cabinet clearance has paved way for its introduction in Parliament.

The chamber said over five lakh students choose to go overseas every year to obtain higher education which include professional courses in engineering, medical and management.

Foreign universities in India would also prevent brain drain as large number of Indian students studying abroad opt to work overseas rather than returning home, Piramal said.

Assocham said several foreign universities have plans to enter India especially at places like New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Pune and Mumbai.

su_hyd

March 21st, 2010, 05:55 PM

- Hyderabad sends highest number of students to USA and this new legislation will immensely benefit the city with new foreign universities setting up their campuses
- Imagine attending Georgia Institute of Tech, Hyd campus being a day scholar and having countless number of job offers after the graduation
- In addition, will save billion+ dollar outflow from AP.
- Historical piece of legislation that could help reverse brain drain

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/education/Foreign-university-campuses-to-help-India-save-75-billion-outflow/articleshow/5708741.cms

Foreign university campuses to help India save $7.5 billion outflow
21 Mar 2010, 1754 hrs IST, PTI

NEW DELHI: Allowing foreign universities to set up their campuses in India will help the country save up to $7.5 billion (about Rs 34,500 crore)
foreign exchange annually that students spend on studying abroad, industry body Assocham said.

"It will not only dramatically enhance profile of higher education in India but help it save outflow of about $7.5 billion of foreign exchange per annum as large number of Indian students go abroad to receive higher education," Assocham said.

Assocham president Swati Piramal said students going abroad, cost the country a foreign exchange outflow of $10 billion annually and foreign universities campuses in India could prevent at least three-fourth of students from leaving the country for higher education.

On March 15, the Union Cabinet approved a Foreign Educational Institution (Regulation of Entry and Operation) Bill, 2010, to allow foreign education providers set up campuses in India. The Cabinet clearance has paved way for its introduction in Parliament.

The chamber said over five lakh students choose to go overseas every year to obtain higher education which include professional courses in engineering, medical and management.

Foreign universities in India would also prevent brain drain as large number of Indian students studying abroad opt to work overseas rather than returning home, Piramal said.

Assocham said several foreign universities have plans to enter India especially at places like New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Pune and Mumbai.

su_hyd

March 21st, 2010, 05:58 PM

:banana:

Kamal Reddy

March 21st, 2010, 06:53 PM

Babji

March 22nd, 2010, 12:26 AM

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2010032259210400.htm&date=2010/03/22/&prd=th&

Four-laning of 182-km stretch on NH-9
Work on Hyderabad-Vijayawada section to be completed by Oct. 2012: Union Minister
NALGONDA: Highlighting the importance of laying roads in nation-building, the Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways R. P. N. Singh asserted that the four-laning of the Hyderabad-Vijayawada section of the National Highway-9 would be completed by October 2012.

He was addressing a public meeting after laying the foundation for the four-laning of the 182-km stretch of NH-9 at Narketpally on Sunday evening. Chief Minister K. Rosaiah and Union Minister for Urban Development S. Jaipal Reddy attended the function, the first major one in Telangana region in the last three months.

BOT basis: Mr Singh said that the expansion project from Hyderabad to Vijayawada on NH-9 was taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 1,170 crore on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis. The project also envisages augmenting the four-lane facility to six-lane standards before 14th year.

The NH-9, which begins at Pune in Maharashtra, extends over 841 km with 336 km in Maharashtra, 75 km in Karnataka and 430 km in Andhra Pradesh and ends at Machilipatnam.

A total of 525 km the National Highways has been identified in Andhra Pradesh for four-laning on BOT basis under NHDP Phase-III, the Union Minister said, adding that four-laning of 1,024 kms length of NH-5 (Golden Quadrilateral) was already completed. The stretch is now again being improved to six-laning standards by the National Highways Authority of India.

Project delayed: Mr Jaipal Reddy said that the project which was sanctioned in November 2007 was delayed due to technical reasons.

The contractors approached the courts which further delayed the execution of the project by one year. Ultimately the project took off much to the delight of all of us, he remarked. Chief Minister K. Rosaiah said that improved road infrastructure fosters the comprehensive development of backward areas.

The expansion project would ease traffic congestion and prevent accidents on the high traffic density stretch of NH-9 which earlier witnessed accidents at regular intervals, he said.
good for Hyd too .... :cheers:

swajayr

March 22nd, 2010, 10:36 PM

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Georgia-Tech-revives-city-plan-/articleshow/5713604.cms

HYDERABAD: The Foreign Educational Institutions Bill, which was cleared by the Union cabinet a week ago, has brought some hope to Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Atlanta, which had plans of setting up an off shore campus near the city as early as 2007. In fact, the institute has already come up with a time-frame to start its India operations in the city, which would be in July-August this year. Authorities have come up with a two-phased developmental plan on research and development and pure academics.

The institute authorities had sent across a rough outline of their campus development plan to the state’s higher education department and discussed it with Sreedhar Babu, minister for higher education, K C Reddy, chairman, Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) in November 2009.

The authorities told TOI that the operations of its research and development (R&D) wing would start with the collaboration of several players from the country’s academia and industry.

“We are strongly committed to our goal of starting operations in Hyderabad. We are currently in the process of signing MoUs with leading companies in IT and energy and gas exploration areas of research,” said the spokesperson of the institute. He said that they were encouraged by the vision behind the foreign university Bill and ready to start their academic activity as soon as possible.

A premier institute of technology in the US, Georgia Tech had plans of setting up one of its offshore campuses in India and had been scouting for a suitable place since 2004. In 2007, an MoU was signed between officials of the university and the higher education department to set up a campus on 250 acres of government land at Mucherla village of Ranga Reddy district. While the land was identified and acquired for the purpose in March 2009, no response came from the university authorities after that. The government had even sent a letter of enquiry to the university heads on November 17, 2009 asking them to clarify whether they were interested in the project or not. In their response, the institute authorities said that they would first set up their research base.

Wipro and Infosys, which have set up R&D bases in the Atlanta campus of Georgia Tech, are expected to set up their labs in its India campus as well.

While the infrastructure will come up on the land allotted to the university,a full-fledged campus is likely to come up only in 2011 academic year.

The institute authorities admitted that they had to go slow on the project due to “economic recession” and “uncertainty” regarding the foreign university Bill”.

According to the institute authorities, the research centres will focus on developing “small but high quality programmes”. “The research will focus on cloud computing, gas exploration, climate prediction, power distribution and renewable energy”. The university is expected to be helped by local industries and research institutes in these activities.

But higher education officials said that the university had not yet bought the 250 acres the state government acquired for it. However, the institute said that the faculty and students of Atlanta campus are expected to reach the country in the next few months to flag off the research and development activities.

Kamal Reddy

March 23rd, 2010, 09:30 AM

ranga

March 23rd, 2010, 11:15 AM

I guess lot of varsities opt for hyd over other Indian cities :tongue4:
So that our youngsters need not go to U.S.A to persue higher studies thus saving money to their parents and precious foreign exchange for the country.As mostly people from A.P are bitten by U.S bug most U.S universities may open centres here.:)

stupid007

March 23rd, 2010, 12:14 PM

people go there because they want a job there. they want to live there. if they study in say georgia tech here, they won't get a job there.

So that our youngsters need not go to U.S.A to persue higher studies thus saving money to their parents and precious foreign exchange for the country.As mostly people from A.P are bitten by U.S bug most U.S universities may open centres here.:)

us2cyberabad

March 24th, 2010, 02:07 AM

Switzerland's Lonza may buy majority stake in Aptuit Laurus
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/switzerland%5Cs-lonza-may-buy-majority-stake-in-aptuit-laurus/389550/

P B Jayakumar / Mumbai March 24, 2010, 0:35 IST

Though the parties have not reached a final valuation, deal size for the Hyderabad-based firm may be around Rs 400 cr.

Lonza, the Switzerland-based contract research and manufacturing services major, is in discussions to take over a company in Hyderabad.

The target company, Aptuit Laurus, is a joint venture promoted by former Matrix Laboratories’ chief operating officer (COO) C Satyanarayana and US-based Aptuit Inc. Lonza is targeting to buy over 51 per cent of the stake held by the US company in Aptuit Laurus, said sources.

Though the parties have not reached a final valuation, the deal size for a majority stake could be in the range of Rs 350-450 crore, said sources.

Lonza has a turnover of Rs 11,500 crore and has been on the lookout for an acquisition in India for four to five years, but high valuations were a deterrent, they added. The company has a sales and marketing office in India.

Satyanarayana, a scientist with over 25 years of industry experience, played a key role in transforming Matrix Laboratories into a major pharmaceutical company. He had founded Laurus Labs with two colleagues in late 2005, with significant personal investment from him and his co-founders.

Later, talking over the telephone, he said the “articles of association with Aptuit are still valid” and would not comment any further.

“As a rule, we do not comment on any market speculations. However, India is certainly an interesting market for Lonza and we already have activities in India,” said Dominik Werner, media relations head of Lonza, in an e-mail.

Currently, Aptuit Laurus has a large-scale drug research and development centre at Hyderabad, and a 100 per cent export-oriented manufacturing facility at a 34-acre campus in Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City in Visakhapatnam. This has approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other leading drug regulators.

It also runs the Aptuit Informatics facility at White Field in Bangalore, which is exclusively focussed on Clinicopia, an industry-specific clinical trial supply management outfit.

Sources said Aptuit Laurus has a turnover of Rs 220-250 crore and employs over 600 people at the three sites.

In the changing global drug making scenario, India is an important destination for all global players, since manufacturing, research and development expenses are over 40 per cent cheaper than in the developed countries

us2cyberabad

March 24th, 2010, 02:13 AM

'India is a good place to acquire talent'

K Rajani Kanth / Hyderabad March 23, 2010, 1:08 IST
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/india-isgood-place-to-acquire-talent/389448/

Synopsys, a global provider of electronic design automation (EDA) software for semiconductor manufacturing, is gung-ho about the engineering talent available in India. The $1.3-billion group has acquired 48 companies globally — including half-a-dozen that have a significant presence in India — over the last 20 years. The company says it has the wherewithal to acquire more companies as it has zero debt and cash reserves of nearly $1 billion on its books. In an interview with K Rajani Kanth, Synopsys Global President and Chief Operating Officer CHI-FOON CHAN says the company sees India as an emerging market for intellectual property (IP) and systems business. Edited excerpts:

Synopsys has always adopted the inorganic growth route. Are you lining up more buyouts?
We are a conglomerate of 97 companies (including the subsidiaries that came along with the acquisitions). I think we have lined up some acquisitions as we are very excited about this market. India is a good place to acquire talent. Though we don’t specifically say it, we are consciously looking at acquisitions. However, I cannot name the companies. Actually, it is good news for India. If we want to recruit another 100 people in India, we know how to do it organically. However, whenever we merge, it is for technologies. India has a very strong engineering base and we are quite optimistic that something (an acquisition) will happen here.

Synopsys has acquired US-based companies that have a significant presence in India. How do you plan to leverage these acquisitions?
With the Noida (Coware) deal being much closer, we want to cater to Indian consumers. We are currently going through the legal process and, I think, we will be closing the Coware deal in the next two months. We have a strong eco-competence for acquisitions. They (the targets) should have the right culture and know how to merge.

Experts say India and China will be the next biggest markets for the semiconductor industry...
We have 400-odd engineers in China. However, the industry there is very different from India. India has more MNCs, and domestic companies too are growing fast, while China has more domestic companies. In many aspects, design engineers are much stronger and this is always reflected in our survey of complexity of chip design.

How much have you invested in your Indian operations so far? Any plans for further expansion?
Over the last 15 years, we have invested close to $100 million in our Indian operations. Of our 6,000 workforce, close to 500 work in Bangalore, 300-odd in Hyderabad and 30 at Noida. We are investing in a new facility in Hyderabad (at Hitech City). The 60,000-sq-ft campus will have a 450-seat capacity initially with more options to grow, and we expect to move into it in the next three-four months.

us2cyberabad

March 24th, 2010, 02:20 AM

Vascon Engineers bags orders worth Rs 145 cr
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/vascon-engineers-bags-orders-worth-rs-145-cr/89122/on

Press Trust of India / Mumbai March 22, 2010, 15:39 IST

Reality firm Vascon Engineers today said it has recently bagged orders worth Rs 145 crore for infrastructure related works.

The company has bagged a contract worth Rs 48.25 crore from Continental Hospital for building a multi speciality hospital at Hyderabad, it said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

harsh1802

March 24th, 2010, 04:42 AM

Grt updates everyone!

Keep it up!

p.raghavendra6

March 24th, 2010, 09:47 AM

Source: Times of India

Georgia Tech revives city plan

HYDERABAD: The Foreign Educational Institutions Bill, which was cleared by the Union cabinet a week ago, has brought some hope to Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Atlanta, which had plans of setting up an off shore campus near the city as early as 2007. In fact, the institute has already come up with a time-frame to start its India operations in the city, which would be in July-August this year. Authorities have come up with a two-phased developmental plan on research and development and pure academics.

The institute authorities had sent across a rough outline of their campus development plan to the state’s higher education department and discussed it with Sreedhar Babu, minister for higher education, K C Reddy, chairman, Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) in November 2009.

The authorities told TOI that the operations of its research and development (R&D) wing would start with the collaboration of several players from the country’s academia and industry.

“We are strongly committed to our goal of starting operations in Hyderabad. We are currently in the process of signing MoUs with leading companies in IT and energy and gas exploration areas of research,” said the spokesperson of the institute. He said that they were encouraged by the vision behind the foreign university Bill and ready to start their academic activity as soon as possible.

A premier institute of technology in the US, Georgia Tech had plans of setting up one of its offshore campuses in India and had been scouting for a suitable place since 2004. In 2007, an MoU was signed between officials of the university and the higher education department to set up a campus on 250 acres of government land at Mucherla village of Ranga Reddy district. While the land was identified and acquired for the purpose in March 2009, no response came from the university authorities after that. The government had even sent a letter of enquiry to the university heads on November 17, 2009 asking them to clarify whether they were interested in the project or not. In their response, the institute authorities said that they would first set up their research base.

Wipro and Infosys, which have set up R&D bases in the Atlanta campus of Georgia Tech, are expected to set up their labs in its India campus as well.

While the infrastructure will come up on the land allotted to the university,a full-fledged campus is likely to come up only in 2011 academic year.

The institute authorities admitted that they had to go slow on the project due to “economic recession” and “uncertainty” regarding the foreign university Bill”.

According to the institute authorities, the research centres will focus on developing “small but high quality programmes”. “The research will focus on cloud computing, gas exploration, climate prediction, power distribution and renewable energy”. The university is expected to be helped by local industries and research institutes in these activities.

But higher education officials said that the university had not yet bought the 250 acres the state government acquired for it. However, the institute said that the faculty and students of Atlanta campus are expected to reach the country in the next few months to flag off the research and development activities.

Kamal Reddy

March 24th, 2010, 04:28 PM

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/hyderabad-airport-best-in-india-uk-panel/111975-3.html?from=tn
Brussels:: The Rajiv Gandhi Airport in Hyderabad is the best airport in India, according to Britain-based consultancy Skytrax, which judges the quality of air travel around the world.At a ceremony in Brussels on Tuesday, the Hyderabad airport was given the Best Airport India award.

Singapore's Changi airport was named the world's best airport.

It was also called "Airport of the Year 2010", the best airport in Asia and also the best for leisure amenities.

Skytrax awards serve as the quality benchmark for the world airport industry.

The awards represent opinions of more than 8.6 million passengers from over 95 nationalities around the world who took part in a 10-month survey of 196 airports.

The awards are given after assessing more than 35 elements of the airport experience.

Seoul's Incheon International Airport was ranked the world's second best. It won awards as the best international transit airport and also for having the best staff service among all airports in Asia.

Kuala Lumpur was ranked fifth in the world. It was named the best airport for immigration service.

Beijing's Capital International Airport moved into the world's top 10 for the first time and received the best airport security processing title.

Munich Airport took the title as Europe's best airport and moved to the fourth position in the global airport rankings.

us2cyberabad

March 25th, 2010, 02:16 AM

Sonata expects SEZ nod in 4-6 weeks
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/sonata-expects-sez-nod-in-4-6-weeks/389596/

Ravi Menon / Chennai/ Bangalore March 25, 2010, 0:49 IST

Midsized IT firm Sonata Software Ltd is expecting approval from the Centre for its much-delayed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Hyderabad in the next 4-6 weeks, according to president and managing director of the company B Ramaswamy.

“Allotment of land by the Andhra Pradesh government has been delayed due to various reasons. We have been working on getting approvals for the SEZ which we expect in the next 4-6 weeks,” Ramaswamy said.

Sonata already has a development centre in Hyderabad with seating capacity for 800 people. The company has been planning to invest Rs 100 crore to set up its second development centre on eight acres of SEZ land allotted to the company by the Andhra Pradesh government. The centre, which will service the global clients of the company, will have a capacity for 2,600 software professionals.

As part of diversifying its offerings beyond travel and product engineering services into verticals like banking and financial services, retail and FMCG, Bangalore-based Sonata is looking at acquiring a company in the $20-50 million range, Ramaswamy said.

The company had cash reserves of Rs 154 crore at the end of the December quarter and expects the strategic acquisitions to help it gain traction in niche financial areas within the broader ambit of investment banking and insurance.

Sonata has offices in the US, Europe, West Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. It has four development centres in Bangalore, one in Hyderabad and two in Hanover, Germany.

us2cyberabad

March 25th, 2010, 02:26 AM

Source:http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=A+Jr+college+for+every+7+km&artid=%7Chq0DcHhFB8=&SectionID=e7uPP4%7CpSiw=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=EH8HilNJ2uYAot5nzqumeA==&SEO=

SAFILGUDA-JBS ROAD: Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development Anam ramanarayana Reddy, in reply to a question raised by A Rajender (Congress), said that the proposed project to lay a six-lane road between Safilguda and Jubilee Bus Stand would be taken up after getting approval from the Central Government.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority had agreed to lay the road if the Secunderabad Cantonment Board provided the ‘right of way’ and shifted the utilities, compound walls, fencing, etc but the board has not provided the ‘right of way’ to HMDA to lay the road so far.

The board reported that a detailed proposal had been forwarded to the ministry of defence seeking reclassification of the defence land as Class ‘C’ for the purpose of roadwidening in the Secunderabad Cantonment area. The defence ministry’s nod was awaited, he added.

raghussc

March 25th, 2010, 03:30 AM

^^ That one is badly needed ..

rizwan3

March 25th, 2010, 05:53 AM

HMDA waiting for the tide to turn
:ohno::nuts:
T. Lalith Singh

Keeps its fingers crossed on several high-profile projects

Little progress in bus terminus and business centre at old Gandhi Hospital site

Proposal for truck terminals/logistic hubs along eight identified corridors on hold

HYDERABAD: The curve of its financial status having gone down with the decline in real estate business in and around the city, the once happening Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is now forced to wait for return of good times and keep its fingers crossed on several projects.

One such project happens to be the proposal to develop and construct a bus terminus and business centre at the old Gandhi Hospital site that was floated in July 2007. When real estate was a driving force, the idea was to develop the nine-acre site with three million sft accommodating a spacious parking facility, bus terminus and also an ultra modern business centre. The project cost for this was put at approximately at Rs.450 crore with completion period of 30 months then itself. However, there has been little progress since then with a cash-strapped HMDA with its meagre resources busying itself at focussing on finishing the works that were already taken up. Also on the hold is the proposal to develop truck terminals/logistic hubs along eight identified corridors around the city to provide parking facility for the inbound/outbound commercial heavy vehicles. The locations identified included a site near Manoharabad Railway Station towards north of the city, along Thimmapur Railway Station in the south and Adulabad with connectivity to Ghatkesar Railway Station and ORR in the city east. A proposal announced pertained to a road overbridge at Sanjeevaiah Park. to be taken up by the HMDA in association with GHMC, the almost Rs.25-crore facility was promised as one that would ease the traffic congestion at existing ROBs of Begumpet, Khairatabad and Tank Bund. However, not much has happened about it after the plan was unveiled. The list of proposals includes an underwater aquarium at Mir Alam Tank suggested as one that would draw national and international tourists.

However, the biggest challenge happens to be a central office building to house its own operations. A site of about 8.5 acres was earmarked for the purpose at the NAC premises near Hitech City and though conceptual designs submitted by Yasher Architects of Israel were approved in November 2008, the work is just waiting to take off.

us2cyberabad

March 26th, 2010, 05:39 AM

Land Rates are going to be increased by 50%

Source:http://www.eenadu.net/panelhtml.asp?qrystr=htm/panel8.htm

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bsL3VYxTXs8/S6wrvXu4VcI/AAAAAAAAAbg/fXaVH1vVX2Y/s512/Landrate%20Revision.JPG

rizwan3

March 27th, 2010, 08:12 AM

Taj Falaknuma palace :-opens MAY 2010

http://www.tajhotels.com/Common_PDF/Taj-Falaknuma-Factsheet.pdf

ChennaiIndian

March 28th, 2010, 05:35 AM

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/iw/2010/03/28/stories/2010032850621500.htm

Guidelines aim at minimising negative impact of construction on the ecosystem.

V. Rishi Kumar

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has come out with environmental building guidelines that seek to address environmental concerns in urban development.

The Metropolitan Commissioner, HMDA, Mr B. P. Acharya, released the new guidelines at the World Urban Forum held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 23, which was attended by over 21,000 delegates.

These environmental guidelines have been prepared after a two-year study initiated by the HMDA with the help of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India, and Terra Virdis, UK. This has resulted in 41 simple building guidelines which, when implemented, could prepare the ground for change.

Based on the study and inputs from stakeholders, the HMDA has brought out a manual for the rapidly growing Hyderabad metropolitan area. The Environmental Building Regulation Guideline is focussed on creating awareness on environmental issues and outlines model parameters to minimise the negative impact of construction on the ecosystem.

This would also limit the pressure on infrastructure such as electricity, water, sewage disposal, both in the main city and suburban regions now under various stages of development.

The guidelines also deal with different aspects including improved heating and cooling systems, and outline the way a house should be constructed to enable use of natural lighting and ventilation.

For gated communities or constructions taken up in a 50-acre site, the accent in on providing eco-friendly transport facility for intra-site transportation with provision for bicycle tracks and shaded footpaths.

This also encourages setting up of battery charging facilities, which would be needed when more electric vehicles come into use.

Therefore, the guidelines prefer cluster development, which would enable people to utilise the common parking space.

Alongside, the focus is on encouraging energy renewable efficient external lighting systems. They also outline various types of outdoor options that could be deployed for different applications.

ENERGY AUDIT

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) norms and energy efficiency labelled products are encouraged to bring about savings in the long run. These cover all energy consuming equipment such as water pumps, refrigerators, air-conditioners. It also encourages mandatory energy audit for commercial buildings aimed at further improving the systems, and thereby save on consumption.

To help limit dependence on individual transport systems, the guidelines hint at encouraging public transport options. In community establishments, it is suggested that schools, hospitals, recreational facilities, local market and common utilities should be encouraged to limit transport movement.

Alongside, it is proposed to encourage setting up solar heating facilities, harnessing this precious natural resource. The guidelines also seek to encourage usage of roof treatment to reduce heat gains and also outlined certain specifications for roof insulation.

While dealing with ventilation and day lighting, the guidelines look at design elements for windows aimed at lighting and air flow. With regard to the commercial building, they outline designs for energy efficient space conditioning and installation of efficient heating and cooling systems.

On the lines of energy audit, the guidelines favour water audit, which will help plug misuse of water.

By adopting these guidelines, HUDA believes that it would help reduce the overall impact of buildings on environment and health by efficient use of energy, water, and other resources.

superfan

March 28th, 2010, 07:24 PM

Hyderabad likely to get piped CNG soon (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Hyderabad-likely-to-get-piped-CNG-soon-/articleshow/5733902.cms)

Hyderabad likely to get piped CNG soon

HYDERABAD: Twin cities will get piped compressed natural gas (CNG) supply from September. With laying of pipeline for natural gas from Shamirpet to Bowenpally, which is about 30 km, already started, Bhagyanagar Gas Limited (BGL) officials hope the remaining works would be completed by July-August and the twin cities would get CNG from September.

"Though BGL wanted to complete pipeline works and mother station by March 2010, it got delayed due to problems in land acquisition. Now, works will be completed by September," a senior BGL official told STOI.

The gas supply project is being taken up by BGL, a joint venture between HPCL and GAIL. Apart from Hyderabad, two other cities--Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam--would get piped natural gas supply. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulation Board has already confirmed allocation of natural gas to the city.

Once the project is completed, BGL officials propose to give 2.66 lakh domestic connections and set up 50 CNG stations for transport vehicles in the city in the next five years.

While 12 filling stations are being planned on the stretch initially, a mother station is also coming up at Shamirpet and works are nearing completion. To facilitate gas supply to the city, a city central station would be set up at Monda Market at Bowenpally. The BGL asked the government to allot 2,000 square metres land which is owned by the Agricultural Market Committee. However, land is yet to be handed over to BGL.

A recent joint meeting between officials of AP Pollution Control Board, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Road Transport Authority and Bhagyanagar Gas Limited discussed the status of the gas pipeline project.

The members expressed unhappiness over the delay in the project. The Unified Metropolitan Traffic Authority (UMTA) had also discussed the issue at its previous meeting.

Sources said BGL was also proposing to set up a booster station facility at Hakimpet depot mainly to provide gas supply to APSRTC. However, RTC might not be able to utilise the gas as buses have to be converted for the usage. The BGL reportedly sought compensation for laying an additional 170 km pipeline.

us2cyberabad

March 29th, 2010, 06:09 AM

State to create land bank for private players
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/TRS-demands-80-jobs-for-locals-in-T-region/articleshow/5737021.cms

ENS Economic BureauFirst Published : 27 Mar 2010 08:26:13 AM ISTLast Updated : 27 Mar 2010 10:15:39 AM IST

HYDERABAD: In a bid to attract private investments and give a fillip to the tourism and hospitality sector, the State Government on Friday, said it is creating a land bank, which will be leased out to private players.

With measures such as this besides initiatives like Aam Aadmi tourism, the Tourism & Culture Department is targeting Rs 1,500 crore investments into the State over the next ten years.

“To promote the sector, we need to concentrate on infrastrucutre.

So, we are creating a land assembly, which is nothing but chunks of land spread across the State that will be made readily available for investors. We will offer land on long-lease to interested parties for over 33 to 66 years,’’ said Tourism Minister Geeta Reddy.

Currently, the tourism department has over 3,000 acres of land.

Giving the valedictory speech at the Travel, Hospitality and Tourism – Entrepreneurship Summit 2010 organised by TiE, she said the Government will offer investment subsidies to companies depending on the size of their investments.

For the commonman, the department is floating a novel concept titled `Aam Aadmi tourism,’ which will facilitate less-expensive travel packages and budget accommodation facilities.

Boasting of super-speciality hospitals, the State is also set to be projected as a medical tourism hub.

Likewise, the Government is also trying to promote heli tourism between Hyderabad and Nagarjuna Sagar, Nagarjuna Sagar to Tirupati and Bangalore to Puttaparthi.

Plans are also afoot to set up diverse tourism projects such as theme parks, amusement parks and crafts village.

“With several initiatives in place, we anticipate investments of over Rs 1,500 crore over the next ten years,’’ said Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Tourism.

The minister said the first draft of the new tourism policy is already out and the department is seeking suggestions from stakeholders.

“The industry has requested extension of provisions made in the present policy such as stamp duty, registration fee exemption for one more year. We are considering the proposal and will try to accommodate the recommendations,’’ Geeta Reddy explained.

Meanwhile, the State is targeting a 14-15 per cent growth in international tourist traffic, while it is aiming to maintain a 24 per cent growth in domestic tourist traffic over the next ten years.

While India recieved about 527 million domestic tourists in 2008, Andhra Pradesh took the top slot with 127 million tourists.

“The State witnesses lot of domestic visitors to places such as Tirupati, Puttaparthi, Vizag and Hyderabad. We foresee modertate growth in Hyderabad market, while the other places will register good growth,’’he said.

Similarly, of the 5.08 million international tourists, AP registered 0.76 million visitors, thereby garnering $23

superfan

March 30th, 2010, 12:23 PM

Master plan to improve drainage (http://beta.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article267980.ece)

A Rs. 6,245-crore master plan for improving the drainage and sewerage in areas under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) will be sent to the Centre shortly.

Municipal Administration Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy informed G. Kishan Reddy ( BJP) and others in the Assembly on Monday that the master plan after approval by a State-level committee, headed by Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, would be submitted to the Centre seeking funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

Some localities were getting inundated due to insufficient drain capacity and obstruction to free flow of water during heavy rains. He said 109 areas which faced such inundation were identified under the GHMC limits.

He said GHMC had taken steps for the pre-monsoon de-silting of drains/nalas and creation of additional inlet points for free flow of storm water.

As many as 401 of the 1,952 identified encroachments have been removed. A lot of difficulties were being faced in evicting encroachers, the Minister stated and sought the cooperation of MLAs in removing the remaining encroachments. The government would compensate and rehabilitate the affected people.

Mr. Reddy said to make Hyderabad one of the top cities, works worth Rs. 5,600 crore were sanctioned when Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy was the Chief Minister. Works worth Rs. 2,800 crore were already completed.

He agreed to convene shortly a meeting of the city legislators with officials of GHMC and Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

grimmm

March 31st, 2010, 05:56 AM

Source (http://www.mydigitalfc.com/jobs/kaspersky-labs-set-call-centre-hyderabad-940)

Kaspersky Labs is looking to set up a call centre in Hyderabad to support
its global operations. The information technology solutions company would be hiring 100 personnel to man the centre once it is up and running. The call centre would entail an investment of $2 million.

“We are exploring the possibility of setting up a support centre in Hyderabad, which would assist our customers spread across Asia Pacific (APAC) region,” Harry Cheung, managing director – APAC, told Financial Chronicle.

“At present, we are trying to analyse if our clients would be ok interacting with our Indian staff,” he said. Russia-based Kaspersky has its India headquarters located in the city with just three people on its rolls. It is planning to add 20 people in software development roles in the next one year.

“Hyderabad has the right kind of resource pool in terms of talent and manpower to support our growth plans. We are planning to add even more people in our next phase of expansion,” he said.

Also on the cards is an India specific security product that Kaspersky would be launching soon. The product will be designed keeping in view the needs of the Indian customers and will cost less, Cheung claimed.

Kaspersky has 1.2 million users in India. The figure is expected to grow to 3 million in FY 11. The company sees the figure jumping to 15 per cent next year and to 40 per cent in FY 12.

us2cyberabad

April 2nd, 2010, 06:33 AM

Last updated on: April 02, 2010 09:23 IST

Source:http://business.rediff.com/report/2010/apr/02/hyderabad-bengaluru-3rd-most-preferred-real-estate-spots.htm
http://im.rediff.com/money/2010/apr/Realty.jpg Hyderabad, Bengaluru 3rd most preferred real estate spots are the third most preferred real estate investment destinations in 2010, nationally, according to online real estate Website, Makaan.com.

The real estate portal stated that it conducted a nationwide online survey christened Realty Trends 2010 for metros and Tier II cities across the country, which saw participation from over 4,800 property seekers.

According to the survey, 34 per cent of the property seekers want to own a house in Delhi [ Images ] followed by Mumbai [ Images ] with 28 per cent interested buyers. Bengaluru and Hyderabad attracted 11 per cent property seekers nationally.

The survey also reveals that the realty sector in 2010 is going to be driven by end user.

Because of the recession and fluctuating property prices, property seekers shied away from making a property purchase last year, but with improving economy and slightly stable property prices, seekers are ready to jump into the market this year.

Most of the buyers, who are interested in buying a house, this year, want it for self-consumption.

While 67 per cent of the national property seekers want to buy a house for self-consumption, only 23 per cent are looking for property options from a long-term investment perspective. Short-term investors have only 10 per cent survey takers.

When it comes to Hyderabad, the trend is in line with the national findings. Seventy one per cent of the property seekers from the city want to buy a house for self-consumption.

On the other hand, 25 per cent buyers are looking it from long-term perspective. Only 4 per cent survey takers want to invest for short-term.

The study was conducted on the portal between February 15 and March 5, 2010. Majority of the respondents who participated in the survey belong to the age group of 26- 35 years.

Babji

April 3rd, 2010, 04:23 PM

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2010040365250500.htm&date=2010/04/03/&prd=th&
Date:03/04/2010 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2010/04/03/stories/2010040365250500.htm Back
City hot and happening on property map

A nationwide survey taken up by real estate website Makaan.com shows the city emerging as the third most preferred real estate destination in 2010

Despite a horde of issues that pulled the real estate boom badly down, Hyderabad retains its lustre as a sought after destination among property seekers.

From global recession impacting the property scene in no uncertain terms followed by the political uncertainty that prevailed in the wake of the former Chief Minister Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy's death in helicopter crash to Telangana agitation staging a comeback had ended up in cumulatively affecting the prospects of real estate in the city and suburbs.Yet, Hyderabad has not lost its sheen and continues to bleep on the property radar.

A recent nationwide survey taken up real estate website, Makaan.com has ended up showing the city as third most preferred real estate destination in the year 2010. The city was behind Delhi and Mumbai.

Third spot: The survey that sought to gauge the real estate trends for metros and tier-II cities of the country has Delhi topping the charts with 34 per cent buyers wanting to buy a property there followed by Mumbai with 28 per cent interested buyers and Hyderabad along with Bangalore sharing the third spot with 11 per cent each.

The survey ‘Realty Trends 2010' observed that the sector this year is going to be driven by end-user. Given recession and fluctuating property prices, the property seekers were shying away from making a purchase last year but this year could be different. Also noted happens to be the argument that this year, majority of property buyers could be looking at it for self-consumption. “This confirms the fact that speculators which drove the real estate boom in 2004-07 are more are less out of the market,” the survey observes.

Preferred areas: Even those looking at property as investment are the long-term investors. The findings of the survey which has a majority of participants in the age group of 26 years to 35 years record 67 per cent of the national property seekers wanting to buy a house for self-consumption, 23 per cent looking for property options from a long-term investment perspective while short-term investors have 10 per cent takers.

The Makaan.com survey which aimed to narrow down on the most preferred areas among home buyers for real estate purchase in the city this year had 49 per cent looking at owning a house in Greater Hyderabad followed by 36 per cent interest in the main city while 13 per cent survey takers showed preference towards Secunderabad.

Commenting on the survey findings, Aditya Verma, Business Head and vice-president of Makaan.com says, “with economies stabilising around the globe, the domestic market has also started showing signs of recovery and the buzz around property has started again”.

Yet, given the experience of last few years, a buyer seem to have turned more wiser and is willing to exercise more caution when it comes to either putting his hard earned money or approach for a loan for a property. The ‘Realty Trends 2010' trends points this out stating that ‘this time the buyer is more discerning and scrutinising while investing their money in projects'.

ORR factor: As far as the city is concerned, a lot could hinge on the various mega projects that are in various stages of completion around the city suburbs.

This include the 158 km long outer ring road which when takes a shape promise to give a new impetus to property matters with the coming of a host of residential colonies and commercial spaces all along its path.

T. Lalith Singh :cheers:

ranga

April 3rd, 2010, 06:12 PM

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2010040365250500.htm&date=2010/04/03/&prd=th&
Date:03/04/2010 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2010/04/03/stories/2010040365250500.htm Back

T. Lalith Singh :cheers:

Is it?The ground reality is different.Makan.com website gives rosy picture by manipulating the web site results.

Babji

April 4th, 2010, 12:04 AM

Is it?The ground reality is different.Makan.com website gives rosy picture by manipulating the web site results.
u r right. btw, look at those cranes at work and the raising columns - aren't they beautiful! :cheers:
One more..
Sky Lounge, Kondapur
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/5618/dsc053811.jpg

us2cyberabad

April 5th, 2010, 02:55 AM

US consulate general to upgrade consular facilities
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/us-consulate-general-to-upgrade-consular-facilities/390574/

BS Reporter / Chennai/ Hyderabad April 03, 2010, 0:29 IST

The US Consulate General in Hyderabad would upgrade its existing facility beginning first week of May to meet the increasing demand for consular services, according to US Consul General Cornelis Keur.
During this period, which is expected to last for six weeks, the consular section would temporarily reduce the number of appointments available to both American citizens and visa applicants.

Keur said refurbishment was unavoidable as the existing facilities were inadequate to meet the growing demand for services from both American citizens and visa applicants in Andhra Pradesh.

To avoid inconvenience, the Consulate General would increase the number of visa and American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments during April. Interview appointments would be scheduled on Saturdays beginning April 10.

The US Consulate General urged the applicants to plan ahead of expected travel dates for visas or American citizen services such as passports, notarials and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad. Applicants with urgent travel needs could apply for visas at the US Consulate General in Chennai or other consular sections in India. Emergency services for American citizens would not be affected during this period, a release said.

us2cyberabad

April 6th, 2010, 03:42 AM

Matrix Partners buys 18% in Basix's microfinance arm
Published on Mon, Apr 05, 2010 at 22:07
Source:http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/matrix-partners-buys-18basixs-microfinance-arm_450096.html

Private equity investors interest in microfinance institutions seems to be growing. The Hyderabad based microfinance institution Basix has raised around Rs 118 crore for its flagship company Bhartiya Samruddhi Finance. Private equity investors like Matrix Partners have put in Rs 100 crore.

After this equity raising, Matrix Partners becomes the largest institutional shareholder with 18% stake in the company. Other investors include Hivos Triodos Fonds and Lok Capital.

This is the second instance of a private equity investor grabbing a huge stake in a microfinance institution in the past three months. NR Narayana Murthy promoted Catamaran invested Rs 28 crore in Vikram Akula's SKS Microfinance.

us2cyberabad

April 6th, 2010, 03:46 AM

BHEL-Hyd crosses Rs 5000 cr turnover

BS Reporter / Chennai/ Hyderabad April 06, 2010, 0:20 IST
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/bhel-hyd-crosses-rs-5000-cr-turnover/390878/

The Hyderabad unit of Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL) crossed the milestone of Rs 5,000 crore turnover during the financial year 2009-10.
Speaking to the media here on Monday, R Krishnan, in-charge general manager, said this was despite the recession, stiff international competition and critical input constraints.

The unit achieved Rs 5,004 crore for the year, the highest-ever and an increase of 21 per cent over last year’s Rs 4,149 crore. Its profit before tax was up 24 per cent to Rs 930 crore as compared with Rs 753 crore in 2008-09. For the year 2010-11, the unit is targeting a 33 per cent increase in turnover to Rs 6,651 crore.

He said the company was gearing up for capacity expansion with an investment of Rs 250 crore in 2010-11. It had invested about Rs 200 crore during 2009-10.

The unit had an order book of Rs 15,264 crore as at the end of March, an increase of 68 per cent over the previous year.

He said the company was accelerating manufacturing, outsourcing finished assemblies and improving the processes. During the year, it bagged indigenous orders from Hindalco Adithya Aluminium, ThyssenKrupp Industries, Jai Prakash Associates, Bara and Pipavav among others

The unit was ready to meet supercritical applications, Krishnan said, adding the future capacity addition would be dominated by coal-based power plants. The company had also gone for technology tie-ups for higher capacity compressors to meet the expected increase in demand for these compressors from fertiliser plants and refineries.

us2cyberabad

April 6th, 2010, 03:50 AM

State Bank opens Strategic Training Unit in Hyderabad
PTIMonday, April 5, 2010

Source:http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_state-bank-opens-strategic-training-unit-in-hyderabad_1367671

Hyderabad: The State Bank of India (SBI) today opened a Strategic Training Unit (STU) here which will bring the entire training system under a unified training command.

The STU has been assigned the task of moving towards converting the SBI into a 'learning organisation' capable of handling change and growth for a Bank aspiring to be amongst the top 20 in the world, said N Raja, corporate development officer and deputy managing director of the Bank during the inauguration of STU.

"The Bank, through the STU will expand its e-learning facilities in a large way and also focus on operational research which will help the Bank cope with change and direction setting in a competitive environment," Raja said.

The bank has a training network comprising 46 Learning Centres and 4 Apex Institutes.

us2cyberabad

April 6th, 2010, 03:53 AM

Koncept ties up fund for Botanika
BS Reporter / Chennai/ Hyderabad April 06, 2010, 0:25 IST
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/koncept-tiesfund-for-botanika/390876/

Koncept Ambience, promoter of high-end residential project The Botanika, on Monday said it had tied up funds for its Rs 300 crore project.

Of this, the debt portion was Rs 200 crore while the promoters invested about Rs 50 crore apart from the land value. State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Union Commercial Bank and ICICI were the bankers for the project, which is being taken up in association with the Andhra Pradesh Housing Board. The latter would draw around two per cent of gross revenues.

The project, spread over 67.3 acre at Gachibowli here, would have 240 units ranging from 3,800 sft to 7500 sft in six towers. The units priced between Rs 1.75 crore and Rs 3.5 crore.

Koncept Ambience chairman MP Agarwall said about 30 per cent of the units had been booked. “The real estate market is still in a recovery phase,” he said, adding it would rely on progressive payments to complete the project.

The company plans to launch an affordable housing project in six months and has lined up projects in Vishakapatnam and Tirupati.

Prodigist

April 7th, 2010, 01:42 AM

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/2010/04/07/stories/2010040760420100.htm)

HYDERABAD: The World Bank is ready to give a massive grant to the tune of Rs. 1,000 crore to develop the city traffic and public transportation infrastructure. A positive indication to this effect was made when a team from the bank interacted with senior officials, a few days ago.

Immediate sanction of funds was sought for integrated traffic system and developing four model roads already widened with cycle tracks and running eco-friendly buses -- Secunderabad to Kondapur via Nagarjuna circle (20km), Afzalgunj to Secunderabad via Musheerabad (10km) and LB Nagar to Patancheru via Nalgonda crossroads (30km).

The objective is to ensure average vehicle speeds increase to 40 kmph (for private) and 25 kmph (buses) as against the 12-15 kmph nowadays.:)

Model roads are to be developed across 200 km including an eight-km exclusive bicycle track in Cyberabad. Road renewal works for a length of 600 km (Rs. 1,000 crore cost), service ducts 1,200 km (Rs. 600 crore), 100 junctions improvement (Rs. 30 crore), 500 bus bays (Rs. 150 crore), parking complexes (Rs. 25 crore) and footpaths to be developed across 4,500 km of road length with 1,500 km in the first phase,

Prodigist

April 7th, 2010, 01:44 AM

Its really good that they are atleast planning to build service ducts...
But 1200 km???

Its sounds too good to be true

rizwan3

April 7th, 2010, 05:15 AM

HMDA proposes to construct satellite towns:banana:

Staff Reporter:cheers:
To offer incentives for green buildings
Green belts, water bodies mentioned in its to-do list
Eight-lane carriage way from Gachibowli to Pedda Amberpet

HYDERABAD: In its budget proposals for 2010-2011, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has planned satellite towns along the growth corridor, decided to offer incentives for green buildings and develop a Medtech Valley for medical devices at Jawaharnagar.

Among others, proposals that came up at the executive committee meeting of the HMDA also include residential development on 83 acres at Miyapur and an International Business Hub and Financial District (Phase-2) at Tellapur. Also figuring in the list of proposed land development for the year, are IT/ITES SEZ at Kokapet and logistics hubs at Pedda Amberpet.

Under the Planning wing, the budget proposals make a mention about Extended Area Master Plan for 4,900 sq. km. that is projected as triggering growth and development of townships and urban agriculture. Environmental protection by way of green belts and water bodies and creation of open space zones finds its way to what the HMDA appended to its to-do list for the year.

Engineering works worth Rs.387 crore make it to the HMDA list and the works proposed include completion of Hitec City flyover by May and the ROB at Kukatpally by September this year. It also looks at completing two roads, P1 and P7, in HADA area while taking care of approach roads for the Medtech Valley, finishing ramps for the PVNR Expressway and providing what it plans as major infrastructure facilities at Miyapur, Tellapur and Kokapet.

On the Outer Ring Road project front, the HMDA looks at making the eight-lane carriage way from Gachibowli to Pedda Amberpet operational by June and commencing works for phase 2 between Shamirpet and Pedda Amberpet. This prestigious project will also get central lighting with an outlay of Rs.30 crore and greenery development between Gachibowli and Shamshabad for a stretch of 22 km. With an outlay of Rs.200 crore, the HMDA propose to implement Intelligent Transport System too on the project.

rizwan3

April 7th, 2010, 05:19 AM

Brisbane offers ‘sister city' status to Hyderabad

Special Correspondent:cheers:

HYDERABAD: Mayor B. Karthika Reddy has welcomed the proposal of a sister city relationship with Brisbane, Australia, when it was offered by Deputy Mayor of Brisbane Graham Quirk here on Tuesday.

Mr. Quirk who is on a three-day visit, met Ms. Reddy and GHMC Commissioner Sameer Sharma to inform them that the Lord Mayor of Brisbane would visit Hyderabad in June/July this year and formally sign on an agreement. An official trade mission would also accompany him.

Brisbane, Queensland State capital has a population of more than 1.2 million people. The Mayor has presented a shawl, literature on Hyderabad and a replica of Charminar to the visiting dignitary, an official spokesman said in a press release.

superfan

April 7th, 2010, 08:59 AM

Can't believe they have plans for bicycle tracks.:cheers:

Of the estimated Rs. 4128 Cr for all the projects, Rs. 1000 Cr is for road renewal. :bash: Why can't they build concrete roads?

Sensay

April 7th, 2010, 05:58 PM

Can't believe they have plans for bicycle tracks.:cheers:

Of the estimated Rs. 4128 Cr for all the projects, Rs. 1000 Cr is for road renewal. :bash: Why can't they build concrete roads?

By demarcating pedestrain/cycle tracks,you can increase the average speed of vehicles. It will reduce random road crossing. Anyway all you can do is mindless suggestion of more roads(=more vehicles)

us2cyberabad

April 8th, 2010, 02:01 AM

Andhra Pradesh all set to enter 'Info Age'
Source:http://business.rediff.com/report/2010/apr/07/andhra-pradesh-all-set-to-enter-info-age.htm
April 07, 2010 13:14 IST
From a 'SMART' (Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent) administration, Andhra Pradesh will soon transform into an 'INFO-AGE' (Inclusive, Networked, Fast, Open, Accountable, Globally benchmarked and Efficient) government.

While the then government headed by N Chandrababu Naidu adopted the SMART theory in the mid-1990s, the current Rosaiah government is now setting into the 'Info-Age', with information and communications technology (ICT) being the guiding principle for the two approaches.

The brain behind Info-age concept is Sameer Sharma, till recently the Principal Secretary of ICT Department and currently Commissioner of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).

"We will leverage ICT to achieve an INFO-AGE government. Our goal is to transform the state into a knowledge society and make available the benefits of ICT to all citizens, especially those in rural areas and living in poverty," Information Technology minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy said.

Andhra Pradesh has been a pioneer in e-governance initiatives, under a tech-savvy Chandrababu Naidu between 1995 and 2004, while the state emerged as a leading IT destination in the country.

The state's IT exports that were just Rs 284 crore (Rs 2.84 billion) in 1997-98, shot up to Rs 32,509 crore (Rs 325.09 billion) in 2008-09.

us2cyberabad

April 8th, 2010, 02:08 AM

Dutch firm buys 12% stake in ESAF Microfin
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/dutch-firm-buys-12-stake-in-esaf-microfin/391140/

BS Reporter / Chennai/ Kochi April 08, 2010, 0:58 IST

The Netherlands-based Oikocredit International has acquired a 12 per cent stake in ESAF Microfinance and Investments Private Limited (EMFIL) through its fully-owned subsidiary Manaveeya Holdings and Investments based in Hyderabad.
With this, the capital base of ESAF has crossed Rs 30 crore. The company aims to utilise the fund to expand its business and reach out to one million poor households by 2014, a press release said.

ESAF currently has over 250,000 clients. Its cumulative disbursement of loans stood at Rs 630 crore, while outstanding loan was at Rs 130 crore.

Oikocredit is a 30-year-old global development financing institution that caters to the needs of businesses, which create jobs and incomes for disadvantaged people.

superfan

April 8th, 2010, 07:40 AM

I was not making fun of the pedestrian and cycle lanes idea. I was pleasantly surprised that they had a provision for them in the plan.

Prodigist

April 9th, 2010, 08:16 AM

Link (http://toi.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/ITs-login-time-again-for-realty-in-city/articleshow/5776291.cms)
HYDERABAD: With signs of economic recovery and reality sector beginning to gather momentum, Tellapur Technocity Pvt Ltd has come forward to go ahead with its integrated township project at Tellapur in Ramachandrapuram mandal in Medak district

The developer has proposed to take up the project in a phased manner beginning with a special economic zone (SEZ) for Information Technology companies.

Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) sources said Tellapur Technocity, which is a consortium led by Tishman Speyers, ICICI and Nagarjuna Constructions Company, met the metropolitan authority officials a few days ago and expressed their willingness to take up the project.

"The developer has reworked on the integrated township and presented a proposal for SEZ in 100 acres as it paid land cost. The proposal is being examined," a senior HMDA official told TOI.

Meanwhile, HMDA is mulling on providing Ramky Infrastructure more time to pay development premium for Srinagar township. The developer was supposed to pay development premium of Rs 25 crore in June, 2009, but sought six month extension which expired in January, 2010.

The township was proposed in about 700 acres at Srinagar in Maheshwaram mandal of Ranga Reddy district. Due to legal problems, the HMDA denotified about 200 acre land from acquisition of the total 700 acres proposed. Later, both Ramky and erstwhile Hyderabad Urban Development Authority entered into an agreement to take up the project under public-private partnership in 355 acres of which 200 acres is government land and 155 acres private land. "Of the Rs 100 crore development premium, Rs 25 crore was paid in 2008 and the balance was to be paid within six months, but the developer did not pay the amount due to land problems," he added.

Prodigist

April 9th, 2010, 08:18 AM

Link (http://expressbuzz.com/finance/hyderabad-to-host-world-telecom-meet/163873.html)

HYDERABAD: The Department of Information Technology & Communications (IT&C), said it will host the fourth edition of World Telecommunication Development Conference between May 24 and June 4.

The global conference co-sponsored by the Department of Telecom, Ministry of Communications & IT, Government of India, is expected to have 1,200 participants from 191 countries.

The conference is held once every four years to promote international co-operation and partnership for strengthening telecommunication infrastructure and institutions in developing countries.

The proposed meet in Hyderabad will focus on reaching an agreement on telecommunication development priorities.

Prodigist

April 10th, 2010, 05:41 PM

Here the confirmation that the project is sticking to the schedule:: Link (http://www.ptinews.com/news/604301_Bids-for-Hyderabad-Metro-to-be-accepted-till-Apr-21)
Bids for Hyderabad Metro to be accepted till Apr 21
Hyderabad, Apr 10 (PTI) Bids for Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMRL) will be accepted till April 21 and the consortium will be selected by the end of this month, a top official of the company here said.

"We don't anticipate any problem in executing the project and it will happen as scheduled. The clarifications sought from two bidders have been received. So all the eight consortia will take part in the process," managing director HMRL N V S Reddy said, adding that the new developer will begin work on the project by the year-end.

us2cyberabad

April 11th, 2010, 02:45 AM

Royal Orchid plans Rs 500-cr investment to open 7 more hotels
10 Apr 2010, 1832 hrs IST,PTI
Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/Royal-Orchid-plans-Rs-500-cr-investment-to-open-7-more-hotels/articleshow/5782400.cms

MUMBAI: Hospitality major Royal Orchid Hotels plans to open seven more hotels in the country at an investment of Rs 500 crore by next fiscal, a top
company official said on Saturday.

"We have plans to take our hotel count to 20 by next fiscal from the existing 13. We will invest around Rs 500 crore to increase our footprint in Tier I, Tier II and Tier III cities," Royal Orchid's President and Co-Promoter Keshav Baljee told PTI here today.

He added that the company will open a five-star hotel with 150 rooms in Jaipur by the year-end and another 240-room hotel in Hyderabad in the next financial year.

The company had raised funds through an initial public offer in 2006 to fund its expansion plans.

us2cyberabad

April 11th, 2010, 02:51 AM

Marriott International Announces 4 More Hotels in India
10/04/2010 12:55
Source:http://finchannel.com/news_flash/Travel_Biz_News/61888_Marriott_International_Announces_4_More_Hotels_in_India/

The FINANCIAL -- Marriott International announced today the signing of four additional hotels for its portfolio in India, bringing the total to 29 properties now under construction or in planning in India.

When all are opened by the end of 2013, Marriott International will have 40 hotels under management in the country; today, Marriott manages 11 hotels in India represented by five brands.

The four newly signed properties are:

• The 510-room luxury JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi International Airport, opening in 2012
• The 250-room upscale Bengaluru Marriott Whitefield Hotel, opening in 2011
• The 365-room Jaipur Marriott Hotel, opening in 2011
• The 200-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Hyderabad Hitec City, opening in 2013.

Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad Hitec City

Owned by Future InfraIndia Private Limited, the 200-room moderately-priced Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad Hitec City will be located within the city’s Madhapur district on HiTec Road in a locality known as Jubilee Enclave among the various campuses of IT companies and back office processing centers.

At the Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad Hitec City, guests will have a variety of dining options and a lounge that will flow into the lobby for casual relaxation and socializing with friends and colleagues.

Guest rooms will offer modern connectivity, comfortable living spaces and contemporary design and amenities. For recreation, the hotel will have a fitness facility and an outdoor swimming pool.

The hotel will feature 430 square meters of flexible function space for conferences and social events. A business center with two workstations, a sundry shop and a Grab and Go kiosk for those in a hurry will round out the hotel’s amenities. When opened, it will be the fourth Marriott International-flagged hotel in Hyderabad.

The Marriott International portfolio in India is currently represented by 11 hotels in Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Gurgaon and Ahmedabad.

rizwan3

April 11th, 2010, 10:44 AM

rizwan3

April 11th, 2010, 10:45 AM

us2cyberabad

April 11th, 2010, 08:09 PM

HMDA master plan in final stages

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/HMDA-master-plan-in-final-stages/articleshow/5764895.cms

The master plan for the erstwhile Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH) area will be finalised by April-end.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), which received over 1,800 objections and suggestions from citizens and organisations, has decided to make some modifications in the draft master plan, especially with regard to road widths, green belts along water bodies and land use.

The revised draft would be sent to the municipal administration and urban development (MA&UD) department in a week. Later, the state government would issue a notification for the master plan.

The urban development authority had invited objections and suggestions on the draft master plan for the erstwhile MCH area in January and gave citizens time till March 18 to send their petitions.

"The objections and suggestions have been categorised into individual petitions, government departments and NGOs. These claims were discussed at the HMDA executive council meeting a few days ago. A final draft is being prepared," a HMDA official said.

Officials sources said HMDA would consider citizens' concerns on road widths. A meeting with GHMC officials would be held on April 7 to discuss on road widths.

The other petitions were pertaining to change of land use. Residents have asked HMDA to convert land use of their localities to commercial from residential use.
These requests came in from residents of localities like Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills and Padmarao Nagar. Their argument was that though their areas were not declared commercial areas, roads have become busy and not useful for residential purpose.

Interestingly, APSRTC has urged HMDA to convert their depots like Ranigunj to multi-purpose land use from transportation as it has plans to construct commercial complexes under public private partnership.[/The transport organisation wants to commercially exploit its land to get revenue through rentals. The Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited asked the urban authority to propose minimum 100 feet road all along three metro corridors in the master plan.

us2cyberabad

April 11th, 2010, 08:18 PM

International congress on Mathematics in Hyderabad
Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/61621/international-congress-mathematics-hyderabad.html
:

Three mathematicians of Indian-origin are believed to be in the fray for the Field’s Medal–considered to be the equivalent of Nobel prize by the mathematics community–which will be given away at the International congress on mathematics to be held in Hyderabad in August.

The once-in-a-four-year event is the world’s biggest congregation of mathematicians, which is being held for the first time in India. In the last 100 years, it came to Asia only twice – Kyoto (1990) and Beijing (2002).
|While the Field’s Medal is financially as rewarding as the Nobel prize, its prestige is no less. No Indian has ever won a Field’s Medal. ''But three mathematicians of Indian-origin are among the serious candidate for the Field’s Medal at Hyderabad,” said M S Raghunathan, a mathematician from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai. The names of the shortlisted candidates, however, have not been disclosed.
Inauguration

Besides the Field's Medal, two other prestigious awards would be given away by President Pratibha Patil after inaugurating the congress on August 19. They are the Nevalinna prize for work in mathematical aspects of computer science and Gauss prize for outstanding mathematical contribution that have found significant applications outside mathematics. None of these prizes too have ever been won by an Indian.

In 2002, the Nevalinna prize was bagged by Madhu Sudan, a mathematician of Indian-origin, said Raghunathan. At Hyderabad, a new prize would be instituted after S S Chern, a towering figure in geometry. Also chess wizard Vishwanathan Anand will be playing rapid chess with 40 mathematicians from all over the world.

Grigoriy Perelman

However, it is not clear at the moment whether the recluse genius Grigoriy Perelman who solved the 106-year-old Poincare conjecture would be coming to Hyderabad. Perelman lives with his mother in a tiny flat in St Petersburg and hardly attends conferences.

The organisers will write to Perelman but have no clue on his participation. The Russian genius is the only mathematician who ever refused to accept the Field’s Medal. Raghunathan said Perelman had turned down the million dollar Millennium Prize given to him by the Clay Institute, Cambridge for solving the Poincare conjecture.

us2cyberabad

April 13th, 2010, 12:02 AM

'Deloitte wants to be the absolute leader here'
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/%5Cdeloitte-wants-to-beabsolute-leader-here%5C/391635/
Q&A: James H Quigley, CEO, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Bhupesh Bhandari / New Delhi April 13, 2010, 0:08 IST

A new pecking order in the world of professional services could emerge soon. Deloitte has come very close to the leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers. The difference between the two was just a hundred million dollars in 2009. In India, the turnover of the Big Four — PwC, Deloitte, Ernst & Young and KPMG — is not known. The perception is that the fight for the top slot is between PwC and Ernst & Young. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Chief Executive Officer James H Quigley fields queries from Bhupesh Bhandari on the road ahead.

If one looks at the latest numbers for 2009, one finds that Deloitte is just a hundred million dollars or so short of PricewaterhouseCoopers….
After five years, we have eliminated the gap. They were once $2 billion larger than us.

But if one looks at India, the perception is that you are the smallest amongst the Big Four.
I think we are the largest in India when you look at the number of people. We have 12,000 Deloitte people in India and we are on our way to 20,000 people.

But a lot of them are your BPO employees at Hyderabad.
Yes, we have about 8,000 people there. And we are growing that towards 15,000. They are focused on serving the global market place.

We have the number one audit share in India. Our audit share of the listed companies is larger than any of the competitors. My goal is to go for balanced growth in India. I want to be one-third audit, one-third tax and one-third consulting. Growing the tax and consulting businesses is easier than it is to move the audit share because companies don’t change auditors often. The fact that we start with the largest audit share is a terrific foundation for us. My aspiration is that I want to be the absolute leader in professional services, especially in important emerging markets like India.

In how many years?
In three to five years, I want to be the absolute leader here. I have more people here than anyone else today.

superfan

April 13th, 2010, 08:35 AM

Plan to develop Sanjeevaiah Park (http://beta.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article393481.ece)

It happens to be one of the oldest green stretches and most popular lung space in the city that has gained unprecedented hues of a concrete jungle in the last few years.

And having retained its charm despite the coming up of several new recreation spots such as Lumbini Park and NTR Garden, the undulating acreage of Sanjeevaiah Park is all set to get a new boost.

TOURISM POTENTIAL

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has come out with a proposal for a comprehensive development of the park that is spread over 92 acres on the side of the Hussainsagar lake. “The park is huge and has environment still well preserved. It has a huge water front too which offers high potential for development,” says Sunil Kumar Gupta, HMDA Member Environment.

Since exercise is on to rid the Hussainsagar lake of its pollution and restore its lost glory , Sanjeevaiah Park holds good tourism potential.

“It can be done without setting up permanent structures and can have activities such as water sports,” he observes.

Part of the Shore Area Development for which around Rs.13 crore has been earmarked, the proposal made in the HMDA Budget 2010-2011 seeks to have a comprehensive development of the park while retaining all its environmental aspects, including the greenery and trees. “We are looking at adopting water and energy conservation measures and also night illumination apart from water sports,” Mr. Gupta says.

PARTY ZONE

The park, it is pointed out, has different shades and the initiative looks at making use of the same. A party zone is among the possibilities that are being explored.

ECOLOGICAL PARK

Also, the HMDA is proposing ecological park on the 17-acre site opposite the Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS). On the lines of the park development done opposite the IMAX, the plan is to have pathways and other paraphernalia on this site.

superfan

April 13th, 2010, 08:37 AM

HMDA plans to free Hussainsagar of pollutants (http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/13/stories/2010041361490300.htm)

Likely to complete and commission five I&D structures by mid-year

HYDERABAD: The long awaited plan to cleanse Hussainsagar of its pollution that has been accumulating over the decades looks at addressing some major concerns in the coming months.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), which has been involved with the Hussainsagar and Catchment Area Improvement Project, taken up with assistance of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), hopes to be able to complete and commission five Interception and Diversion (I&D) structures by the mid-year. The locations of these structures include the points of Fatehnagar, Necklace Road and Picket.

Four of these I&D structures aimed at stopping and diverting the pollutants flowing into the lake are being set up by the HMDA while the fifth one is taken up by Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB). “These will be ready by June-July and once diversion is in place properly, that much of sewage inflow is reduced,” says HMDA Member (Environment), Sunil Kumar Gupta.

Sewage treatment

Three sewage treatment plants of 30 million litres per day (MLD), 20 MLD and 5 MLD capacities too are scheduled to be completed and commissioned this year. Another component for cleaning the nearly 4.8 square km lake with a 14 km perimeter has been to set up sewage lines.

The HMDA along with consultants have studied the nalas from mouth-to-end and worked out the zones with sediments that need to be taken care of. Also, the officials are trying to go for suction method for dredging. “We are trying to ensure that the lake bed is not disturbed while dredging and instead looking at a method to suck the sediments, which are of high nutritive values and can be used after drying for our green areas,” he says.

Once these measures are in place, no sewage would then flow into the lake and Mr. Gupta added that only treated water would be allowed and that too as required to maintain the hydrological balance of Hussainsagar.

sajith

April 13th, 2010, 02:34 PM

`Hi all,

Any updates about the new hospital projects coming up in Hyderabad
:bash:

us2cyberabad

April 13th, 2010, 07:09 PM

Hyderabad favorite destination for employees
By siliconindia news bureau
Source:http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/Hyderabad_favorite_destination_for_employees-nid-66601.html/1/1

Bangalore: In a recent Naukri.com survey 23 percent people said that they would love to work in Hyderabad as opposed to other cities and the February job index saw Hyderabad being most bullish on hiring, with both old and the new job index moving up by 29 percent and 25 percent in Feb 2010 over Jan 2010. The hiring activity for Kolkata picked up by 21 percent in Feb 2010 after two successive months of dip in the index. Chennai, Delhi and Bangalore witnessed a growth in index by 21 percent, 12 percent and 11 percent.

The Naukri Job Speak index for February 2010 reflects renewed optimism among recruiters, thus moving the new job index up to 947 as compared to 808 in January 2010. In February, the job index has soared to an all time high in the last one year as majority of industries, functional areas and all cities have registered an increase in the job index. A similar sentiment is reflected in the old job index as well, where the index moved up by 14 percent in February 2010 over January 2010. The new job index includes the jobs acquired from existing clients by Naukri's tele-calling team.

A year on year comparison of the new job index shows a 14 percent growth in Feb 2010 over Feb 2009 and the old job index also reflects a similar outlook where the index moved up by 10 percent in Feb 2010 over Feb 2009. "The recruitment activity accelerated in Feb 2010 reflecting the underlying strength and positive momentum in the job market. The 'cautious optimism' that pervaded throughout last year and a half has evaporated as most industry sectors are now looking to hire," said Hitesh Oberoi, COO, Info Edge.

A deeper analysis of the hiring activity clearly indicates that all top cities show a positive hiring index with Chennai and Hyderabad moving up more significantly in Feb 2010 over Jan 2010. The recruitment in IT software and ITES sectors has seen rapid growth in hiring for the past four months. Hiring across functional areas has moved up with IT software, Sales and Production witnessing the highest growth.

Telecom sector has witnessed a 27 percent growth in hiring in Feb 2010 over Jan 2010. This is primarily because of the introduction of six to seven major operators in the country. Hiring activity for IT-software and auto sectors moved up by 24 percent and banking and insurance sectors moved up by 14 percent in Feb 2010 over Jan 2010. On an overall level both new as well the old index indicates that most industries are on the track to bounce back to the pre-recession levels.

rizwan3

April 14th, 2010, 08:51 AM

Mahindra Satyam to recruit 7,500:banana::cheers:

First anniversary: (from left) Mr Salman Khurshid, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, with Mr Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Tech Mahindra, and Mr Vineet Nayyar, Executive Vice-Chairman, addressing the media to mark the completion of one-year of Tech Mahindra at InfoCity in Cyberabad on Tuesday

Hyderabad, April 13

Mahindra Satyam has indicated that it would be recruiting 7,500 people in the next few months.

The announcement comes a year after Mahindras acquired it. While 5,000 people would be taken for the new special economic zone (SEZ) at its InfoCity Campus at Madhapur, 2,500 more would be added through an internal recruitment drive through referrals.

The 26-acre SEZ would have a built-up area of four lakh square foot. “The first phase would be ready for occupation in the next six months.

It will seat about 5,000 associates,” the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra and Mahindra, Mr Anand Mahindra, said at an event held here on Tuesday to mark the first anniversary of the acquisition.

It was for this SEZ that the company had sought extended deadline to complete. On Tuesday, it recommenced work.

An executive of the recruitment division of Mahindra Satyam said that the company would absorb 4,000-5,000 fresh recruits and would not take any from the existing pool of employees.

Internal drive

“With regard to the internal recruitment drive, the company would pay a reward to the staff for referring a suitable candidate,” he said.

Earlier, addressing select staff to mark the occasion, Mr C.P. Gurnani, Chief Executive Officer of Mahindra Satyam, said they had prepared a three-year transformational plan to achieve complete recovery. “We could win back most of the lost customers. About 380 customers continue to repose faith in us. But there is a lot to be done. We are still in the war zone,” he said.

Addressing a press conference later, Mr Vineet Nayyar, Chairman of Mahindra Satyam, said the company would stick to the June-end deadline to restate the accounts.

Relating the one-year experience in Mahindra Satyam, Mr Gurnani said it took some time before understanding the company before it cut several layers in the organisational structures.

“From 14 layers, we have cut down the hierarchy levels to seven,” he said.

rizwan3

April 14th, 2010, 08:57 AM

Mahindra Satyam commences SEZ in Hyderabad:banana::cheers:

Mahindra Satyam, the brand name of Satyam Computer Services Ltd. (NYSE:SAY), a leading global consulting and IT services provider, announced the commencement of its SEZ at the Mahindra Satyam Infocity Campus at Hyderabad. Salman Khurshid, Hon’ble Minister of Corporate Affairs, Government of India was the Chief Guest and graced the occasion.

Present on the occasion were Anand Mahindra, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the Mahindra Group, Vineet Nayyar, Chairman, Mahindra Satyam and CP Gurnani, CEO, Mahindra Satyam.

“The commencement of the Mahindra Satyam IT SEZ in Hyderabad is a significant milestone for the company. It showcases the resurgence of Mahindra Satyam through sheer grit, determination and hard work of its associates. We have been closely monitoring the company and are happy with the progress that it has made, governed by the impeccable values and ethics of the Mahindra Group,” said Salman Khurshid, Hon’ ble Minister of the Corporate Affairs, Government of India.

The SEZ is spread across 26 acres, will have a built up area of 400000 square feet upon which construction has already begun. The first phase of the campus will be ready for occupation within the next 6 months and will seat around 5,000 associates.

Speaking on this momentous occasion, Anand Mahindra, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the Mahindra & Mahindra Group said, “From this day, last year, we have come a long way in our efforts to re-establish our position in the Indian IT landscape. It makes us all proud that we are on course to achieve what we had set out to do and I believe that it has been possible only with the dedicated efforts of the associates, support from their families.”

The SEZ inauguration comes amidst the one year celebration of the Mahindra Satyam take-over by Venture Bay Pvt. Ltd, the Tech Mahindra subsidiary. Both the Mahindra Satyam and the Tech Mahindra campuses celebrated ‘a year of collaboration’ of minds, hearts, competencies and vision. Salman Khurshid and Anand Mahindra addressed the associates at the Infocity campus, and shared their appreciation for their hard work and the vision for the future ahead in the presence of R.Bandyopadhyay, Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

us2cyberabad

April 14th, 2010, 02:05 PM

Infosys to Hire 12000 more

Source:http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/14/stories/2010041465511700.htm

Mr. Mohandas Pai, Director, Human Resources, said Infosys planned a capital expenditure of Rs.1,200 crore in 2010-11, compared to Rs.650 crore in 2009-10.

The company planned to add 12,000 seats in Pune, Hyderabad, Mysore, Bangalore, Mangalore and Thiruvananthapuram. The company planned to hire 30,000 persons in 2010-11, compared to 27,000 persons in the previous year.

us2cyberabad

April 14th, 2010, 02:07 PM

Bhel eyes 33% rise in Hyderabad unit turnover
KV Ramana / DNAWednesday, April 14, 2010 4:41 IST
l
Source:http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_bhel-eyes-33pct-rise-in-hyderabad-unit-turnover_1371089

Hyderabad: Bharat Heavy Electricals’ (Bhel) unit in Ramachandrapuram near Hyderabad is targeting a 33% rise in turnover to Rs 6,651 crore in the current financial year.

In the year ended March 31, 2010, the unit clocked a turnover of Rs 5,004 crore and a profit of Rs 930 crore.

“The market condition is improving significantly and the ability of the unit to absorb technology and pass it to the customer is helping to maintain a good order book,” R Krishnan, the unit’s general manager, said.

The unit, which posted its highest-ever turnover, is bulking up its order book.

It plans about Rs 205 crore capital investment to enhance capacity.

The unit currently has an order book of Rs 15,264 crore, or about 68% more than what it had the same time previous fiscal.
To meet the contractual obligations of the order book pose a major challenge.

hyd

April 15th, 2010, 11:26 AM

Anyone know the status of Hi-Tec city station Borabanda Road?
I see activity in the vicinity but not sure if its related to road or just some dumping by const companies.

Any HMDA/MCH Insider info?
Bhel eyes 33% rise in Hyderabad unit turnover
KV Ramana / DNAWednesday, April 14, 2010 4:41 IST
l
Source:http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_bhel-eyes-33pct-rise-in-hyderabad-unit-turnover_1371089

Hyderabad: Bharat Heavy Electricals’ (Bhel) unit in Ramachandrapuram near Hyderabad is targeting a 33% rise in turnover to Rs 6,651 crore in the current financial year.

In the year ended March 31, 2010, the unit clocked a turnover of Rs 5,004 crore and a profit of Rs 930 crore.

“The market condition is improving significantly and the ability of the unit to absorb technology and pass it to the customer is helping to maintain a good order book,” R Krishnan, the unit’s general manager, said.

The unit, which posted its highest-ever turnover, is bulking up its order book.

It plans about Rs 205 crore capital investment to enhance capacity.

The unit currently has an order book of Rs 15,264 crore, or about 68% more than what it had the same time previous fiscal.
To meet the contractual obligations of the order book pose a major challenge.

us2cyberabad

April 16th, 2010, 03:23 AM

Pramati arm eyes $10 million in three years
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/pramati-arm-eyes-10-million-in-three-years/391925/

K Rajani Kanth / Chennai/ Hyderabad April 15, 2010, 0:53 IST

With workforce becoming younger across enterprises – the Facebook generation, which is more used to tweeting, texting and chatting rather than writing emails, companies are now aggressively looking at social capabilities to improve employee engagement and ensure the staff communicate their point and open up to the business perspective.

To cash in on this demand, Pramati Technologies Limited, a Hyderabad-based company engaged in enterprise software and Web 2.0 application development, has developed Qontext, a real-time enterprise 2.0 social collaboration platform for enterprises to use the power of social networking within business applications.

“Social conversations would be the unifying strata of the future enterprise and every application should be connected to a common workplace social network to bring business-focused conversations into the mainstream. Without contextual collaboration, most business-process conversations would remain outside the social network and continue to use other channels such as email or phones,” says Pramati founder and chief executive officer Vijay Pullur.

Forked off into a separate subsidiary, Qontext is designed to bring conversation streams (application feed) into the main flow of conversations in a corporate social network, increasing its effectiveness as a collaboration platform. The platform rides on security and permission mechanisms already deployed in the organisation, striking the right balance between information guarding and open participation.

“We have integrated four applications – including Oracle HR and product document creation – with Qontext. Features like making calls and placing recorded calls on this social media network will be integrated in the near future. We are piloting the product with 20 customers, largely in the services industry including hospitality, IT, BPO and airlines,” he says, adding the company is exploring filing a global patent for the product.

Forrester Research estimates the global market for social tools for enterprises to reach $5 billion in the next three years from less than $1 billion now

us2cyberabad

April 16th, 2010, 03:26 AM

Infosys SEZ ready to take off in Hyderabad
KV Ramana / DNAFriday, April 16, 2010 3:00 IST

Source:http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_infosys-sez-ready-to-take-off-in-hyderabad_1371875

Hyderabad: Infosys, India’s second-largest software company by market capitalisation, is operationalising the first phase of its brand new IT special economic zone (SEZ) in Hyderabad shortly.

“A formal launch would happen in September or so. But, the operations will begin in May this year. They are likely to start with about 1,000 staff,” a highly placed source said.

The company, which was allotted by 447 acres by the Andhra Pradesh government for setting up its largest campus at Pocharam on the outskirts of Hyderabad, had sought approval for setting up two SEZs. The first phase of one of those facilities is getting ready, a state government official told DNA.

The first phase is said to be coming up with an outlay of Rs600-750 crore.

Infosys was earlier allotted land at a location, but with the land being in litigations, the government encouraged the company to look at alternative locations. Pocharam, on the Hyderabad-Warangal state highway, was then selected in 2008 for the project.

As per the plan submitted by the company to the government, the two SEZs would house about 25,000 professionals with various facilities including the walk-to-work infrastructure. The total project cost has been pegged at Rs 1,250 crore.

“There is no official revision of the project cost as yet. But, our interest is in expanding the employment opportunities. As per the SEZ norms, the company will have to go in for fresh recruitment to fill the campus. Though it is a 10-year plan, we are sure the recruits will be mostly from Andhra Pradesh,” the source said.

It was during the days of former prime minister Deve Gowda accusing Infosys of squatting on huge tranches of land that the company was invited by the Andhra Pradesh government to set up the largest possible campus.

Acting on this invitation, the company had initiated the process of setting up the campus in 2007.

“After crossing various hurdles, the operations at the campus are about to begin,” the source said.

Infosys currently has a 50-acre campus at Gachibowli in Hyderabad, which is considered to be a key centre for its exports.

razzy

April 16th, 2010, 08:24 AM

Harley Davidson opens shop
:banana::cheers:
Staff Reporter

Hyderabad: It's not just a bike. It's a machine with attitude that will roll on to the streets of Hyderabad from June. With Harley Davidson opening shop in Banjara Hills Road No. 12, bikers are in for a treat. Over 12 variants from five Harley Davidson families will be for sale from the first week of June.

“We will start bookings from April 20 {+t} {+h} for models of Harley Davidson from the Sportster, Dyna, VRSC, Softail and Touring series. The bikes will be delivered from June,” said K. Jairam, dealer of Harley Davidson showroom during a press conference on Thursday.

Prices of these cruiser bikes will start from 6.95 lakh to 34.95 lakh. “Every bike which will be delivered, will be customised as per the customers need. No two Harley's are alike and each customised motorbike reflects the attitude of its owner. We will ask the customer which kind of bike they are looking for and then suggest the model,” said Mr. Jairam. “A special event, ‘Book Your Ride' will be conducted for our customers.

razzy

April 16th, 2010, 08:26 AM

International fitness centre to open branches
:banana:
Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD: The world's largest fitness centre franchise ‘Curves' was launched in the city on Thursday morning.

Catering exclusively for women, about 18 health and fitness centres will spring across the State, 15 in Hyderabad, two in Visakhapatnam and one in Vijayawada, according to B.V.K. Raju of Q-Mart Retail Ventures, the exclusive franchisee for the State. A MoU to this effect was signed between the company and CFW International Inc, the master franchisee for India, at a star hotel in the city. U.S. Consul General Cornelius Keur presided over the ceremony. Curves has designed a hydraulic system where women can, in a 30-minute workout, do cardiovascular and strength exercises by working every major muscle, said David-Imad Ramadan, CEO, CFW International Inc.

razzy

April 16th, 2010, 08:28 AM

Corpus Media buys Denver co
:cheers:
Hyderabad, April 15

Corpus Media Labs, the Rs 100-crore arm of the Hyderabad-based Corpus group of companies, has acquired the Denver-based PQ Engineering Inc (PQE) in a part-cash and part-stock deal. Announcing the acquisition here, Mr Sachin Tummula, said the acquisition was expected to add Rs 20 crore in revenues for the year. He, however, has not indicated the size of the deal. Corpus Media Labs is a software and services company focussing on media and entertainment. It had bought the Mumbai-based new media services company Recreate Solutions Pvt Ltd. — Our Bureau

us2cyberabad

April 20th, 2010, 12:10 AM

Hi-Tec City flyover likely to be opened next month
TNN, Apr 19, 2010, 05.28am IST
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Hi-Tec-City-flyover-likely-to-be-opened-next-month/articleshow/5829999.cms

HYDERABAD: Traffic woes of information technology and ITeS professionals working in Gachibowli and Madhapur will come to an end soon as the flyover near Hi-Tec City junction is nearing completion. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority plans to throw open the flyover to traffic by May-end.

"All works, including construction of 16 piers and two abutment piers—Kukatpally (spinal road) and Hi-Tec City junction—have been completed. Only an obligatory span between p4 and p5 piers has to be put in place. This work will be completed within 10 days," HMDA chief engineer (in-charge) Madhwa Raja told TOI.

HMDA had proposed the four-lane flyover to ease traffic congestion near the Hi-Tec City junction.

Citizens commuting between Kukatpally, Miyapur and its surrounding areas and Madhapur would greatly benefit due to the flyover as it reduces commute time to seven minutes, the CE added.

Civil works of the flyover, which is 480 metres long and 15 metres wide, works were grounded in 2008 at a cost of Rs 21.68 crores. An underpass was planned for road-users moving between Kondapur and Jubilee Hills checkpost, but HMDA later dropped the idea, HMDA executive engineer-III, Majid Shareef said.

Work on two ramps proposed at Kukatpally (spinal road) and Cyber Towers Gate are in progress. The ramp at Kukatpally would be ready by May first week, while the ramp at Cyber Towers Gate would be completed within a week, the EE added.

rizwan3

April 20th, 2010, 08:27 AM

GMR not to bid, GVK to decide later:bash::ohno:
BS Reporter / Chennai/ Hyderabad April 20, 2010, 0:29 IST

The GMR group, one of the eight consortia pre-qualified for the Rs 12,132-crore Hyderabad metro rail project, has decided not to participate in the financial bids.

Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL), the special purpose vehicle formed to implement the project, held a meeting of the pre-qualified bidders on Saturday. GMR and GVK did not attend.

When contacted, GVK Group chief financial officer Issac George said: “All we can say is we are pre-qualified for bidding. We will take a call later. We will drop it if we think the project is unviable. But there is a lot of time to act on it.”

Initially, the new concessionaire was expected to be in place by May. However, the state government has now extended the last date for financial bids till June 7.

HMRL managing director NVS Reddy said the bidders had sought more time to submit financial bids as they were yet to complete traffic potential studies and financial modeling among others.

“There would not be any further extension of the due date,” he said in a release.

The other consortia now include Transstroy-OJSC Transstroy (Russia)-CR18G (China)-BEML; Reliance Infra-Reliance Infocomm; Lanco Infra-OHL Concesiones (Spain); Essar-Leighton (Australia)-Gayatri-VNR; Soma-Strabag AG (Austria) and Larsen & Toubro.

Maytas Infra, which had earlier bagged the project on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer basis, failed to achieve financial closure. This led the state government to call for fresh bids.

Those applying for financial bids this time would have to pay Rs 240 crore as bank guarantee against the Rs 60-crore specified last time. Also, the winning bidder would have to provide Rs 320 crore as performance guarantee, three per cent of the project cost compared with two per cent last time.:ohno::ohno::nuts:

keshavasiva

April 20th, 2010, 01:27 PM

^^^
I seriously think that we will see metro in hyderabad only after some 15 to 20 years because it is under one of the most corrupted and troubled government and more over ours is an unplanned city.
I was in Bangalore for the vacation and was amazed to see how the roads and everything were planned... The tumkur highway from bangalore was a joy to ride on.
I was for a moment thinking whether I'm in India. The super wide, freaky long flyovers; one over the other and up ramps down ramps clover exchanges etc. It was a eye-pleasing to just keep staring. I was so much adamant that hyderabad roads are better than bangalore till my last trip to the latter. It completely changed my outlook towards hyderabad.
I doesn't matter if you prefer to believe or not but big projects, constructions, roads etc in hyderabad will take a really really long time and that too with no proper planning and quality. I feel like shit when I journey through the begumpet flyovers... their width is so less I think its a 1.5 + 1.5 lanes flyovers. I strongly desire that someone comes up in the govt to do a face lift of hyd. Even the new PVNR is not so great. It is so curved. I was travelling on this newly released flyover which takes you from electronics city to koramangla in bangalore. It is 11 km flyover without a curve. It was so good, man can I forget those roads at all?
The one thing in hyderabad is looking good is ORR, assuming that the current road opened is just temporary and the actual road (8 lane) is under progress.

carzzz12

April 20th, 2010, 10:43 PM

Let me answer your concerns ..

1. Hyderabad Metro
I know there had been a delay but its catching up fast, the kind of companies that are bidding once the bidding process is over we can expect things happenign fast, i am happy that they are taking time in selecting the right supplier than selecting the wrong supplier and repenting later.. Hyderabad Metro would have started construction by now.. But because of the Satyam prob it got delayed. I hope to see construction starting by this year end.

2. Big Roads construction and quality.
Maybe its less than Bangalore but IT sector and buildings and Infrastructure, its ahead than bangalore. Quality is same everywhere.. you pay more you get more.. I am talking in terms of apartments.. Here too we have Lanco Hills and Lodha Belezza for high end apartments... They are still under construction. But Lanco Hills is already the highest towers in South India.

3. Begumpet Flyover
Remind you Begumpet Flyover is in the middle of the city. Heart of the city. You cannot expect smooth traffic in those areas, but still I feel its good.. Maybe near shoppers stop there are few bottlenecks which are creating problem.. Most of the people take the road below the flyover, its much smooth than the flyover. You too do the same next time.

4. PVNR flyover.

Its not easy to make flyovers like those in the middle of the city. That flyover passes through the busiest routes in the city like mehadipatnam. the road itself is curvy so a straight flyover cannot be made. In Bangalore the road itself is straight so the flyover will also be straight. I would still apreciate PVNR as its much more difficult to make a curvy flyover than making a straight one.

Hyderabad has a long way to go. Bangalore had an advantage of Industries in terms of Hyderabad. But in terms of IT and ITES I feel hyderabad is more favourable and in terms of size, construction, space and buildings as well Hyderabad is ahead of BLR for IT and ITES. Other things like manufacturing industry and cosmopolitan nature, Blr is ahead.

Whatever it is.. Both the cities should grow. as an Indian ..I will be happy if Hyderabad and Bangalore grow at equal pace giving more job opportunities and growth for the common man. :-)

Thanks

^^^
I seriously think that we will see metro in hyderabad only after some 15 to 20 years because it is under one of the most corrupted and troubled government and more over ours is an unplanned city.
I was in Bangalore for the vacation and was amazed to see how the roads and everything were planned... The tumkur highway from bangalore was a joy to ride on.
I was for a moment thinking whether I'm in India. The super wide, freaky long flyovers; one over the other and up ramps down ramps clover exchanges etc. It was a eye-pleasing to just keep staring. I was so much adamant that hyderabad roads are better than bangalore till my last trip to the latter. It completely changed my outlook towards hyderabad.
I doesn't matter if you prefer to believe or not but big projects, constructions, roads etc in hyderabad will take a really really long time and that too with no proper planning and quality. I feel like shit when I journey through the begumpet flyovers... their width is so less I think its a 1.5 + 1.5 lanes flyovers. I strongly desire that someone comes up in the govt to do a face lift of hyd. Even the new PVNR is not so great. It is so curved. I was travelling on this newly released flyover which takes you from electronics city to koramangla in bangalore. It is 11 km flyover without a curve. It was so good, man can I forget those roads at all?
The one thing in hyderabad is looking good is ORR, assuming that the current road opened is just temporary and the actual road (8 lane) is under progress.

us2cyberabad

April 21st, 2010, 03:10 AM

State to loosen its purse for MMTS phase-II project

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/State-to-loosen-its-purse-for-MMTS-phase-II-project/articleshow/5838246.cms

TNN, Apr 21, 2010, 04.53am IST

HYDERABAD: Indicating its priority for providing better connectivity to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Shamshabad, the state government has incorporated the Falaknuma-Umdanagar-Airport line in proposals for Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) phase-II. The state government on Tuesday issued a government order (GO MS No. 174) agreeing “in principle” to fund two-third cost of the Rs 641 crore MMTS Phase-II works.

The municipal administration and urban development (MA&UD) department issued the GO approving the estimated cost of Rs 641 crore for MMTS phase-II. While the state government would bear two-third of the project cost, the rest would have to be borne by the Union railway ministry.

The estimated cost of airport connectivity is Rs 85 crore and the works include laying of new line from Umdanagar to airport and doubling and electrification of the existing Falaknuma-Umdanagar line.

Earlier, the South Central Railway (SCR) had asked the chief secretary to provide 37 acres of government land between Umdanagar railway station and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport to railways free of cost for MMTS connectivity to airport. Currently, the land is in possession of airport operator GMR, which has to be retrieved by the revenue department.

The SCR had also revised estimates for MMTS phase-II, bringing it down to Rs 641 crore from earlier estimates of Rs 1,800 crore. It submitted the revised estimates to the state government two months ago.

The MMTS phase-II project is divided into two stages. In stage 1, Falaknuma-international airport (Rs 85 crore), Tellapur-Patancheru (Rs 32 crore), Secunderabad-Bolarum (Rs 30 crore) and Sanathnagar-Moula Ali (Rs 170 crore) works would be taken up. The estimated cost of the stage 1 has been pegged at Rs 317 crore.

In stage 2, Moula Ali-Malkajgiri-Sitaphalmandi (Rs 25 crore), Bolarum-Medchal (Rs 74 crore) and Moula Ali-Ghatkesar (Rs 120 crore) lines would be taken up. Another Rs 20 crore has been kept aside for passenger amenities and Rs 85 crore for rakes (MMTS coaches). Railway authorities said on the Tellapur-Patancheru stretch restoration of tracks and electrification has to be taken up, while the Secunderabad-Bolarum stretch has to be electrified. On the Sanathnagar-Moula Ali and Moula Ali-Malkajgiri-Sitaphalmandi and Bolaram-Medchal stretches, doubling and electrification would have to be taken up.

keshavasiva

April 21st, 2010, 09:51 AM

HydIndian

April 21st, 2010, 10:46 AM

Completely agree with you on your view of two cities.

Although, state of the cities dynamic and keeps changing, I still remember old good days we had under CBN. People visiting from Bangalore and Delhi praised Hyderabad alike for it's infrastructure.

Begumpet flyover is a mess!
PVNR flyover is joke!
ORR story is for everybody to see, half done, partly bumpy, partly trilling.

^^^
I seriously think that we will see metro in hyderabad only after some 15 to 20 years because it is under one of the most corrupted and troubled government and more over ours is an unplanned city.
I was in Bangalore for the vacation and was amazed to see how the roads and everything were planned... The tumkur highway from bangalore was a joy to ride on.
I was for a moment thinking whether I'm in India. The super wide, freaky long flyovers; one over the other and up ramps down ramps clover exchanges etc. It was a eye-pleasing to just keep staring. I was so much adamant that hyderabad roads are better than bangalore till my last trip to the latter. It completely changed my outlook towards hyderabad.
I doesn't matter if you prefer to believe or not but big projects, constructions, roads etc in hyderabad will take a really really long time and that too with no proper planning and quality. I feel like shit when I journey through the begumpet flyovers... their width is so less I think its a 1.5 + 1.5 lanes flyovers. I strongly desire that someone comes up in the govt to do a face lift of hyd. Even the new PVNR is not so great. It is so curved. I was travelling on this newly released flyover which takes you from electronics city to koramangla in bangalore. It is 11 km flyover without a curve. It was so good, man can I forget those roads at all?
The one thing in hyderabad is looking good is ORR, assuming that the current road opened is just temporary and the actual road (8 lane) is under progress.

ranga

April 21st, 2010, 11:33 AM

us2cyberabad

April 21st, 2010, 01:34 PM

HMDA to monitor structures along ORR
Koride Mahesh, TNN, Apr 20, 2010, 05.11am IST
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/HMDA-to-monitor-structures-along-ORR-/articleshow/5834142.cms

HYDERABAD: To ensure systematic and planned growth in the growth corridor of the Outer Ring Road (ORR), the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is preparing an Urban Design Control plan.

In other words, HMDA will decide every aspect of structures that come up along the ORR Growth Corridor (ORRGC), including construction and architecture, and urban features like pavements and streetlights, metro rail stations, bus bays and hoardings.

HMDA is also planning to amend the HMDA Act, 2008, by incorporating growth corridor in it.

“The plan for urban design features for ORR growth corridor will be completed within three months,” a senior official associated with the ORR project told TOI.

The municipal administration and urban development (MA&UD) department had issued a GO in July, 2008, freezing one kilometre on either side of the ORR as Hyderabad Outer Ring Road Growth Corridor (ORRGC) and special development regulations. The growth corridor is divided into two special development zones (SDZ). SDZ 1 consists of areas within or inside the ORR (towards the city side and within ORR growth corridor), while SDZ 2 comprises areas outside the ORR (away from the city side) and within the ORR growth corridor.

To discourage haphazard growth, HMDA would allow construction of apartment complexes and other non-residential structures only if the minimum plot size is 1,000 square metre with abutting road width of minimum 12.2 metres. Also, plot owners would have to leave minimum 15 metres setback, which is about 45 feet. A special impact fee would be levied for constructions in the ORRGC as special incentives are given for big projects like integrated townships, IT and ITES projects.

Now, HMDA is preparing an urban design control with specification of each and every aspect that may come up in the growth corridor. For instance, hoardings would be allowed only near junctions and underpasses of ORR. If they are allowed everywhere, HMDA officials fear they might lead to accidents as minimum vehicle speed would be 120 km/h. When it comes to constructions, architecture, construction material, height and other features, only specified plans and features of construction would be allowed in ORRGC. At junctions and signage points, there would be specifications like landscaping and greenery. “We will give specific places for construction of metro rail stations, hotels and dhabas, public facilities, bus bays and street furniture in the urban design control,” the official said.

According to the officials, all streetlights, signages and urban furniture like pavements would be of international standard.

us2cyberabad

April 21st, 2010, 01:37 PM

Mahindra Satyam to recruit 7,500

Source:http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/04/14/stories/2010041450420500.htm

Mahindra Satyam has indicated that it would be recruiting 7,500 people in the next few months.

The announcement comes a year after Mahindras acquired it. While 5,000 people would be taken for the new special economic zone (SEZ) at its InfoCity Campus at Madhapur, 2,500 more would be added through an internal recruitment drive through referrals.

The 26-acre SEZ would have a built-up area of four lakh square foot. “The first phase would be ready for occupation in the next six months.

It will seat about 5,000 associates,” the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra and Mahindra, Mr Anand Mahindra, said at an event held here on Tuesday to mark the first anniversary of the acquisition.

It was for this SEZ that the company had sought extended deadline to complete. On Tuesday, it recommenced work.

An executive of the recruitment division of Mahindra Satyam said that the company would absorb 4,000-5,000 fresh recruits and would not take any from the existing pool of employees.

Internal drive

“With regard to the internal recruitment drive, the company would pay a reward to the staff for referring a suitable candidate,” he said.

Earlier, addressing select staff to mark the occasion, Mr C.P. Gurnani, Chief Executive Officer of Mahindra Satyam, said they had prepared a three-year transformational plan to achieve complete recovery. “We could win back most of the lost customers. About 380 customers continue to repose faith in us. But there is a lot to be done. We are still in the war zone,” he said.

Addressing a press conference later, Mr Vineet Nayyar, Chairman of Mahindra Satyam, said the company would stick to the June-end deadline to restate the accounts.

Relating the one-year experience in Mahindra Satyam, Mr Gurnani said it took some time before understanding the company before it cut several layers in the organisational structures.

“From 14 layers, we have cut down the hierarchy levels to seven,” he said.

us2cyberabad

April 21st, 2010, 01:39 PM

Infor Expands Presence in Asia-Pacific with Center of Excellence in India

Wednesday, April 21, 2010 04:23 PM IST (10:53 AM GMT)
Source:http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=22315

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, Wednesday, April 21, 2010 -- (Business Wire India)

Jim Schaper, Chairman and CEO of Infor, the leading provider of business software for growth-oriented companies, today inaugurated the Infor Center of Excellence (CoE) in Hyderabad, India. Among other functions, the facility will house a dedicated team of experts in Infor’s Global Professional Services Organization to deliver greater value to customers, including increased implementation efficiency and customer response times. In addition, the CoE demonstrates Infor’s commitment to India and the Asia-Pacific region, a key to Infor’s strategic growth.

News

-- Infor is focused on expanding its presence in India and the Asia-Pacific region by increasing its staff, channel partners and customer base in the area.

-- Approximately 550 employees will staff the CoE, concentrated in:

us2cyberabad

April 21st, 2010, 01:42 PM

Central government to fund city transport study
Source:http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/18/stories/2010041862860100.htm

V. Geetanath

HYDERABAD: The Central government has given consent to the ‘Comprehensive Transport Study' for Hyderabad Metropolitan region and has also agreed to fund 50 per cent of the estimated cost of Rs. 7.62 crore.

Total cost of the study is Rs. 15.24 crore and the Union Ministry of Urban Development has suggested formation of a monitoring-cum- appraisal committee which will have its own representative.

Rest of the money, Rs. 7.62 crore, will be shared by Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) 30 per cent, GHMC 30 per cent, APSRTC 20 per cent and another 20 per cent between Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited and Roads & Buildings.

HMDA was also asked to constitute an evaluation committee for ensuring the study is commenced soon.

These details were decided at the recent Urban Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary S.V. Prasad.

HMDA Commissioner and Member-Convenor of UMTA B.P. Acharya wanted earmarking of 0.25 per cent of development charges collected by his own agency, GHMC and other urban local bodies, plus those from projects taken up for all road and railway works within its limits to be utilised for research and training in traffic & transportation as well as to meet UMTA expenses.

The stipulated amount of development charges of GHMC and HMDA is to be pooled and other organisations like R&B, National Highways and A.P. Industrial and Infrastructure Corporation too follow suit with regard to works being taken up within HMDA limits.

It was noted that private buses will be allowed only on the service roads on the main Outer Ring Road (ORR) from Gachibowli to Shamshabad junction and not on the main road itself as no bus stops are being planned.

The R&B and NH officials have agreed to take up development of road from Nizampet road junction to Erragadda along with their respective roads within GHMC.

The GHMC Commissioner has also been asked to coordinate with the District Collectors concerned to identify land in the next three months for taking up two proposed new freight terminals at Timmapur and Shankarpally for their long term requirements.

The SCR had earlier sought land for three such freight terminals, besides four new passenger terminals at Hi-Tec City, Moula Ali, Medchal and Shamshabad (Umdanagar railway station).

sudheeshnairs

April 21st, 2010, 01:49 PM

I still get why would someone say "Hyderabad is ahead of BLR for IT and ITES":ohno:. Thats not right.

Yes, Right

I too would like to refrain from comparisons, but since somebody is not having correct info, thought of sharing some numbers regarding IT/ITES industries, R&D, office space market etc on a Pan India basis.

Bangalore leads in ‘operational office stock’ in India as of now, followed by Mumbai

Office space Supply estimates for the various cities during 2007-09, in million sft ;

Bangalore: 27
Hyderabad: 14
Chennai: 28
NCR:33
Mumbai:21

Office space absorption during 2007-09 in million sft;

Bangalore: 25
Hyderabad: 8
Chennai: 14
NCR:20
Mumbai:16

Courtesy: Cushman & Wakefield Research.

Bangalore accounts for about 34% of India’s total IT/ITES exports. Share of Hyderabad would be about 15% only.

Distribution of MNC R&D Talent in India:

Bangalore: 56.9%
Hyderabad: 7.5%
Chennai: 4.7%
NCR:11.9%
Mumbai: 15%.

In most industry surveys and reports about real estate/IT/ITES/Office space/Retail/Hospitality industry by International Property Consultants like Knight Frank, Bangalore is in Tier I along with NCR & Mumbai. The other metros like Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata are included in Tier II and other cities like Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Kochi, Indore, etc in Tier III.

HedonistAtBlr

April 21st, 2010, 03:55 PM

Hyderabad has a long way to go. Bangalore had an advantage of Industries in terms of Hyderabad. But in terms of IT and ITES I feel hyderabad is more favourable and in terms of size, construction, space and buildings as well Hyderabad is ahead of BLR for IT and ITES. Other things like manufacturing industry and cosmopolitan nature, Blr is ahead.
Thanks

Stats or gtfo

R2IChennai

April 21st, 2010, 06:35 PM

Yes, Right

I too would like to refrain from comparisons, but since somebody is not having correct info, thought of sharing some numbers regarding IT/ITES industries, R&D, office space market etc on a Pan India basis.

Bangalore leads in ‘operational office stock’ in India as of now, followed by Mumbai

Office space Supply estimates for the various cities during 2007-09, in million sft ;

Bangalore: 27
Hyderabad: 14
Chennai: 28
NCR:33
Mumbai:21

Office space absorption during 2007-09 in million sft;

Bangalore: 25
Hyderabad: 8
Chennai: 14
NCR:20
Mumbai:16

Courtesy: Cushman & Wakefield Research.

Bangalore accounts for about 34% of India’s total IT/ITES exports. Share of Hyderabad would be about 15% only.

Distribution of MNC R&D Talent in India:

Bangalore: 56.9%
Hyderabad: 7.5%
Chennai: 4.7%
NCR:11.9%
Mumbai: 15%.

In most industry surveys and reports about real estate/IT/ITES/Office space/Retail/Hospitality industry by International Property Consultants like Knight Frank, Bangalore is in Tier I along with NCR & Mumbai. The other metros like Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata are included in Tier II and other cities like Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Kochi, Indore, etc in Tier III.
Good Stats Sudhesh,
where do you get Distribution of MNC R&D talent, does this include all industries or is it just IT? I wont be surprised with bangalore leading the pack as most product based IT companies and few biotech and aerospace companies are located in Blore only but now a a days in IT Hyderabad is giving good competion with presence of Microsoft, Google and even facebook in hyderabad's space.

rizwan3

April 22nd, 2010, 06:17 AM

Infor sets up CoE in Hyderabad:cheers:
BS Reporter / Chennai/ Hyderabad April 22, 2010, 0:39 IST

US-headquartered business software provider Infor on Wednesday launched its Centre of Excellence (CoE) here at Manikonda. The centre would deliver products and services to global clients, particularly from the Asia Pacific region.

Speaking to the media, chairman and chief executive officer Jim Schaper said the new centre would focus on increased efficiency and reduced customer response time. The centre would employ about 550 people.

It would provide support to Infor customers in Europe, West Asia and Africa. A team here would also be involved in financial structuring, said Schaper.

The company’s global revenues stood at over $ 2 billion. It has 70,000 customers in 100 countries and was adding about 2,000 customers a year, he said.

ranga

April 22nd, 2010, 08:59 AM

Yes, Right

I too would like to refrain from comparisons, but since somebody is not having correct info, thought of sharing some numbers regarding IT/ITES industries, R&D, office space market etc on a Pan India basis.

Bangalore leads in ‘operational office stock’ in India as of now, followed by Mumbai

Office space Supply estimates for the various cities during 2007-09, in million sft ;

Bangalore: 27
Hyderabad: 14
Chennai: 28
NCR:33
Mumbai:21

Office space absorption during 2007-09 in million sft;

Bangalore: 25
Hyderabad: 8
Chennai: 14
NCR:20
Mumbai:16

Courtesy: Cushman & Wakefield Research.

Bangalore accounts for about 34% of India’s total IT/ITES exports. Share of Hyderabad would be about 15% only.

Distribution of MNC R&D Talent in India:

Bangalore: 56.9%
Hyderabad: 7.5%
Chennai: 4.7%
NCR:11.9%
Mumbai: 15%.

In most industry surveys and reports about real estate/IT/ITES/Office space/Retail/Hospitality industry by International Property Consultants like Knight Frank, Bangalore is in Tier I along with NCR & Mumbai. The other metros like Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata are included in Tier II and other cities like Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Kochi, Indore, etc in Tier III.

But now there is stagnation in growth in bangaluru and it cannot take anymore.I was a resident of Bangalore in the late fifties and sixties and it was a small sleepy town.Even in the seventies and eighties it was a tier 2 Garden city with more or less sparse crowd and empty streets by early nights.Now owing to fast growth for the past fifteen years bglr has lost all its charm and laid back life and the first casuality is the climate.My recent stay in bangaluru was horrible with frequent power cuts and water shortages and the locals were blaming the unplanned growth for their woes.karnataka without Bangalore is worst than Bihar.

rizwan3

April 22nd, 2010, 09:15 AM

Hyderabad set to add 1,500 hotel rooms this year
:cheers::banana:

Hyderabad, April 21

Hyderabad, one of the fastest growing cities in the country, is poised to add 1,500 star-rated hotel rooms during the year, expanding by 50 per cent the existing capacity of 3,000-plus rooms.

However, many hospitality project developers have adopted a cautious approach to new projects due to the prevailing political uncertainty. Most of them would prefer the business environment, affected by the separate statehood issue:ohno:, becomes a lot more positive.

Even as the hospitality sector was shrugging off the impact of the slowdown and had taken a positive outlook on end-2009 and 2010, the agitation for a separate Telangana has hit occupancy levels with the cancellation of several scheduled conventions and meetings.

Positive numbers

The General Manager of the Fortune Manohar Hotel, Mr Ram Mishra, told Business Line that “while the last quarter of 2009 had begun to show positive numbers, the agitation had resulted in a spate of cancellations. For the sector, the third and fourth quarters of the financial year account for significantly higher numbers.”

As President of the Hotels and Restaurants' Association of Andhra Pradesh, Mr Mishra said occupancy levels had dropped to 50-55 per cent from 70-75 per cent. The untimely death of Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, and the elections had had an adverse effect on the sector. This had forced some developers to either reconsider new projects or put them off for the time being.

Infrastructure development

The General Manager of The Park of the Apeejay Surrendra Group, Mr Anurag Bajaj, feels that Hyderabad is the city to watch out for given the infrastructure being developed, beginning with the new international airport, the related expressways and satellite townships.

“If anyone does not factor these, he will miss the bus. This is similar to what Gurgaon witnessed few years ago. I am extremely bullish and we are getting into commercial launch mode with The Park at the right time,” Mr Bajaj said.

Hyderabad hospitality has recently added The Courtyard by The Marriott; the Park Hotel is getting underway; and The Westin Mindspace of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, one of the biggest properties in the city, has added 428 rooms.

During the course of the year, a couple of more properties will get underway. By the next year at least five or six more properties with a capacity of about 1,500 rooms will come up. This includes a property of the Sarovar Hotels, The Green Park, another facility of the Taj GVK group, and The Hyatt among several others.

Tariff rates in the city have stabilised after touching dizzying highs a couple of years ago, they observed.:nuts::cheers:

Subra

April 22nd, 2010, 12:07 PM

karnataka without Bangalore is worst than Bihar.
Common man, I think you make statements without facts. Karnataka is one of the progressive states with good industrial development. The recent new projects in their steel corridor place them among the top-3 or 5 states in the country.

keshavasiva

April 22nd, 2010, 01:15 PM

Yes, Right
Distribution of MNC R&D Talent in India:

Bangalore: 56.9%
Hyderabad: 7.5%
Chennai: 4.7%
NCR:11.9%
Mumbai: 15%.

In most industry surveys and reports about real estate/IT/ITES/Office space/Retail/Hospitality industry by International Property Consultants like Knight Frank, Bangalore is in Tier I along with NCR & Mumbai. The other metros like Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata are included in Tier II and other cities like Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Kochi, Indore, etc in Tier III.

This must've been true before but not right now... HYD must be just behind bangalore and when it comes to talent pool ... HYD should be on the top... owing to so many ap guys in bangalore itself in IT + many people already in AP. I think even the number of MS/Phd students or H1Bs are max from AP...
Now be that as it may... back on to topic :dance:

sudheeshnairs

April 22nd, 2010, 02:35 PM

This is not for starting a city vs city discussion, but some points from the view point of a 'third person'.

But now there is stagnation in growth in bangaluru and it cannot take anymore.I was a resident of Bangalore in the late fifties and sixties and it was a small sleepy town.Even in the seventies and eighties it was a tier 2 Garden city with more or less sparse crowd and empty streets by early nights.Now owing to fast growth for the past fifteen years bglr has lost all its charm and laid back life and the first casuality is the climate.My recent stay in bangaluru was horrible with frequent power cuts and water shortages and the locals were blaming the unplanned growth for their woes.karnataka without Bangalore is worst than Bihar.

Ranga, yes, you are correct in some points. And yes, sadly there could be two worlds. Bangalore do have power cuts and water shortages, which is manageable. For a professional/yuppie who lands in Bangalore from some corner of India, these things don’t count much. You have standby power at your office, home etc. The bore wells may dry up, but the apartment complexes would be buying it from outside.

Having said this, things are changing fast. I have been seeing Bangalore from 2006. I have been flying in and out during weekends till 2008 when I became a full time resident. I have seen the city without a govt, under Kumaraswamy and now under BSY. During the initial days, I used to be upset with the things around, just like any other Indian city. Now the changes are very much, may perhaps of that BJP has won the BBMP polls with thumping majority. Most of the roads, including Interior residential colony roads are being tarred, Highmast electric lamps put up, bus stations/stops constructed, total revamp in public transport system (Bangalore has the most modern and new fleet of buses in India) etc. Many new underpasses/flyovers has been built, ORR between Sarjapur and Hebbal is going to be signal free, BETL, Tumkur elevated Road, Bangalore Metro, you can see progress these days. And regarding Climate, still this is the best Metro in India. Except during two-three months in a year, you do not really require fan in a good house. It is still 20-24 degrees as the minimum temp during Summer nights when other cities have 28 or more. A higher temp during the day touching 35-37 would not cause much trouble to typical professional guy migrating to Bangalore, he would be inside his office or in A/C car. Even then this 37 doesn’t occur that much harsh because of less humidity, I was in Trivandrum last weekend, with 34 degrees, I was feeling uncomfortable. And in Bangalore, once the temp goes up it rains well. These days it is raining in Bangalore, in fact today morning I had to use geyser.

Market is bouncing back, and yes, Bangalore now fares better than other cities. I am in the job of selling ‘commercial space’ to corporate. So I know the resurgence of demand now. In fact recently we were advised by a leading IPC that it is better to concentrate in Bangalore rather than diversifying in Chennai or Hyderabad.

Good Stats Sudhesh,
where do you get Distribution of MNC R&D talent, does this include all industries or is it just IT? I wont be surprised with bangalore leading the pack as most product based IT companies and few biotech and aerospace companies are located in Blore only but now a a days in IT Hyderabad is giving good competion with presence of Microsoft, Google and even facebook in hyderabad's space.

R&D is mostly IT, BioTech, Avionics etc. It is based on the total employee count of various organizations operating out of the major destinations. We periodically get all those market reports International consultants like Cushman & Wakefield, Knight Frank, JohnsLangLsalle Meghraj, Colliers International etc. I think I got this info from one such report, I had saved a chart with India map and the distribution of MNC R&D Talent distribution.

Hyderabad had given a competition a few years back to Bangalore, not now. Microsoft also is scouting for more space in Bangalore. Recent Telangana episode has marred Hyderabad’s image much. Investors who had started looking to Hyderabad is now turning to Bangalore.

This must've been true before but not right now... HYD must be just behind bangalore and when it comes to talent pool ... HYD should be on the top... owing to so many ap guys in bangalore itself in IT + many people already in AP. I think even the number of MS/Phd students or H1Bs are max from AP...

Keshav, please understand, we were talking about the ‘City’ and not ‘Ethnicity’. Bangalore city has very less local population, about 35%, and the rest is from whole of India. Leave professional field, in street level too, you have more AP guys powerful and influential, most real estate holdings are with Reddys, even in Politics.

Bangalore’s professional crowd has a sizeable North Indian population, which is not seen to that much extent in any other Indian city, along with Mallus, Tamils, Bongs, AP’ites etc, it is the most cosmopolitan city of India.

Good thing is that you do not feel like out of your home in Bangalore. Being a mallu myself my life is similar to what I had in Trivandrum. I get daily Malayalam newspaper, watch only Malayalam channels, get Malayalam periodicals, speak Malayalam with many, even have mallu business associates in almost all IPCs, buy food from Kerala Restaurants only, in my office team, three of us are mallus, one telugu, one Tamil and one UP wala, I go to the Ayyappa Temple, I have ‘Nair Service Society’ Karayogams here just like back home. And it would be the same for a Tamilian/APite also. You get best of both worlds. You get your own culture/private world, and at the same time can experience the unity in diversity of India.

ranga

April 22nd, 2010, 06:58 PM

This is not for starting a city vs city discussion, but some points from the view point of a 'third person'.

Ranga, yes, you are correct in some points. And yes, sadly there could be two worlds. Bangalore do have power cuts and water shortages, which is manageable. For a professional/yuppie who lands in Bangalore from some corner of India, these things don’t count much. You have standby power at your office, home etc. The bore wells may dry up, but the apartment complexes would be buying it from outside.

Having said this, things are changing fast. I have been seeing Bangalore from 2006. I have been flying in and out during weekends till 2008 when I became a full time resident. I have seen the city without a govt, under Kumaraswamy and now under BSY. During the initial days, I used to be upset with the things around, just like any other Indian city. Now the changes are very much, may perhaps of that BJP has won the BBMP polls with thumping majority. Most of the roads, including Interior residential colony roads are being tarred, Highmast electric lamps put up, bus stations/stops constructed, total revamp in public transport system (Bangalore has the most modern and new fleet of buses in India) etc. Many new underpasses/flyovers has been built, ORR between Sarjapur and Hebbal is going to be signal free, BETL, Tumkur elevated Road, Bangalore Metro, you can see progress these days. And regarding Climate, still this is the best Metro in India. Except during two-three months in a year, you do not really require fan in a good house. It is still 20-24 degrees as the minimum temp during Summer nights when other cities have 28 or more. A higher temp during the day touching 35-37 would not cause much trouble to typical professional guy migrating to Bangalore, he would be inside his office or in A/C car. Even then this 37 doesn’t occur that much harsh because of less humidity, I was in Trivandrum last weekend, with 34 degrees, I was feeling uncomfortable. And in Bangalore, once the temp goes up it rains well. These days it is raining in Bangalore, in fact today morning I had to use geyser.

Market is bouncing back, and yes, Bangalore now fares better than other cities. I am in the job of selling ‘commercial space’ to corporate. So I know the resurgence of demand now. In fact recently we were advised by a leading IPC that it is better to concentrate in Bangalore rather than diversifying in Chennai or Hyderabad.

R&D is mostly IT, BioTech, Avionics etc. It is based on the total employee count of various organizations operating out of the major destinations. We periodically get all those market reports International consultants like Cushman & Wakefield, Knight Frank, JohnsLangLsalle Meghraj, Colliers International etc. I think I got this info from one such report, I had saved a chart with India map and the distribution of MNC R&D Talent distribution.

Hyderabad had given a competition a few years back to Bangalore, not now. Microsoft also is scouting for more space in Bangalore. Recent Telangana episode has marred Hyderabad’s image much. Investors who had started looking to Hyderabad is now turning to Bangalore.

Keshav, please understand, we were talking about the ‘City’ and not ‘Ethnicity’. Bangalore city has very less local population, about 35%, and the rest is from whole of India. Leave professional field, in street level too, you have more AP guys powerful and influential, most real estate holdings are with Reddys, even in Politics.

Bangalore’s professional crowd has a sizeable North Indian population, which is not seen to that much extent in any other Indian city, along with Mallus, Tamils, Bongs, AP’ites etc, it is the most cosmopolitan city of India.

Good thing is that you do not feel like out of your home in Bangalore. Being a mallu myself my life is similar to what I had in Trivandrum. I get daily Malayalam newspaper, watch only Malayalam channels, get Malayalam periodicals, speak Malayalam with many, even have mallu business associates in almost all IPCs, buy food from Kerala Restaurants only, in my office team, three of us are mallus, one telugu, one Tamil and one UP wala, I go to the Ayyappa Temple, I have ‘Nair Service Society’ Karayogams here just like back home. And it would be the same for a Tamilian/APite also. You get best of both worlds. You get your own culture/private world, and at the same time can experience the unity in diversity of India.

Well there are many mallus,tamils,kannadigas,maharashtrians and north indians in Hyderabad to creating their own worlds.

chennaidesi

April 22nd, 2010, 07:22 PM

O.K. Currently Bangalore is no 1 with Chennai,NCR,Hyderabad,Pune and Mumbai following it. Slowly other cities and new IT cities like Chandigarh,Ahmedabad,Kochi,Coimbatore and others will imporve their share and Bangalore share will come down to a sustaineable level but below current level but will remain at top. I think as a city Hyderabad and Pune can give Bangalore a tough fight except this telangana issue. From talent point of view Andhra is producing more IT talent and second is TN ,Maharastra and Karnataka stands in that order and this resources rich states can always bring more investments to their states. Hyderabad city is not having perception problem like Chennai.

The issue of cosmopolitan is it has to be treated more in a relative manner.
I think all the six metro's and Pune are cosmopolitan but the percentage varies, some city are more cosmopolitan than others.

Creating their own world happens in every city where there is sizable other language speaking population. This climate is not an issue in developed countries. Once India average wealth goes up probably in 15 years most of the houses and office and business will be climate controlled so it doesnt matter much.

Shylesh

April 22nd, 2010, 07:38 PM

Source: http://beta.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article407783.ece

The Park Hotels, pioneers of the boutique hotel concept in India, have launched their first hotel in the city and the ninth in the country on Thursday.

With a total investment of Rs. 340 crore, this new 270 - room flagship property is the ninth addition to the Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels’ collection of boutique hotels. The hotel’s breathtaking facade refer the jewellery for which Hyderabad is world—renowned, Priya Paul,Chairperson — Appejay Surrendra Park Hotels Private Limited told mediapersons.

“We take pride in launching what will be an iconic hotel in the heart of Hyderabad — iconic for its services, design and architecture.”

“This 7—star Modern Palace is inspired by the jewels of Hyderabad. Today, The Park Hotels are synonymous with creating innovative standards in the travel industry, offering guests luxurious services. Hyderabad has emerged as one of India’s key metropolitan cities and a business hub and we are delighted to grow with the city”, Ms. Paul said.

The Park, Hyderabad is a LEED GOLD certified green hotel by the US Green Building Council.

The leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is internationally recognised and measures how efficiently a building or community perform across all relevant metrics like energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality as well as stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

On the launch Anurag Bajaj, General Manager, The Park, Hyderabad said, “In today’s era of eco—consciousness and sustainability, we are extremely proud to bring to Hyderabad, India’s first LEED GOLD certified hotel. It environment friendly design and construction ensures that power— consumption is lower by 30 per cent and potable water consumption has come down by 40 per cent.”

“In December 2009, The Park Hyderabad was awarded the ’Best future hospitality project in India’ by Cityscape India“.

The group is investing another Rs. 1,000 crore in the next five years in phase manner to come up with new properties at Mumbai, Goa, Ms. Paul said.

Last year, group turn over was nearly Rs. 1600 crore, Ms. Paul said.

Presently, the Park Hotel are located in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Navi Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Kerala with total 1145 rooms.

The management expects 60 per cent occupancy during the first year and will reach the break - even point by 2014 -15.

Shylesh

April 22nd, 2010, 07:40 PM

Source: http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?ID=1221509

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard leads another economic development trip overseas.

The delegation to India departing Friday includes stops in Mumbai, New Delhi and a new sister city.

"When we go over there, we will be coming back with a sister city named Hyderabad, which is the IT capital of India and also has very strong pharmaceutical and biotech industries in that area," Ballard said.

Previous economic trips to three other foreign countries have produced similar partnerships.

Indianapolis focuses on manufacturing distribution with China; renewable energy with Brazil; and motor sports with England.

Shylesh

April 22nd, 2010, 07:42 PM

Source: http://netindian.in/news/2010/04/22/0006246/canadas-schulich-school-business-set-campus-hyderabad

Infrastructure major GMR Group and the Schulich School of Business of York University in Toronto, Canada, today announced they have entered into an understanding to develop a Schulich campus in Hyderabad.

A press release from GMR said Schulich's GMR campus would be the first full-fldged campus of a major, top-ranked international business school in India.

It said the Hyderabad campus would operate as a seamless extension of Schulich's Canadian campus, ensuring the same quality of programmes, faculty and students.

The release said the new campus would significantly reduce the cost of international education for the student community, who will benefit from the lower cost of living in India.

According to the release, the Schulich School of Business, which is a public, non-profit institution, will initially offer its two-year MBA programme to 120 students at the Hyderabad campus, along with Executive Education programmes.

Under the agreement, Schulich will develop the learning environment and academic infrastructure while the GMR Group will provide the land and the physical campus.

"This campus will represent a substantial, long-term capital investment in 'bricks and mortar' to provide a state-of-the-art setting for students, faculty, staff and executives," it said.

Subject to approval under the Foreign Educational Institutions Bill currently before Parliament and final approvals by the Boards of York University and the GMR Group, admissions would commence no later than 2013, the release said.

"GMR will bring its world-class infrastructure development skills to the table, while the Schulich School of Business will bring its expertise as one of the world's top-rated MBA programmes and Executive Education providers," Mr V. Raghunathan, Chief Executive Officer, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, said.

"The GMR Campus of the Schulich School of Business will be a mirror image of Schulich's Toronto campus, with first-rate facilities, international faculty, and an internationally-focused curriculum," Schulich Dean Dezsö J. Horváth said.

"We will attract the best and the brightest students from India and abroad and prepare them for global careers in India and elsewhere in the world," he added.

R2IChennai

April 22nd, 2010, 11:29 PM

The issue of cosmopolitan is it has to be treated more in a relative manner.
I think all the six metro's and Pune are cosmopolitan but the percentage varies, some city are more cosmopolitan than others.

Creating their own world happens in every city where there is sizable other language speaking population. This climate is not an issue in developed countries. Once India average wealth goes up probably in 15 years most of the houses and office and business will be climate controlled so it doesnt matter much.
Two good points
On 2nd, Climate should not be an issue in 10 years for development, Most of the western cities have horrible winter and In East summer is horrible.Climate did not hinder development of Dubai its worse than most Indian cities or Singapore exactly same climate as Chennai but once every place is climate controlled (AC in India/Heater in west) it shouldnt matter for upper middle class and elite classes to relocate. Cmon for climate go travel to vacation destinations.

us2cyberabad

April 23rd, 2010, 02:40 AM

State retains favourite IT hub statusSource:http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/state-retains-favourite-it-hub-status-518

April 22: Andhra Pradesh has staged a comeback of sorts by emerging as the most favoured state for information technology (IT) giants.
Notwithstanding the slowdown and T-agitations, IT majors have announced huge expansion plans that will create three lakh new jobs for the youth of the state. For the first time since the separatist movement started, two major multinationals have shown interest about opening their India operations centres in Hyderabad. JP Morgan and the United Health Group will set up their units at Raheja’s SEZ at Madhapur.

Existing companies like Tata Consultancy, Wipro, Accenture, Infosys, Virtusa and Honeywell too have informed the government that they are going ahead with their expansion plans in spite of disturbances. “Mindspace’s first phase is full with units and they are going ahead with their second phase of SEZ in Mamidipalli. TCS has also started construction for the Gachibowli centre expansion,” said Mr K. Venkata Reddy, the IT and sports minister.

Infosys, Wipro and Accenture have received permission from the government for their expansion projects with the first two presenting plans to recruit 3,700 people this season.
TCS has promised the government that it will recruit 7,000 people during its expansion. This is in addition to the recruitment proposed for the Tishman Speyer International Development Centre. The company will employ 2,500 people for this centre. New facilities of Virtusa are under various stages of completion and are expected to start operations in two months.

“The recession has had no impact on the creation and filling up of office space by the infrastructure developers. In fact, in the recent past, developers like Raheja and Divyasree have made deals of more than 32 lakh square feet of office space with renowned IT companies,” said Ms Ratnaprabha, the principal secretary, information and technology department.

Interestingly, Visakhapatnam has also registered an impressive growth during the recession. The city registered a 35 per cent growth against the national average of 20.65 per cent and chalked up Rs 502 crore in IT exports. Now, the IT industry in the coastal city is providing jobs to more than 10,000 engineers.

The IT SEZ in Kesarapalli village near Vijayawada airport has attracted two IT companies that have already started operations. An incubation centre in an area of 14,000 sq. ft has been made available in Kakinada where Infotech Enterprises has established a development centre.

us2cyberabad

April 23rd, 2010, 02:43 AM

Infotech Enterprises

Source:http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100422/jsp/business/story_12367011.jsp

Hyderabad-based Infotech Enterprises hopes to acquire at least one overseas firm during the current quarter. The company is looking for buyouts in Europe and the US.

“We are at various stages of discussions with possible target firms,” chairman B.V.R. Mohan Reddy told The Telegraph.

The acquisitions will be in the engineering and geospatial information services only, he said. The company has reported a cash reserve of Rs 383.6 crore at the end of 2009-10. “The cash balance in books needs to be deployed to tap right opportunities at the right moment,” Reddy said. The firm may opt for bank debts to fund acquisitions.

Reddy said the company would hire about 1,400 professionals across its five facilities in India.

rizwan3

April 23rd, 2010, 03:40 AM

Intake cut by half in IIITs

Special Correspondent

Decision taken on the recommendation of a Cabinet

sub-committee

‘Existing infrastructure in the institutes is grossly inadequate'

HYDERABAD: The annual intake of students in each of the three IIITs (International Institutes of Information Technology) has been reduced from 2,000 to 1,000.

The IIITs were established by the Rajasekhara Reddy government, one each in the three regions of the State, to offer quality IT education to rural youths and make them employable through a six-year integrated course.

The decision to cut the intake by half was taken by the Cabinet, at a meeting here on Thursday, on the recommendation of a Cabinet sub-committee constituted by Chief Minister K. Rosaiah recently. The four-member committee concluded that the existing infrastructure in these institutes—particularly the hostel accommodation and faculty—was grossly inadequate to achieve the original goal of bringing them on a par with the IITs.

Sources said the Ministers were conscious of the criticism this decision would draw on the score that the present government was rolling back all the schemes. But, it was pointed out that once these institutes reached their sixth year, they would together have 36,000 students and it would be a Herculean task to provide them even the basic facilities. The IIITs are presently functioning at Basar (Adilabad district), Idupalapaya Valley (Kadapa) and Nuzvid (Krishna) under the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies. A spokesman, however, clarified to reporters later that for now, the Cabinet's decision applied for the 2010-2011 academic year. It would be reviewed once the infrastructure was improved.

Enquiries with Higher Education Department revealed that the IIITs, which were originally authorised to admit 6,000 students annually—that is each 2,000, began admissions two years ago and they have, at present, a total of 12,000 students on rolls. Sources said the Government was also concerned over identifying funds for the IIITs which was of the order of Rs. 600 crore annually.

us2cyberabad

April 24th, 2010, 06:59 PM

DHL sees significant growth in Life Sciences and Healthcare products in Asia
source:http://www.prurgent.com/2010-04-20/pressrelease90366.htm

DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, saw a record number of movements of healthcare products in 2009 in Asia. Compared to 2008, shipment of finished pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical equipment and devices and clinical trials facilitated by the DHL Life Sciences & Healthcare Global Customer Solutions grew overall by seven per cent, a steady growth despite the economic downturn.

She added: “In 2009 the organization further committed to invest US$15 million to develop the Competence Centers in India, Mumbai and Hyderabad targeted as the primary sites,

us2cyberabad

April 24th, 2010, 07:03 PM

'5 different sectors to attract over $8 bn investments'
Source:http://smetimes.tradeindia.com/smetimes/news/industry/2010/Apr/03/5-different-sectors-to-attract-over-8-bn-investments61094.html

SME Times News Bureau | 03 Apr, 2010
A whopping investments of over USD 8.5 billion is expected in Indian Venture Capitalists (VCs) and Private Equities (PEs) by 2012 in five identified areas such as biotechnology and life sciences, logistics, clean technology, film production and education, says a study jointly brought out by Deloitte and ASSOCHAM.

The study titled "Indian Venture Capital – A Future Scenario", reveals that VCs and PEs which for long has been choosing IT for investment purposes, have found huge investment opportunities in above listed areas as regulatory regime in them is gradually disappearing.

Quoting findings of the ASSOCHAM & Deloitte paper, D S Rawat, Secretary General ASSOCHAM that India has large opportunities in Biotechnology and Life Sciences on lines of retail and Real Estate.

The Life Sciences sector in India has been attracting specialists Venture Capitalists from global and local funds. According to ASSOCHAM, US based Life Sciences Fund has recently invested approximately USD 40 million in a Hyderabad based pharmaceutical company.

us2cyberabad

April 24th, 2010, 07:06 PM

Aurobindo to invest Rs 1,250 crore in 5 years
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/aurobindo-to-invest-rs-1250-crore-in-5-years/392714/

Hyderabad-based drug maker Aurobindo Pharma Limited (APL), which has targeted to cross $2 billion (Rs 10,000 crore) in revenues by 2013, proposes to invest Rs 250 crore every year for the next five years amounting to a total investment of Rs 1,250 crore.

During 2009-10, the company expects to post a consolidated revenue of Rs 5,000 crore as against Rs 3,168 crore in the previous year.

“My goal is to ensure that Aurobindo emerges as one of the top three pharmaceutical companies in the country and also secures a place among the top 10 drug makers in the world in a span of 3-5 years,” APL chairman, PV Ramprasad Reddy, told Business Standard.

At present, APL is constructing a separate block for production of oral contraceptives at cost of Rs 60 crore at its facility in the special economic zone near Jadcherla, about 100 km from Hyderabad. The dedicated plant is expected to be completed by the middle of next year. Last month, APL launched AuroSource, its new Rs 100-crore division for providing custom research and manufacturing services (Crams).

us2cyberabad

April 24th, 2010, 07:11 PM

Hyderabad: GDP $60 billion
Source:http://business.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/apr/23/slide-show-1-the-top-10-cities-in-india-by-gdp.htm#contentTop

A report by McKinsey Global Institute says that India will have 68 cities by 2030 with a population of over 1 million, 13 cities with more than 4 million people, and 6 megacities with populations of 10 million or more.

Hyderabad, which used to be primarily a service city, is now the seat of many businesses, including trade, transport, commerce, storage, communication and lately IT.

Like Bangalore, Hyderabad too has witnessed a real estate boom in recent times, mainly because of the growth of IT and retail business in the city.

Major pharmaceutical companies like Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Matrix Laboratories, Aurobindo Pharma Limited and Vimta Labs are located here.

Hyderabad has also made considerable progress in the field of bio-technology through initiatives like Genome Valley and Nanotechnology Park.

For the advancement of infrastructure in the city, the Andhra Pradesh government is building a skyscraper business district at Manchirevula.

us2cyberabad

April 24th, 2010, 07:17 PM

EXPRESS BUZZ | SHOW BUZZ | E-PAPER Saturday, April 24, 2010 10:45 PM IST Home
AP government revives animation city plan
Source:http://expressbuzz.com/finance/ap-government-revives-animation-city-plan/167276.html

The Andhra Pradesh Government is revisiting the proposal to set up an Animation & Gaming City in Hyderabad.
Industry body Nasscom has agreed to extend support right from designing a concept paper to setting up of the park, which is envisaged with an estimated investment of $300 million to $400 million.

To begin with, the Department of Information Technology & Communication (ITC), Government of Andhra Pradesh, together with Nasscom, will bring out a concept paper involving the nature of infrastructure facilities to be created for prospective companies.

It is likely to be ready in the next couple of months.

“This will be designed like the largest animation studios in Brighton, UK. Filmmakers can come with a story and walk with the final cut of the movie. That’s the infrastructure we are looking at,” a senior Government official told Express.

It must be noted that the State Government first mooted the idea of creating an animation and gaming city, way back in 2008. It had allotted 15 acres for the purpose and subsequently held discussions with about 20 property developers from across the country.

However, with the slump in the real estate sector followed by economic recession, none of the developers came forward to take up the project. “The timing was incorrect.

With the business momentum picking up now, we anticipate that there will be more takers this time,” the source said.

The proposed park will have plug-and-play 2D and 3D labs, which will enable customers to create movies such as Chota Bheem and Spiderman respectively.

Unlike incubating spaces for IT and ITES industry, animation parks are highly technologyintensive, will have multiple studios with 2D and 3D capabilities supported by huge servers.

The State Government will contribute 25 per cent of the proposed investment, be it in the form of land allotment and other related incentives. “Ideally, 10 acres should be enough for the facility but can even go up to 100 acres. If required, we can identify another piece of land,” he added.

us2cyberabad

April 24th, 2010, 07:20 PM

ARPL ventures into hospitality industry through Accor Hospitality

Source:http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=7945&sid=1

Hyderabad based Agra Residency Pvt. Ltd. (ARPL) has forayed into the hospitality industry by signing a Joint Venture (JV) agreement with Accor Hospitality. Through this agreement, Accor Hospitality will manage Mercure Hotels Abids, which will be officially launched on May 16, 2010 and will be a ‘Pure Vegetarian’ property. This property will be the third property managed by Accor in Hyderabd, after Novotel Hyderabad & Hyderabad International Convention Centre and Novotel Hyderabad Airport.

Mercure Hotels Abids will be positioned as a boutique hotel, which will offer 82 rooms (55 Superior rooms, 19 Privilege rooms and eight Suites), a restaurant (Abids Bistro), a bar (Scotchman Bar) and five meeting rooms with capacity of 600-800 pax. The property will be mainly targeting corporate clients along with leisure travellers.

Speaking exclusively with Hospitality Biz about the concept of a vegetarian hotel, Rajesh Gopalkrishnan, Hotel Manager, Mercure Hyderabad Abids said, “With western countries becoming health conscious by going vegetarian and with sizable population of vegetarians in Hyderabad, the concept of ‘Pure Vegetarian’ hotel has a lot of potential. In this property, we are not only going to offer Indian but will also offer a mix of South East Asian cuisine for vegetarians. We are also going to target wedding segment through this specialty as most Indians prefer vegetarian cuisine during weddings and religious and traditional events.”

hyd

April 25th, 2010, 01:41 PM

bump....
Anyone know the status of Hi-Tec city station Borabanda Road?
I see activity in the vicinity but not sure if its related to road or just some dumping by const companies.

Any HMDA/MCH Insider info?

Hindustani

April 26th, 2010, 09:47 PM

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http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/3681/42239919.jpg

raghussc

April 26th, 2010, 10:14 PM

Is that road in the pictures above a new alignment or update of the existing highway NH9 ?

us2cyberabad

April 27th, 2010, 03:43 AM

Ghaziabad B-School to open campus in city

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Ghaziabad-B-School-to-open-campus-in-city-/articleshow/5862062.cms

HYDERABAD: A leading private Bschool will soon open a state-of-theart campus on a 30-acre site near the Shamshabad international airport.The B-school,Institute of Management Technology (Ghaziabad),was allocated land in line with the state governments initiative to encourage private educational institutions willing to set up world class campus facilities in the city.

In 2008,the Birla Institute of Technology and Science,Pilani,had also responded to the states call by establishing in Hyderabad their only other campus in the country.

The B-school campus would come up on government land in Survey No.38,situated at Cherlaguda village of Shamshabad mandal,in Ranga Reddy district.

This campus would be the Bschools third exclusive and largest in the country,while the other two are in Ghaziabad and Nagpur.The Institute of Management Technology also runs an overseas campus at the Dubai Academic City,where it offers a two-year premium MBA programme.

State government officials feel that part-time and full-time management programmes at the IMT Hyderabad campus would immensely benefit local students,as it is among the top ten private Bschools in the country.

us2cyberabad

April 27th, 2010, 03:51 AM

Indy Economic Delegation Heading To India

Source:http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?ID=1221509

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard leads another economic development trip overseas.

The delegation to India departing Friday includes stops in Mumbai, New Delhi and a new sister city.

"When we go over there, we will be coming back with a sister city named Hyderabad, which is the IT capital of India and also has very strong pharmaceutical and biotech industries in that area," Ballard said.

Previous economic trips to three other foreign countries have produced similar partnerships.

Indianapolis focuses on manufacturing distribution with China; renewable energy with Brazil; and motor sports with England.

us2cyberabad

April 27th, 2010, 04:01 AM

The latest hotspot in town is eco-friendly
Source:http://beta.thehindu.com/life-and-style/leisure/article409154.ece
http://beta.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00109/hy26Park_Hotel_Ser__109620e.jpg

Drive on the Necklace Road in the evening and you get to see the newest sparkler in Hyderabad on the other side of the Husainsagar Lake. It appears like a trapezium awash in brilliant colours in one angle and then appears like a yacht from a different angle.
Imagine a day when the Necklace Road station is connected to the airport then you can directly wheel in your luggage into

The Park, the first seven-star hotel in Hyderabad. The lobby is not at the entrance but on the third floor. Designed by Skidmore Owings and Merrill (it also designed the Burj Khalifa) the Park has an all glass facade, sheated by 6,200 panels of composite aluminium. The result:

The park turns into a green building that uses .8 watts per sft as the glass lets in the light and the aluminum bounces off the heat. The hotel brims with green ideas. The lift automatically uses lower energy when fewer people use and ramps up the power when more people get in.

Not just the environment, Priya Paul of the Apeejay group who was involved right from the beginning till now, has incorporated cultural features she saw as defining the city. That is the reason for the presence of Kalamkari artefacts and motifs from tholubommalata in the hotel. While the rooms have a canvas with tholubommalata motif, one of the lounges in the lobby has a ceiling covered with Kalamkari work.

Outside the lobby on the third floor is the swimming pool that blends into the infinity of the Hussainsagar Lake. The horizon blending sight is a delight makes you wonder where the water is disappearing as you listen to the recessed all-weather Bose speakers pumping in the music.

The Rs. 340 crore Park has 270 rooms and plans are on anvil for a luxury retail mall beside the melange of restaurants and watering holes.

hyderabadnawab

April 27th, 2010, 04:05 AM

Is that road in the pictures above a new alignment or update of the existing highway NH9 ?

I'm going to make an intelligent guess that it is the part of NH9 connecting LB nagar ring road to ORR junction, which is part of the radial ring road package, which has been taken up for 6 - 8 laning.

GMR is working on the part of the highway starting approximately 20 kms after Ramoji film city to all the way to Nandigama. That part is an old 2 lane road.

skdubai

April 27th, 2010, 07:34 AM

That is one beautiful road!!! looking forward to Hyd - Vijayawada road looking like that!! that would be an awesome ride!

us2cyberabad

April 28th, 2010, 03:43 AM

City 3rd Most Popular Realty Spot
Source:http://www.fullhyderabad.com/hyderabad-news/hyderabad-real-estate-third-3rd-most-sought-after-in-india-497

According to a recent survey, Hyderabad, along with Bangalore, is currently the 3rd most sought after destination in terms of real estate in the country.

Thanks to the global recession that led to an unprecedented uncertainty on the property scenario, followed by the political unrest that prevailed due to the death of the former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and the Telangana agitation, the prospects of real estate in Hyderabad and its suburbs seemed direly affected. Yet, according to a survey by real estate website Makaan.com, Hyderabad turned out to be the third most preferred city in the coutry.

In the survey titled 'Realty Trends 2010', Delhi topped with 34% of those polled interested in owning a property there, followed by Mumbai with 28%. Hyderabad and Bangalore shared the third spot with an interest level of 11% - a rather miniscule figure when compared to the top 2 spots.

The survey was conducted in metros and tier-II cities, with around 4,613 respondents. The study was conducted on the portal between February 15 and March 5, 2010. Several of its respondents are said to belong to the age group of 26-35 years. As many as 67% of those polled said they wanted to buy a house for self-consumption. 23% considered it to be a long-term investment while 10% saw it as a short-term investment proposal.

Among those who chose Hyderabad, 82% seekers are looking for houses costing less than Rs. 30 lakhs, and 16% are looking for the Rs. 30 lakhs - Rs. 60 lakhs range.

A majority of the buyers have also said that the speculators driving the realty boom of 2004-07, have been more or less driven out of the markets.

ranga

April 28th, 2010, 11:51 AM

us2cyberabad

April 29th, 2010, 01:16 AM

Singapore firm shows interest in City metro

Source:http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/singapore-firm-shows-interest-city-metro-251

April 28: SMRT Corporation, the pioneer in public transportation in Singapore, has sent proposals to develop metro rail projects in the state including the Hyderabad metro rail project.
SMRT proposes to take up the projects based on a Build-Operate-Transfer mo-del. The Singapore metro is one of the few metro rail projects in the world that incurs profits.

SMRT was part of a delegation of five companies which met the Governor, Mr E.S.L. Narasimhan, and the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, to discuss avenues of investments in the state. The delegation was on a two-day feasibility study trip to Hyderabad.
“We feel Hyderabad metro is viable and we did discuss the project along with the feasibility of similar projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada,” Mr Pradip Menon, the CEO, RSP Architects, Planners and Engineers, told mediapersons here on Wednesday.

Mr Menon was heading the delegation. The SMRT representatives met the Hyderabad Metro Rail Corporation chairman, Mr C.V.S.K. Sarma, and the managing director, Mr N.V.S. Reddy, and sought details. The officials told the delegation that the bid process was already on and told the company to explore the possibilities of associating with the existing players.

nh9

April 29th, 2010, 04:25 AM

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/4060/55046536.jpg

May I know which part is this???
Is this the stretch between L.B.Nagr and Ramoji fil m city or is it Kurnool highway(NH 7)????????

I don't think NH9 because the median is just a foot long and not like shown in the picture.

hyderabadnawab

April 29th, 2010, 01:31 PM

nh9

April 29th, 2010, 04:01 PM

^^ There is a fair chance it is kurnool highway. I was guessing it was NH9 because there was a proposal for it to be widened to 6/8 lanes upto ORR junction. But for NH7 it is only upgraded to 4 lanes. GMR developed the NH7 section from Hyd to Jadcherla.

It's not a proposal, it's finalized and NH 9 will be 8 lane from L.B.Nagar circle till ORR intersection and 4 lane from there.
But which highway is the one in the above pictures. The above highway seems to be widening to 8 lanes and that might be your guess and also my guess.

It would be great if Hidustani can let us know which highway it is...

Hindustani

April 29th, 2010, 04:46 PM

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/4060/55046536.jpg

It would be great if Hidustani can let us know which highway it is...

http://sewinfrastructure.com/businessunits/highways/index.htm

Strengthening and Widening of existing 2 -lane road to 4 -lane divided carriageway from Km 51.263 to Km 80.000 section NH-7

Client: GMR Projects Private Ltd
Location: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

us2cyberabad

April 30th, 2010, 12:57 AM

AP aims at Rs 70,000 cr IT exports by 2015
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/ap-aims-at-rs-70000-cr-it-exports-by-2015/393384/

BS Reporter / Chennai/ Hyderabad April 30, 2010, 0:26 IST

Andhra Pradesh is targeting to achieve an export turnover of Rs 70,000 crore and create direct IT employment for 125,000 people by 2015, according to state information and technology and communications (IT&C) principal secretary K Ratna Prabha.

“The department is making efforts to develop the approved IT special economic zones (SEZs) so that in the next five years, 100 million sft of office space of international standards is in place and an IT employment of more than a million is generated,” Prabha said.

The IT sector has recorded exponential growth rate in the state. While there were 194 IT companies in 1999, the same grew to 1,206 in 2009, recording an increase of 6.5 times, she said. She was making a presentation on the future growth plans to be adopted by the IT&C department in promotion of the sector in the state at a meeting reviewed by chief minister K Rosiah here on Thursday.

“Besides, the state is planning to attract new IT multinationals that do not have presence in India and Hyderabad, and IT majors that have presence in India but not in Hyderabad. Motivating the IT majors present in Hyderabad to grow in size and operations, moving to Tier-II locations like Warangal, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Tirupati, and promoting new verticals like electronic hardware, animation and gaming, engineering services through incentives, and encouraging startups and SMEs through special felicitations and setting up of incubation centres, too are on top of the agenda,” she added.

Expressing satisfaction over the growth of the IT sector in the state, Rosaiah instructed the department to make concerted efforts to reach the third position in IT performance in the country.

“Construction of campuses by the IT companies, which have been allotted land, should be closely monitored for expeditious completion and creation of additional employment,” the chief minister said in a press release.

IT exports turnover was Rs 284 crore in 1999, which touched Rs 32,509 in 2009, an increase of 110 times. The IT industry contributes 49 per cent to the total exports from all the sectors in the state. The contribution of Andhra Pradesh to national revenues is 15 per cent and the state currently stands at the fourth position in IT performance in the country.

skganji

April 30th, 2010, 09:24 PM

There is a fair chance it is kurnool highway. I was guessing it was NH9 because there was a proposal for it to be widened to 6/8 lanes upto ORR junction. But for NH7 it is only upgraded to 4 lanes. GMR developed the NH7 section from Hyd to Jadcherla.

It is NH-7.
The work on NH-9 has just started. They started cutting the trees and inauguartion of the work has just been completed by C.M.

us2cyberabad

May 1st, 2010, 01:29 PM

Traffic lights: Rs. 100 cr. to be sought

Source:http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/01/stories/2010050157300100.htm

Modernisation of signalling system in the twin cities
Accidents, cable cuts and thefts are usual problems of traffic lights

Daily monitoring schedule has been prepared to take up repair works

HYDERABAD: The Union Ministry of Urban Development is being approached for a Rs.100 crore grant to take up modernisation of traffic light signalling system in the twin cities.

The money which is to be sourced from the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) is to be utilised for installing an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) with Light Emitting Diode (LED) traffic lights in place.

“The ITS will be similar to the one being installed on the Outer Ring Road with Japanese assistance,” said a senior municipal official. Under GHMC limits, there are about 160 traffic lights of which only about 120 are functioning. Even among them, many are not LEDs that provide better visibility to the drivers or timers.

Municipal authorities in association with the traffic police are now concentrating on improving the traffic lights maintenance. From a four firm maintenance contract, GHMC has recently allotted a one year contract to a single agency, CMS, which had sought Rs. 2,200 for each traffic light, for better efficiency.

Accidents, cable cuts and thefts are usual problems of the traffic lights and daily monitoring schedule has been prepared where a traffic policeman alerts his control room which in turn informs the municipal officials concerned to take up repairs.

There are 54 other junctions in Cyberabad Police Commissioner's jurisdiction among which about 45 traffic lights are functioning. Another private agency which bagged the maintenance contract was debarred despite a low bid with senior police officials of the area strongly opposing the contract in light of bad performance by the agency the previous year, explained the official.

Efforts are on to get CMS take over maintenance of traffic lights in Cyberabad too provided it is ready to put additional men and material for repair work.

sanjusky

May 1st, 2010, 02:19 PM

ORR Hyderabad : The road to development

The Outer Ring Road, an eight-lane carriage way project, provides world-class connectivity and opens up growth activities along the corridor

http://beta.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00110/OUTERRING3_110150g.jpg

http://beta.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00110/OUTERRING6_110147g.jpg

http://beta.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00110/OUTERRING5_110149g.jpg

http://beta.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00110/OUTERRING2_110151g.jpg

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/article410817.ece

razzy

May 3rd, 2010, 07:11 AM

US Consulate upgrading facility in the city
:cheers:
Temporarily reduces the number of appointments

Beginning today, the US Consulate in Hyderabad will temporarily reduce the number of appointments available to visa applicants while we upgrade our facility. Applicants with urgent travel needs during this period of limited consular services are invited to apply for visas at the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai or other U.S. consular sections throughout India.

Emergency services for American citizens will not be affected during this period. We will severely limit appointments for routine services. We expect the period of limited consular services to last as long as six weeks.

razzy

May 3rd, 2010, 07:13 AM

Investment: Rosaiah paints bright picture:cheers:

Special Correspondent

Says that infrastructure development initiatives will attract investment of Rs. 70,000 crore

Major players across various segments showing keenness in investing in State: Chief Minister

Rosaiah expresses happiness over Brandix project being on track

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K. Rosaiah said that the initiatives taken on the infrastructure development front are expected to attract a huge investment of Rs. 70,000 crore with an employment potential of 25 lakh in the coming years.

The Chief Minister said major players across various segments of the industry were showing keenness in investing in the State following the sustained efforts by the government to make it a preferred global sourcing hub for apparel and other industries.

Brandix project

The State had bagged the largest number of Special Economic Zones, 73 of the 346 sanctioned across the country, and investments to the tune of Rs. 14,700 crore had already been made in these SEZs.

Mr. Rosaiah who spoke to officials ahead of the inauguration of Brandix International Apparel City at Atchutapuram in Visakhapatnam on Monday expressed happiness that the Brandix project was on schedule in spite of the global recession and had immense potential to provide employment opportunities to local youth, women in particular. The project, spread over 1,000 acres, was projected to employ 60,000 people attracting an investment of US $ 1 billion (about Rs. 4,500 crore) once it was fully operational.

PCPIR

Steps had been initiated on the Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Region, jointly promoted by the Central Government and private sector, with an outlay of Rs. 19,031 crore. The PCPIR was a combination of ports, airports, SEZ, industrial parks and export-oriented units and was expected to attract an investment of Rs. 3.43 lakh crore with scope for employing 12 lakh persons over the next six to eight years.

Centre's participation

The Centre, on its part, had agreed to participate in the PCPIR expressway being developed from Gangavaram to Kakinada at an estimated Rs. 300 crore on 50:50 cost sharing basis.

In addition, the Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City being developed over 2,143 acres at Parawada in Visakhapatnam at an estimated Rs. 350 crore was expected to attract investments to the tune of Rs. 10,000 crore employing 20,000 people. As many as 81 units, involving an estimated Rs. 549 crore, had already commenced operations in the Pharma City.

razzy

May 3rd, 2010, 07:14 AM

Purandeswari pitches for desalination plant in Vizag:banana:

Staff Reporter

VISAKHAPATNAM: Establishing a desalination plant to bring about a permanent solution to the water needs of the city should be considered, Union Minister of State for Human Resources Development D. Purandeswari said on Sunday.

Making it clear that it was her personal opinion, she told reporters that instead of going into the past as to why the water needs had not been addressed, the cooperation of all was required now to explore and find out viability of setting up a desalination plant.

She blamed monsoon failure for depleting water levels in the reservoirs. There was another alternative to divert water from Sileru reservoir, the Minister said. Ms. Purandeswari that felt that setting up a desalination plant by making seawater fit for human consumption and recycling of used water would not be that expensive. “I don't think it would be expensive. We have to spend little extra than the present tariff.”

New varsity

Ms. Purandeswari said the proposed Central University and world-class university would come in the form of Innovation University on the city suburbs. “The Planning Commission and other agencies are now in the process of finalising the concept on Innovation University,” she stated.:banana::cheers:

Prodigist

May 3rd, 2010, 11:16 PM

INFOSYS SEZ @ Pocharam to be functional from May with 1000 Assosciates^^:)

Fully Functional from September with 10000 Assosciates

Link: Exclusive Ventures (http://www.exclventures.com/News/Newslink-10827.asp)

us2cyberabad

May 4th, 2010, 12:05 AM

Work on the new five-star hotel project at Begumpet

Taj GVK Hotels and Resorts Limited posted a 54 per cent increase in net profit to Rs 12.17 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, from Rs 7.9 crore during the same period last year. Revenues during the quarter stood at Rs 63.34 crore, up 11.23 per cent from Rs 56.94 crore last year.

For the full year 2009-10, net profit was at Rs 36.26 crore, down 31.27 per cent from Rs 52.76 crore last year. Revenues were at Rs 229.25 crore, down 3.76 per cent from Rs 238.21 crore.

The company said its hotels at Hyderabad and Chandigarh achieved occupancy levels of around 65 per cent and the new hotel -Taj Mount Road - at Chennai touched 44 per cent. It has plans to enter the value for money segment through the ‘Ginger’ brand in Andhra Pradesh and Bangalore.

Work on the new five-star hotel project at Begumpet here is on schedule. The project with 189 rooms is expected to be operational by 2011. The company is also building an additional car parking facility at the hotel.

us2cyberabad

May 4th, 2010, 03:07 AM

Hyderabad based start-up's Adam to take on Apple
source:http://business.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/apr/30/slide-show-1-tech-iitian-adam-pc-could-beat-ipad.htm

As a kid, he had dreams that he could fly, touch the moon and travel faster than light!

These seemingly crazy, out-of-the-box ideas were just the beginning of a unique journey of discovery and innovation for Rohan Shravan, whose Adam tablet PC is slated to give Apple's much-hyped iPad a tough competition.

This 24-year-old engineering graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology-Kharagpur is the brain behind what has been termed 'the iPad killer'.

His company, Hyderabad-based start-up Notion Ink, plans to take on hardware giants like Apple by launching Adam with better features, a longer battery life and at a cheaper price.

http://im.rediff.com/money/2010/apr/29slide6.jpg

"You can compare Adam to the next generation of devices which will hit markets in 2012," Rohan explains. The Adam is set to give global companies with similar products a run for their money when it will be launched in the third quarter of this year. In 3-4 years, Notion Ink hopes to beat Apple.

razzy

May 4th, 2010, 08:15 AM

scdubagoor

May 4th, 2010, 03:17 PM

rizwan3

May 5th, 2010, 05:11 AM

IIT Hyderabad in expansion mode:cheers:

‘Making fast progress on the research side apart from B.Tech'

The institute will add a few more teachers by August taking the total to 50

Total strength of students including B.Tech, M.Tech and Ph.Ds will go up to 500

Hyderabad: Just two years into existence, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad is enhancing the charisma associated with the IITs by expanding its academic activities to M.Tech and Ph.D programmes.

The institute is increasing its M.Tech programmes in civil, mechanical, electrical, computer science, material science, chemical engineer streams apart from an M.Sc programme in chemistry. “This year we will admit 70 students into M.Tech programmes and another 25 into Ph.D programme in tune with the mandate of promoting research culture,” said the IIT Hyderabad Director, U.B. Desai.

Speaking to The Hindu, Prof. Desai said among all the new IITs in the country IIT-H has been making fast progress on the research side apart from providing regular B.Tech programmes. The institute will add few more teachers by August taking the total to 50. The total strength of students including B.Tech, M.Tech and Ph.Ds will go up to 500 this year with the new admissions. “So we are almost able to meet the student-teacher ratio of 9:1, prescribed for the IITs,” Prof. Desai said.

Acknowledging the shortage of quality teachers for recruitment, he said IIT Hyderabad has been lucky given its location advantage. . “In fact, we got a teacher whom IIT Chennai wanted to recruit,” he said. Moreover, the faculty is young compared to other IITs. At the same time, the services of retired IIT professors settled in Hyderabad are also being used, making it a good combination of young and experienced teachers.

Even as the institute is gaining momentum on the academic side the delay over shifting the campus to its allotted land in Kandi village near Sangareddy is an issue. But Prof. Desai promises that it will be done in another two years. “Though there are a few issues with some parts of land we have been handed over land. Hopefully the ground breaking ceremony on the 531 acre land will take place in September or October and work will pick up pace from then,” he said. So far, the boundary wall is 75 per cent completed.

Prof. Desai said the process of inviting architects to give shape to the master plan is on and a fair idea of the construction will come once architects give their plans. He reminds that clearances from various authorities have to be taken. However, he said funding is not a problem as the Ministry of HRD has promised full support.

us2cyberabad

May 6th, 2010, 02:45 AM

GM Infra plans Rs 150-cr commercial project in Hyd
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/gm-infra-plans-rs-150-cr-commercial-project-in-hyd/393942/
BS Reporter / Chennai/ Hyderabad May 06, 2010, 0:00 IST

GM Infra Ventures, a joint venture of city-based Manjeera Constructions and Gowra Group and Mumbai-based venture capital firm Milestone Capital, is coming up with its maiden commercial real estate project – Platina – with an investment of Rs 150 crore at Gachibowli here.

“The four-acre project will comprise 400,000 sft of commercial office space targeted at small and medium IT enterprises, with business space ranging from 1,440 sft to 40,000 sft. The venture will have an equity component of Rs 50 crore and an equal amount through debt from Bank of Baroda while the remaining will be met through pre-sale proceeds,” G Yoganand, chairman of Manjeera Group, said on Wednesday.

Yoganand said the company had earmarked land for a star hotel on the project premises, which will be developed by Manjeera Constructions and Gowra Group and was looking at putting it up for sale to investors.
Manjeera Constructions is developing a mall on 10-acre at Kukatpally in the city, and had already signed up Cinepolis for a five-screen 1,500-seater multiplex. “The realisable value of the project works out to Rs 300 crore,” he said.

Yoganand said Manjeera Group had Rs 2,000 crore worth of projects spread over 5 million sft, most of which were delayed by 18 months due to the downturn in the real estate market. “With signs of revival, we will soon commence construction and complete them in the next two-and-a-half years,” he added.

Manjeera Constructions’ scrip rose 1.60 per cent to end the trade at Rs 82.55 on the BSE on Wednesday, over the previous close of Rs 81.25.

rizwan3

May 6th, 2010, 05:14 AM

AkzoNobel plans greenfield unit in South:cheers:
Integration of ICI India with the company will be completed by June

The integration of ICI India with AkzoNobel, the Netherlands-based euro 13 billion paint company, will be completed by June. AkzoNobel plans to double its capacity in the next five years. As part of the expansion plans, it proposes to set up a greenfield project in South India with an investment of Rs. 100 crore.

The Managing Director (Decorative Paints India and South Asia) of ICI India, Amit Jain, said the company had three manufacturing facilities — Thane in Maharastra, Punjab and Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh — to manufacture decorative paints with a total installed capacity of around 70 million litres annually.

The fourth unit, with latest technology would be set up on 75 acres in the South. “The company has been looking for land both in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The new factory would be for the decorative segment,” he added.

Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) was a British chemical company and had become a subsidiary of AkzoNobel in 2008. Mr. Jain said the company was keen to improve the distribution channels.

It was looking at expanding its point of presence.

Mr. Jain said the company's market share was around 11 per cent of the industry (decorative segment alone) which was estimated at Rs. 10,000 crore.

He said India would be a hub for AkzoNobel, as it would be supplying its paints to the neighbouring countries.

Dulex would be the flagship brand for the company.

us2cyberabad

May 6th, 2010, 11:55 PM

Hyderabad to have National Institute of Urban Management
PTI, May 6, 2010, 06.06pm IST

source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Hyderabad-to-have-National-Institute-of-Urban-Management-/articleshow/5898884.cms

HYDERABAD: The city will soon have its own National Institute of Urban Management -- a world-class institute jointly run by Andhra Government and Centre to train managers to face the growing challenges of urbanisation.

The NIUM would come up on a 20-acre site at Khanamet village in Ranga Reddy district on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

The state cabinet, which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister K Rosaiah, approved a proposal to allocate the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority land free-of-cost for the NIUM.

Currently, the National Institute of Urban Affairs is being run as an autonomous institution in New Delhi with the support of the Union Ministry of Urban Development.

It is a premier institute for urban policy research, training and information dissemination in urban development and management.

"NIUM will be a premier institute for training urban managers in tune with the growing challenges of urbanisation," state Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development Aanam Ramanarayana Reddy said.

While the Centre would contribute Rs 50 crore, the state government would spend Rs 15 crore for building the NIUM and setting up the training facilities in the first year.

"The World Bank will contribute another Rs 20 crore for the project," the minister added.

World-class infrastructure for training urban managers, hostels, modern computer labs, library and other infrastructure would be developed on the campus.

"NIUM is the first national-level institute being set up by government to train urban managers from across the country," Ramanarayana Reddy said.

The state government will communicate the land allocation particulars to the Union Ministry of Urban Development after which the latter will start building the facility.

us2cyberabad

May 6th, 2010, 11:58 PM

VMC India eyes Rs 1,000 cr revenues
BS Reporter / Chennai/ Hyderabad May 07, 2010, 0:38 IST

Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/vmc-india-eyes-rs-1000-cr-revenues/394032/

Vuppalamithra Magnetic Components (VMC) India Limited, a city-based telecom and power products hardware manufacturer, is targeting to cross Rs 1,000 crore in revenues by the financial year ending June 2010, as against Rs 700 crore last year, on the back of its power supplies business.

Announcing the receipt of certification from Canada-based UL (Underwriters Laboratories) for its two indigenously-designed and manufactured desktop and laptop power supply adopters here on Thursday, B Venkat Ramana, executive director of VMC, said the certification would allow the company to foray into the global PC power supply market, which according to a Gartner report is estimated to be $5 billion, growing at 20 per cent year-on-year.

“The global market is currently dominated by Taiwanese, Chinese and US companies as international PC and laptop original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) insist on UL certification. With this certification now to our credit, we will be able to sell these two products to any global computer and notebook manufacturer. We are currently in talks with global majors like IBM, Dell and Hewlett-Packard, and domestic companies including Zenith and HCL, and expect at least four deals to come through in the next six months,” Ramana said.

Stating that the global market for desktops and notebooks is currently pegged at 30 million pieces a year while it is 7.5 million in India, he said the company was looking at exporting its new UL-certified products to countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal to start with.

“At present, we manufacture 200,000 chargers a month at our five plants in Hyderabad. We intend to scale this up to one million a month over the next one year,” Ramana said, while declining to share the investment that the company proposes to infuse into the expansion.

Ramana said the telecom business contributed 80 per cent to the company’s revenues while the rest was coming from power supplies. “This ratio is expected to be 50:50 in three years' time,” he said, adding the company was examining the option of going in for an initial public offer (IPO) during the 2011 calendar.

us2cyberabad

May 7th, 2010, 12:03 AM

Nagarjuna Agrichem plans capacity ramp up
BS Reporter / Mumbai May 6, 2010, 15:25 IST

Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/nagarjuna-agrichem-plans-capacity-ramp-up/93429/on

Nagarjuna Agrichem Ltd (NACL), one of India’s leading crop protection companies, has undertaken a massive expansion programme at an investment of Rs 350 crore.

Under the plan, NACL proposes to increase its production capacity by 9,000 tonnes of which 1,000 tonnes will be added to its existing 8,000 tonnes of manufacturing facility at Srikakulam and Ethakota facilities through de-bottlenecking. While another 8,000 tonnes of greenfiled production of active ingredients facility is being set up at Special Economic Zone near Vishakapatnam, within the Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR). Both de-bottlenecking and greenfield projects will entail an investment of Rs 75 crore and Rs 250 crore respectively.

The company is setting up a world class R&D center in Hyderabad at a cost of Rs 25 crore, in collaboration with Indian / Overseas Universities. This center will work on innovation to commercialisation, substitutes for generics, basic and applied research and contract research

us2cyberabad

May 7th, 2010, 12:05 AM

House panel asks Govt to reopen 2 old airports

Source:http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/05/07/stories/2010050754390100.htm

A Parliamentary panel has asked the Government to operationalise the old airports in Bangalore and Hyderabad without any delay.

The panel has expressed the “opinion” that, by closing these airports, the Government has “indirectly promoted the business interests of private airport operators.”

The Committee has said that it considers the argument of the Government that the operation of two airports in the same city will jeopardise the safety of aircraft and create difficulties for ATC operations, “fallacious and erroneous” mainly because the old airports are still handling VIP and charter flights apart from helicopters.

Taking note of various cities globally where more than one airport co-exist, the Committee learnt that the old airport in Bangkok was closed completely when Suvarnabhumi airport opened in September 2006. “However, mainly due to demands of low-cost carriers and the higher cost at the new airport, the old airport (in Bangkok) was opened in March 2007. Another example brought to the notice of the Committee was of Dallas Love Field airport,” the Committee said.

us2cyberabad

May 7th, 2010, 12:11 AM

"The Platina" A business district, a commercial hub in Hyderabad
Source:http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/real-estate/2010050549815.htm

"The Platina" A business district, a commercial hub in Hyderabad
GM Infra Ventures, a new entrain in Hyderabad, which is a result of a synergy between the pioneers in commercial real estate market; today announced the launch of "The Platina" a premium commercial building in Gachibowli.

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, May 5, 2010 /India PRwire/ -- GM Infra Ventures, a new entrain in Hyderabad, which is a result of a synergy between the pioneers in commercial real estate market; today announced the launch of "The Platina" a premium commercial building in Gachibowli.

Located in the midst of the most happening business destination, Gachibowli in Hyderabad at a stone throwing distance from the Expressway leading to the international airport. The Platina is abutting 120 feet road (proposed 200 feet road) , with a very wide frontage, breathtaking façade and designed to the standards of Grade A + and very impressive neighborhood,which include a good number of 5 star hotels,premium residential complexes and IT parks under construction/operation

The unique commercial project will offer world class business spaces ranging from 1440 sft. - 40,000 sft. Every floor will be provided with common facilities to ensure comfort and easy maintenance of the office spaces. Similarly, suitable space has been earmarked for recreation facilities for the occupiers/customers of the Platina. There will be also ample parking facilities for the occupants and visitors, which has been provided at four levels in the basement.

The Platina is going to be constructed by Manjeera Constructions Ltd and Gowra group, the leading developers of Hyderabad, to an international standard. The campus will be managed professionally by these groups and will provide the best satisfaction for their client who will take office space in lease.

hyd

May 7th, 2010, 08:16 AM

Is this on road to Hi-Tex Novotel?
Hyderabad to have National Institute of Urban Management
PTI, May 6, 2010, 06.06pm IST

source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Hyderabad-to-have-National-Institute-of-Urban-Management-/articleshow/5898884.cms

HYDERABAD: The city will soon have its own National Institute of Urban Management -- a world-class institute jointly run by Andhra Government and Centre to train managers to face the growing challenges of urbanisation.

The NIUM would come up on a 20-acre site at Khanamet village in Ranga Reddy district on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

The state cabinet, which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister K Rosaiah, approved a proposal to allocate the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority land free-of-cost for the NIUM.

Currently, the National Institute of Urban Affairs is being run as an autonomous institution in New Delhi with the support of the Union Ministry of Urban Development.

It is a premier institute for urban policy research, training and information dissemination in urban development and management.

"NIUM will be a premier institute for training urban managers in tune with the growing challenges of urbanisation," state Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development Aanam Ramanarayana Reddy said.

While the Centre would contribute Rs 50 crore, the state government would spend Rs 15 crore for building the NIUM and setting up the training facilities in the first year.

"The World Bank will contribute another Rs 20 crore for the project," the minister added.

World-class infrastructure for training urban managers, hostels, modern computer labs, library and other infrastructure would be developed on the campus.

"NIUM is the first national-level institute being set up by government to train urban managers from across the country," Ramanarayana Reddy said.

The state government will communicate the land allocation particulars to the Union Ministry of Urban Development after which the latter will start building the facility.

razzy

May 7th, 2010, 09:22 AM

After Mind space west,east its South now..:banana:
MIND SPACE SOUTH Hyderabad
:cheers:

• An IT SEZ , located in the south of Hyderabad within close proximity of the fast upcoming
new International Airport

Infrastructure Highlights

• Spread across 250 acres
• Being built to provide large campus-within-campus developments
• Low density development and large green spaces to present a true suburban feel

Common Amenities

• Vast open spaces, greenery and tree-lined avenues along the roads
• Recreational facilities like indoor and outdoor sports, a well equipped club
house and swimming pool
• Shopping mall, multi-cuisine restaurant, cyber café etc.

Even a Residential project in west hyderabad
http://www.krahejacorp.com/images/quiescent-heights.jpg
Project highlights

Next to Mindspace, the IT hub of Hyderabad, Quiescent Heights is Premium Vastu Compliant high end homes.

Single residential tower of Ground + 11 storeyes with 3, 4 & 5 BHK apartments with private terrace.

Approx Flat sizes - 3 BHK - 2300 sqft, 4 BHK - 3300 sqft, 5 BHK - 4400 sqft.

Amenities - large landscaped gardens, with clubhouse facilities. 2 Basement parking.

THE MS EAST Hyderabad also has one scrapper in its project
donno how many floors..:ohno:
http://www.mindspaceindia.com/1east%20Bild%2017.pdf
:cheers:

us2cyberabad

May 9th, 2010, 12:28 AM

Commercial property in revival mode
V. Rishi Kumar

Source:http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/iw/2010/05/09/stories/2010050951051500.htm

The commercial property and office space off-take in Hyderabad and surrounding areas has begun to show signs of revival after a lull of few quarters due to slowdown in the economy, especially the real estate segment.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/iw/2010/05/09/images/2010050951051501.jpg/
This new momentum in property deals is significantly driven by the services sector, particularly the IT sector, which has begun to recruit again to meet business growth and expansion plans. Interaction with some of the developers shows that there is preference for smaller sized projects compared to large ones a couple of years ago.
The Chief Operating Officer of Lanco Hills, Mr S. Pochendar, said that within a couple of quarters, this momentum will only get better as more IT companies and other services segment players, including financial, will take up expansion. However, the bookings could have been at a much faster rate.
"For instance, if you look at other cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, the revival there is faster. The bookings are slow off the mark as of now in Hyderabad due to recent setbacks. But there are enough indications to suggest that the situation is getting much better by each passing day," Mr Pochendar said.
The Managing Director of Manjeera Constructions, Mr G. Yoganand, said that clearly there is preference for smaller office spaces rather than booking of large blocks at one go. "Therefore, we have launched a Rs 150-crore project in the IT hub of Gatchibowli, whose focus is on offering spaces starting from 1,500 sq.ft. onwards.

SEZ DEVELOPERS
In spite of the clear signals of revival in the economy and bookings going up in the last two quarters, developers of special economic zones (SEZs) are still wary of venturing into projects as most of them are based on rentals. In fact, most of the funding options for such projects have dried up - be it from banks and financial institutions or, significantly, private equity forcing developers to stay away from new projects, Mr Yoganand explained.
According to estimates, the last two quarters has seen booking of about two million sq.ft of office space from the IT sector alone. But the events in November and December have had some impact on the growth of the sector. Most of the companies are preferring to wait and watch before taking major decisions, Mr Yoganand said.

In the last quarter, the State Government has also outlined plans to strengthen the infrastructure in some of the peripheral areas of the city dotting the emerging business hubs leading to the new international airport. This has also encouraged some people to think about reviving some of the commercial property development, he said.

MALLS, SHOPPING ZONES

Significantly, the slowdown has had a major toll on commercial space meant for malls and shopping zones. Most of the properties which were nearing completion could not secure bookings. Such projects are now coming up for interest from services sector, Mr. Yoganad said.
The President of Greater Hyderabad Builders Federation, Mr Prabkakar Rao, said that the demand from the software services sector has not revived fully. This is amongst the biggest consumer of new projects that have come up in Hyderabad in the last few years.
"Though there is growth in terms of taking up new office space, it is yet to reach the normal level of bookings. Even those who are taking up new projects are preferring smaller facilities rather than taking up large chunks at one go," he said.
Among the recent additions to the commercial space has been the mega project of Tishman Speyer in the Financial District near Gachibowli. TCS has taken up significant part of the property developed by the US firm along with its Indian partners.
In the transition phase leading to full revival of the real estate sector, particularly commercial space, the lease rentals rates have fallen significantly, up to 40-50 per cent from recent highs. This is also encouraging those looking to expand to take up new leases, Mr Rao said.

CAUTIOUS APPROACH
Referring to the development of some of the related commercial space in the Lanco Hills, Mr Pochendar said that they have adopted a cautious approach to expansion. "We will initially complete booking for the four lakh sq.ft commercial space which we have developed before embarking on new projects, including the hotel venture.
The residential space within the Lanco Hills of 2.5 lakh sq.ft will be ready for handing over in couple of months," he said.

KuwarOnline

May 9th, 2010, 06:26 PM

Mumbai: Bangalore-based real estate giant, the Prestige Group, plans to invest around Rs 1,500-1,800-crore to develop six malls, scheduled to be operational by 2013.

Of these six, the company will construct four malls in a joint venture with Singapore-based CapitaMalls Asia.

"We are planning to develop six projects by 2013 at an investment of Rs 250-300-crore per mall. Of these, four projects are in a joint venture with Singapore-based CapitaMalls. With this, the total number of our malls will increase to nine by 2013," Prestige Group's CEO, S Raghunandhan, told PTI here.

Fifty per cent of the funding would be from internal accruals and the rest through a mix of debt and investments from the JV partner, he said.

The new malls would be coming up in Hyderabad, Kochi, Mangalore, Bangalore, Mysore and Shantiniketan, a township
developed by the group near Bangalore.

Currently, the group has two malls in Bangalore -- Forum at Koramangala and True Value Mall in Whitefield, which is a
discount mall with anchors such as Pantaloons, Tommy Hilfiger,
Megamart, Esprit and Louis Vuitton having their factory outlets.

The Group's third mall, Forum Vijaya, will be opened by mid-2011 in Chennai. The mall is being developed in a joint venture with Vijaya Productions and has a floor space of 7,00,000-sq ft.

Currently, the Group has developments spread over 20-million sq ft and about 13-million sq ft is under construction.

The company would be going for an IPO soon and plans to file its DRHP with Sebi soon, he said.

hyd

May 10th, 2010, 08:17 AM

HMDA is no longer coming up with the office. They do not have money. It is giving the land to the institute, There will be nium where HMDA bragged about a office for themselves
Is this on road to Hi-Tex Novotel?

HydIndian

May 10th, 2010, 12:24 PM

That's great news!!

I hate monopoly and milking customers when there are better options for generating revenues.

House panel asks Govt to reopen 2 old airports

Source:http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/05/07/stories/2010050754390100.htm

A Parliamentary panel has asked the Government to operationalise the old airports in Bangalore and Hyderabad without any delay.

The panel has expressed the “opinion” that, by closing these airports, the Government has “indirectly promoted the business interests of private airport operators.”

The Committee has said that it considers the argument of the Government that the operation of two airports in the same city will jeopardise the safety of aircraft and create difficulties for ATC operations, “fallacious and erroneous” mainly because the old airports are still handling VIP and charter flights apart from helicopters.

Taking note of various cities globally where more than one airport co-exist, the Committee learnt that the old airport in Bangkok was closed completely when Suvarnabhumi airport opened in September 2006. “However, mainly due to demands of low-cost carriers and the higher cost at the new airport, the old airport (in Bangkok) was opened in March 2007. Another example brought to the notice of the Committee was of Dallas Love Field airport,” the Committee said.

pinjala273

May 11th, 2010, 06:34 PM

Any news or update about malls on JNTU - Hitech City road and update about spinal ROB bridge from kutkapally

Hindustani

May 11th, 2010, 09:11 PM

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/3776/53456693.jpg

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/6124/63934184.jpg

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/7052/90992848.jpg

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/8974/48256124.jpg

us2cyberabad

May 12th, 2010, 05:19 AM

GHMC resumes widening of 19 arterial roads in city
source:http://www.lazybuzz.com/2010/05/ghmc-resumes-widening-of-19-arterial-roads-in-city/
May 11th, 2010 23:27 |
Hyderabad, May 11: Three years after leaving the task unfinished, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has resumed work on widening 19 arterial roads in the city.

Widening of main roads like the Sardar Patel (SP) corridor, Punjagutta to Erragadda, Sangeet to Tarnaka, Charminar to Falaknuma and the Liberty-Himayatnagar stretch, among others, remained incomplete as each stretch had heritage structures and other such constructions that got in the way of the road widening as these structure could not be acquired in time for the work to begin.

For example, the SP road, starting from HPS Begumpet to St. Ann’s High School was widened up to 150 feet but several properties like the Spanish Mosque, the Aladdin Buildings, the Jabbar Buildings and the culvert at Kochar apartments could not be acquired.

The GHMC additional commissioner (planning), Mr K. Dhanunjaya Reddy, told this correspondent that the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, has given the green light to the civic body for the road widening and asked the GHMC to identify high traffic density corridors and take these up on priority.

“The GHMC has also got the nod from the Heritage Conservation Committee to demolish the compound walls of heritage property like the Aladdin Buildings and the Spanish Mosque,” Mr Reddy said.

rizwan3

May 12th, 2010, 04:46 PM

Auto show in Hyderabad from tomorrow:cheers:

HYDERABAD: India's leading automakers are set to display some of their much-awaited brands and a range of vehicles at an exhibition beginning here from Thursday.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in association with Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Andhra Pradesh Government is organising the four-day event, First Auto Show South, at Hitex Exhibition Centre here.

Chief Minister K Rosaiah will formally inaugurate the auto show on Friday. :nuts::lol:

A number of top vehicle makers - Tata Motors, Toyota, General Motors, Fiat India, Skoda, Mahindra & Mahindra, Honda Cars, TVS Motors, Honda Motorcycles and Yamaha - besides car audio and accessories manufacturers, will participate in the exhibition, said S Kannan, Director & Head, CII, AP.

While Toyota will hold a special preview of the much- awaited Toyota Etios Concept along with display of its global quality bestsellers, futuristic hybrids and a range of SUVs, Honda Motorcycles will launch a new bike at the show.

Latest products and technologies on display will include passenger cars, SUVs, hybrid vehicles, luxury cars, two wheelers, racing bikes, car audios and video systems, GPS Navigation Systems, tyres and vehicle security systems.:cheer:

The event is supported by the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) and Federation of Automobile Associations of India (FADA).:carrot:

"The participants will use this as an opportunity to strengthen brand image with stakeholders, networking for new dealers and customers, sharing best practices, and display or launch of new products for the southern region," Kannan said.

The organisers are planning to rotate the regional auto shows across the country in a phased manner, he added.

us2cyberabad

May 13th, 2010, 03:21 AM

Carrefour to open 4-5 India stores by end-2010
Published on Tue, May 11, 2010 at 18:15 | Updated at Tue, May 11, 2010

Source:http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/carrefour-to-open-4-5-india-stores-by-end-2010_457182.html

Carrefour, the world's second largest retailer, has secured four properties in four cities across India and plans to set up 4 to 5 cash-and-carry stores by the end of 2010, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The French retail giant has signed for properties averaging about 100,000 square feet each in New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad and is in the process of signing up a fifth property in Mumbai, the sources said.

The first outlet is set to be opened in July in New Delhi, where it has signed a 20-year lease with real estate developer Parsvnath Developers for 100,000 square feet of space, other sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

studdmanster

May 13th, 2010, 02:17 PM

Source: Facebook|Shared by many

Ratan Tata is the chairman of Indian Hotels who own the Taj Mahal Hotel Mumbai, which was the target of the terrorists on 26/11/08.

Hotel President a 5 star property also belongs to Indian Hotels.

The following is really touching.

What Ratan Tata did for the Mumbai victims.... Don't miss!!!!!!

SALUTE TO MR. RATAN TATA

A. The Tata Gesture

1. All category of employees including those who had completed even 1 day as casuals were treated on duty during the time the hotel was closed.

2. Relief and assistance to all those who were injured and killed

3. The relief and assistance was extended to all those who died at the railway station, surroundings including the “Pav- Bha ji” vendor and the pan shop owners.

4. During the time the hotel was closed, the salaries were sent by money order.

5. A psychiatric cell was established in collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences to counsel those who needed such help.

6. The thoughts and anxieties going on people’s mind was constantly tracked and where needed psychological help provided.

7. Employee outreach centers were opened where all help, food, water, sanitation, first aid and counseling was provided. 1600 employees were covered by this facility.

8. Every employee was assigned to one mentor and it was that person’s responsibility to act as a “single window” clearance for any help that the person required.

9. Ratan Tata personally visited the families of all the 80 employees who in some manner – either through injury or getting killed – were affected.

10. The dependents of the employees were flown from outside Mumbai to Mumbai and taken care off in terms of ensuring mental assurance and peace. They were all accommodated in Hotel President for 3 weeks.

11. Ratan Tata himself asked the families and dependents – as to what they wanted him to do.

12. In a record time of 20 days, a new trust was created by the Tatas for the purpose of relief of employees.

13. What is unique is that even the other people, the railway employees, the police staff, the pedestrians who had nothing to do with Tatas were covered by compensation. Each one of them was provided subsistence allowance of Rs. 10K per month for all these people for 6 months.

14. A 4 year old granddaughter of a vendor got 4 bullets in her and only one was removed in the Government hospital. She was taken to Bombay hospital and several lacs were spent by the Tatas on her to fully recover her.

15. New hand carts were provided to several vendors who lost their carts.

16. Tata will take responsibility of life education of 46 children of the victims of the terror.

17. This was the most trying period in the life of the organization. Senior managers including Ratan Tata were visiting funeral to funeral over the 3 days that were most horrible.

18. The settlement for every deceased member ranged from Rs. 36 to 85 lacs [One lakh rupees tranlates to approx 2200 US $ ] in addition to the following benefits:

a. Full last salary for life for the family and dependents;

b. Complete responsibility of education of children and dependents – anywhere in the world.

c. Full Medical facility for the whole family and dependents for rest of their life.

d. All loans and advances were waived off – irrespective of the amount.

e. Counselor for life for each person

B. Epilogue

1. How was such passion created among the employees? How and why did they behave the way they did?

2. The organization is clear that it is not something that someone can take credit for. It is not some training and development that created such behaviour. If someone suggests that – everyone laughs

3. It has to do with the DNA of the organization, with the way Tata culture exists and above all with the situation that prevailed that time. The organization has always been telling that customers and guests are #1 priority

4. The hotel business was started by Jamshedji Tata when he was insulted in one of the British hotels and not allowed to stay there.

5. He created several institutions which later became icons of progress, culture and modernity. IISc is one such institute. He was told by the rulers that time that he can acquire land for IISc to the extent he could fence the same. He could afford fencing only 400 acres.

6. When the HR function hesitatingly made a very rich proposal to Ratan – he said – do you think we are doing enough?

7. The whole approach was that the organization would spend several hundred crore in re-building the property – why not spend equally on the employees who gave their life?

This is NOT COVERED BY Any NEWS CHANNELS !

^^Although it is irrelevent for the forum, but IMO it is sumthing that every Indian should know!!!at least someone in this country thinks about life beyond business and politics!!!!

rizwan3

May 15th, 2010, 12:21 PM

AP invites auto firms to establish manufacturing base:banana::cheers:

— P.V.Sivakumar

Wooing auto firms:The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah

Hyderabad, May 14

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, today invited automotive companies and ancillary makers to set up manufacturing bases assuring them of all necessary support from the Government.

He said that the State provides significant advantages for manufacturing including automotive ancillary industries. For anyone who is keen to set up their facility in the State, he assured all support from the Government.

Inaugurating the Auto Show South at the Hitex grounds today, Mr Rosaiah called upon the organisers – SIAM and CII – to make this an annual event.

Citing Mahindra & Mahindra with its plant at Zaheerabad, Hyundai R&D, MRF as some of the leading companies who have made their base in the State, Mr Rosaiah said that the State is developing exclusive automotive manufacturing clusters and automotive parks near Toopran and Chevella in the outskirts of Hyderabad. These along with the special economic zone near Nellore will provide opportunities for companies to make the State another automotive hub in the country, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the country's automotive industry occupies a prominent place in the global marketplace and would play a major role in generating additional employment opportunities.

Quoting World Bank and the Reserve Bank of India reports which have rated the State high on the investment radar, Mr Rosaiah said that the State and Hyderabad have emerged the most business-friendly State and city respectively.:nuts:

Mahindra and Mahindra has created a 4x4 track at the CII Auto show to provide visitors first hand experience of the sport utility vehicle capability. The entire track has been interspersed by water bodies, slush, ramp and gravel to provide enthusiasts a real-time feel of off-road driving.

According to a statement from Mr Vivek Nayer, Senior Vice President, Marketing, M&M, “through the track, we are offering people a chance to experience the thrill of driving our vehicles off the road and later be part of the Mahindra Great Escape off-road adventure event in future.”

The company has showcased its range of SUVs — the Scorpio, Xylo and Bolero — at the expo.

The Skoda Auto through its distributor in Hyderabad, Mahavir Auto Diagnostics, has showcased the new Skoda Superb 1.8 MT (Manual Transmission), Skoda Laura 2.0 CRDI and the Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI modes at the show.

The Member of SIAM, Executive Council and Managing Director of Volvo Buses, Mr Akash Passey, said the automobile industry provides direct employment to more than 6 lakh people and indirect employment to 12 million people. Last year, domestic sales in the automotive sector went up by 26 per cent.

rizwan3

May 15th, 2010, 12:26 PM

Manthan school in Hyderabad
:cheers:
Hyderabad, May 14

Manthan Educational Society on Thursday announced the launch of Manthan International School in Hyderabad. The society is initially starting two schools in the city, with one campus located at Madhapur and the other at Kompally. The Minister of Education and NRI Affairs, Mr Sridhar Babu, will launch the Madhapur school on May 16. Mr Ramakrishna Reddy, Secretary of the Society said, “It is one of the two international schools in Hyderabad where even the primary school follows international curriculum CIPP (Cambridge International Primary Programme) run by CIE (Cambridge International Examinations).” – Our Bureau

rizwan3

May 15th, 2010, 12:30 PM

Automakers wary of coming to A.P.
:bash::ohno::ohno:
B. Chandrashekhar

Point out lack

of readymade manpower in

State during an interaction with Rosaiah

HYDERABAD: Automobile and auto-component manufacturers laid down several conditions to come to Andhra Pradesh during an interaction with Chief Minister K. Rosaiah on the sidelines of the Auto Show South-2010 which he kick-started here on Friday.

Captains of automobile companies, pointing out lack of readymade manpower in the State, made it clear that it was expensive for them to train and absorb people. The Chief Minister suggested them to adopt some technological and industrial institutions across the State and train the students for the purpose.

Some industry leaders insisted upon laying direct power transmission lines to their units and provide power uninterruptedly as the recent track record of Andhra Pradesh in terms of power supply to industrial sector was not so encouraging.

A few suggested to the Chief Minister to invite manufacturers of off-road vehicles like cranes and earthmovers, auto-research and development and auto-software companies.

The meeting assumes significance in the backdrop of the State government's failure to attract any major automobile maker to AP so far. Efforts to bring German auto giant Volkswagen and Malaysian car major Proton turned out to be huge failures. According to sources, the Chief Minister made a determined pitch at the meeting to persuade at least one major automaker to the State.
:nuts:
New models

Mr. Rosaiah was said to have insisted upon the automakers to launch new models of at least two cars and two-wheeler exclusively in the State every year. He was of the view that increase in manufacturing capability of the State, particularly in automobile sector, would have a cascading effect on two-tier and three-tier cities by way of growth of ancillary industries.

A Pune-based auto and components maker was learnt to have expressed interest in setting up a unit in AP. Representatives of Mahindra & Mahindra, Hindustan Motors, Ashok Leyland, Volvo, Hyundai and several others were learnt to have participated.:cheers:

Presence of all key officials of the Industries Department was indicative of the Chief Minister's resolve to impress the automakers by clarifying their doubts on the spot.

razzy

May 15th, 2010, 12:30 PM

Rosaiah invites automobile investors

Staff Reporter

Offers full support for setting up units in State; opens Auto Show South-2010

— Photo: P.V.SIVAKUMAR

CRUISE MODE:Chief Minister K. Rosaiah going round the 'Auto Show South' organised by CII and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers in Hyderabad on Friday.

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K. Rosaiah has invited the captains of automobile industry to set up their plants in Andhra Pradesh and help it emerge as a leading automobile hub in the country. He offered all support to the industry to gain a strong foothold in the State.

Inaugurating Auto Show South-2010 here on Friday, he said the automotive industry was capable of being the driver of economic growth and creating large-scale employment. India was emerging as the key auto components centre in Asia and a global outsourcing hub for auto parts, he said.

He said Andhra Pradesh was providing quality infrastructure, skilled human resources and favourable industrial environment. In its latest report, the World Bank had ranked Andhra Pradesh as the best State in implementing reforms and cited Hyderabad as the “most business-friendly city” in India, the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister also urged the organisers to make the auto show an annual event in Hyderabad.

.

Akash Passey of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) stated that Andhra Pradesh was one of the key markets for the industry accounting for 9 per cent of total vehicle sales in the country and 30 per cent sales in Southern India. Shobhana Kamineni and Y. Harishchandra Prasad of CII also spoke.

‘I pity Naidu'

Later, speaking to the media, Mr. Rosaiah came down heavily against TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu accusing him of running a misinformation campaign against the implementation of welfare schemes.

He reiterated that his government would not discontinue or prune any welfare scheme but will definitely make sure that they reached the genuinely needy people. “The question of withdrawing any programme or welfare scheme does not arise at all”, Mr. Rosaiah said.

Reacting sharply to Mr. Naidu's reported remarks that both Mr. Rosaiah and his administration were sickening, the Chief Minister sarcastically remarked: “Yes, it's disgusting to watch Rosaiah and heartening to see Naidu as he's the most handsome guy (‘manmadhudu).”

“I pity Mr. Naidu and the situation he is in at home and outside. Mr. Balakrishna's recent statement that he was ready to lead the party is giving sleepless nights to Mr. Naidu. I pity his position,” Mr. Rosaiah said.

razzy

May 15th, 2010, 12:33 PM

UoH ranks 81 among top 200 Asian varsities

Special Correspondent

UoH featured for the first time in the rankings

QS, a leading education network releases rankings

Hyderabad: The University of Hyderabad has got the 81 {+s} {+t} rank among the Best 200 Asian Universities, as per the rankings released by QS Asian Universities. QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) is a leading global career and education network.

It is one among the five Indian universities placed in the top 200 and the university achieved this slot by securing a score of 60.5 and is categorised as having “Very High Research Activity in Specialist Areas”.:cheers:

This is the first time that University of Hyderabad is featured in the rankings.

In the list 12 Indian Institutions figure, including 7 IIT's and 5 Universities. Among the IIT's, IIT Bombay is highest ranked at 36 and among the Universities, University of Delhi is ranked at 67 (slipped from 60th position last year), University of Mumbai at 96, University of Calcutta at 99 and University of Pune at 109.

In total 11 countries are represented in the top 200, with Japanese Universities occupying 57 of the top 200 and 5 of the top 10 in this year's table. Measuring factors include the quality of research through citations, the proportion of International students and staff.

Parameters

The parameters include, assessing a combination of regional and International factors, such as Peer and Recruiter reviews, the International research capabilities of the Institutions, teaching quality, student-teacher ratio and Internationalisation of the staff and students, among others.

The UoH Vice-Chancellor, Seyed E. Hasnain, said that the dedication and hard work of University faculty, students and Non-teaching staff is responsible for breaking into the top 100 rank from being nowhere so

pinjala273

May 15th, 2010, 07:54 PM

ANY UPDATES REGARDING IJM MALL AT KUKATPALLY PLEASE POST IT

carzzz12

May 16th, 2010, 12:07 AM

I read in Times of India that JP Morgan will be setting up office in HiTec City. They are planning to hire about 350-400 employees to start with.

us2cyberabad

May 16th, 2010, 03:11 PM

T-woes over? JP Morgan set to open office in city
Swati Bharadwaj-Chand, TNN, May 14, 2010, 05.00am IST

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/T-woes-over-JP-Morgan-set-to-open-office-in-city/articleshow/5928815.cms

HYDERABAD: City's T-woes now seem to be a thing of the past, with the city once again emerging as a favourite destination of the IT and ITeS sector. After Facebook, it's now destination Hyderabad for financial services giant JP Morgan, which is all set to put up its global service centre in the city as part of its plans to ramp up its back office operations in India.

While no investment details were available, sources told TOI that JP Morgan is setting up a technology and operations centre in the city's IT hub of Madhapur with plans to hire close to 400 people to begin with. The centre is expected to become operational this year.

In fact, if sources are to be believed, the company has already kicked off the recruitment process in the city and has also identified a property at the Raheja MindSpace SEZ in Hi-Tec City.

"The company has already already started fitouts at the office site. Plans are afoot to put in place a fairly large team of around 350-400 people to start with and later scale it up," a source said.

While to begin with the company is only setting up a technology and operations centre in the city, it could later expand it to include other services like research and treasury services as well, sources said.

When contacted, a JP Morgan spokesperson confirmed that the company was indeed setting up a global service centre in Hyderabad but refused to divulge any headcount or investment details.

"As part of our plans to expand our presence in India we are setting up a centre in Hyderabad and it is expected to commence operations in mid or later part of fiscal 2010-11. As a policy we do not disclose any numbers," the spokesperson said.

Currently, JP Morgan's India operations are headquartered in Mumbai with offices in Delhi as well as three global service centres spread across Mumbai and Bangalore employing over 10,000 people.

The Hyderabad centre will be JP Morgan's fourth global service centre. It was in 2003 that the US banking major had set up captive business process outsourcing units in the Raheja MindSpace in Malad and Technopolis Knowledge Park in Andheri to undertake research activities and transaction processing for investment banking, financial services and investment management. This was followed by another unit in Bangalore.

us2cyberabad

May 16th, 2010, 03:18 PM

Govt to take up India's 1st financial services SEZ proposal
source:http://www.hindustantimes.com/Govt-to-take-up-India-s-1st-financial-services-SEZ-proposal/Article1-544346.aspx

The government will consider next month a proposal for setting up the country's first financial services sector special economic zone (SEZ).
Diversified corporate entity GMR Group has submitted a proposal to the Centre for setting up this international financial services-focussed SEZ in Hyderabad.
Commerce Ministry, the nodal agency for clearing SEZ proposals, will take up the GMR's request on June 8.
"Their (GMR) request is on agenda. It will be taken up in the next BoA meeting," Additional Commerce Secretary D P Mittal said.
The inter-ministerial Board of Approval (BoA) is headed by Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar.
A senior GMR Group official said the company would file a detailed proposal next week.
"We will submit a detailed proposal with the Commerce Ministry in the next couple of days," the official said. He, however did not provide further details on which are the various segments of the financial services sector that would be available in the SEZ.
The financial services sector broadly comprises segments like insurance, mutual funds, micro finance and non-banking financial services.
GMR Group has interests in airports, energy, highways and urban infrastructure (including SEZ). In addition, other focus area of the Group is the agri-business with sugar as its main product-line.
Besides the GMR's request, the BoA would also take up applications for setting up new SEZs and other related issues.

pinjala273

May 16th, 2010, 07:20 PM

Gulf Oil Turnover Crosses Rs. 1,000 crore

14 May 2010
Gulf Oil Turnover crosses Rs. 1,000 crores
Profit Increases by 55% for year
Dividend 90%

Mumbai, May 14, 2010: Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd., a Hinduja Group Company, has reported an increase in turnover by 7% to Rs. 1066 for the year 2009-10, and Profit after Tax by 55% to Rs. 45 crores. The Board has recommended a Dividend of Rs. 1.80 per share ( 90% ) for the year 2009-10.

Division wise performance and highlights are as under:

LUBRICANTS DIVISION:

During the Q4 of the financial year 2009-10, the Lubricants Division achieved a gross turnover of Rs. 171 crores as compared to Rs. 144 Crores in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, a growth of 19% on QoQ basis. For the year ended 31st March’10, Lubricants Division achieved gross turnover of Rs.564 crores compared to Rs. 508 Crores in the previous year 2008-09. Better margins on higher turnover supported by lower interest costs resulted in a much improved performance over the previous year.

The automobile industry which started off on a sedate note in the beginning of the year, which saw drops in the sales of heavy commercial vehicles in the first 2 quarters, witnessed strong growth from Q4 onwards. Sales of commercial vehicles were back on track from October 2009 onwards. Other vehicles (cars, 2 wheelers, tractors) grew well across the year & overall the automobile industry grew by over 25 %. Accordingly, demand conditions in the lube industry picked up from Q3 across automotive & industrial segments.

The Division has increased it’s share in the marketplace and continued to grow well in New Generation DEO, Motorcycle and Passenger cars Motor Oil segments with segment wise approach backed by various brand building initiatives. The Division has launched a multi-media campaign comprising of TV Advertising, Translites in Key airports, , Auto Magazines with the theme of “Maximum performance” which involved the KINGS XI Punjab team consisting of cricketing stars like Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, Bret Lee, Sreesanth and others.

The Division continued its focus on the Bazaar market by launching customised promotions, special product-packs catering to the agricultural segment, adding new fleet customers & focussing on promoting sales of new products/SKUs.

The business prospects of the Division are expected to grow substantially with the increasing demand building up in the automotive sector of the economy.

EXPLOSIVES DIVISION

The Explosives Division continued to grow and achieved a turnover of Rs. 81 crores in the Q4 as compared to Rs.74 crores in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, representing growth of 9% QoQ. The annual growth was 14% YOY. Export turnover in Q4 was Rs. 15 Crore as compared to Rs. 10 crore of previous year, resulting in a growth of 50%. Operations during the year were robust as the mining sectors of the economy grew by 9%. The Division’s performance was enhanced due to higher market prices for products, efficient procurement of Ammonium Nitrate and introduction of new high value products for tunneling.

The Division has secured orders valued at Rs. 148 crores from Coal India Ltd. for the current year.

MINING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DIVISION (IDLconsult DIVISION)

IDLconsult Division reported a turnover of Rs 43 crores in Q4 (Rs 65 crores in Q4 of last year), based on activity in long term contracts in coal and metal mining sectors.

The large 36 months coal Project at Dudhichua was completed ahead of Schedule in Q3 of this year. Q4 revenue is without any contribution from this Project. Major revenue came from another large open cast coalmine operation at Nigahi Project in NCL ( a subsidiary of Coal India Limited ).

The Division's operation in the iron ore mines at Barbil ( Orissa ) region and Karnataka region have been continuing. The effect of slow-down in mining in Orissa has affected the turnover of the Division.

Manganese mining with Adhunik Group is continuing successfully. Mining related Infrastructure work at Utkal Alumina is progressing slowly because of local constraints.

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT :banana:The concept of integrated IT / ITES Park at Bangalore is progressing well. The development of 5.05 million sq.ft. will also cover hotel, retail outlets and commercial malls, and service apartments. Land development, setting up of a large site office has been completed. Construction work will be commenced during the year.

With regard to the Hyderabad property, plans for developing 9.8 million sq.ft. is under way. The Company is currently in discussion with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation ( GHMC ) which has proposed a major 100 ft. connector road through our property to the Hi-Tech City. Alignment as well as other details are under finalisation.

imran174

May 16th, 2010, 07:31 PM

hey any news about this?

http://www.famecinemas.com/UpcomingProject/UpcomingProject.aspx

Prodigist

May 16th, 2010, 10:47 PM

hey any news about this?

http://www.famecinemas.com/UpcomingProject/UpcomingProject.aspx

I think its at the MPM Bonsai.. The main structure was ready atleast a year ago.. Don know why they haven't finished it yet..

By the was this mall is right opposite Minerva and Hotel Blue Fox, KFC is also nearby.. i know they have widened the road here but there is absolutely no way this road can take the Traffic..

Plus this road is the main route used between Mehdipatnam and Uppal... One of the corridors proposed for BRTS(only proposed)

rizwan3

May 17th, 2010, 08:49 AM

Updates of Platina BY Gm infra..

http://www.milestonecapital.in/TinySlideshow/hyderabad.html#:cheers:

hyd

May 17th, 2010, 09:54 AM

This time its real, Govt even passed a GO
more talk...
Date:05/01/2010 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2010/01/05/stories/2010010558580300.htm

us2cyberabad

May 17th, 2010, 01:50 PM

US team on OU campus to explore tie-ups

source:http://www.thehindu.com/2010/01/05/stories/2010010558120200.htm

HYDERABAD: Dispelling the notion that the Osmania University campus is disturbed owing to the ongoing pro-Telangana agitation, a team of academicians from the Kansas State University of the United States, arrived on the campus on Monday to explore the possibilities of establishing a long-term collaboration for student and faculty exchange programmes.

The visit of the US academicians assumes importance in the backdrop of the travel advisory issued by the United States to its citizens advising them against visiting Andhra Pradesh in view of the agitations for and against bifurcation of the State. The visiting academicians will be on the University campus for the next three days holding discussions with heads of various departments. The team has come to the University on the initiative taken up by the Osmania University Centre for International Programmes (OUCIP).

Interactions
The university Vice-Chancellor T. Tirupathi Rao said such visits would help the university in many ways. “The Kansas University team is here to look for long-term collaborations with many departments. Prof. Rao expressed happiness over their arrival pointing out that “they have confidence in us and we have confidence in the students”. He said the team would interact with faculty of various departments including engineering, management, political science to explore possibilities of starting joint degrees, students and faculty exchange programmes, research collaborations etc.

The visiting team did not appear to be concerned over the ongoing agitation on the university and took up preliminary discussions with the professors of the Osmania University on Monday. Asked whether the issue of the agitation for separate Telangana State cropped up during the preliminary discussions, one of the visiting team members Prof. Barry Michie said it did not. “We left Kansas city when the temperature was minus 15 degrees centigrade. Our arrival, perhaps, had cooled down the temperatures here also,” he joked. The first-time visitors to Hyderabad had already held one round of discussions with the Osmania University faculty. “It’s certainly a beginning,” Prof. Michie said.

Welcome development
Prof. P. Laxminarayana, vice-principal of College of Technology said the visit of the Kansas academicians was a ‘most welcome development’. Kumaraswamy and B. Suman, members of the Telangana Students Joint Action Committee (TSJAC) spearheading the separate Telangana state agitation, too welcomed the visiting academicians pointing out that Osmania University students would benefit from such association with foreign universities.

The programme coordinator for OUCIP, Y.L. Srinivas pointed out that visit by the foreign academicians would go a long way in restoring the academic atmosphere on the university campus. Their visit at this juncture proved that academic atmosphere on the University campus was getting restored.

razzy

May 18th, 2010, 12:30 PM

GMR academy to offer aviation training

Hyderabad, May 17

GMR Aviation Academy, in association with Jeppesen Aviation Training Services, a subsidiary of Boeing, will be offering Flight Operations Management training courses at its training academy at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.

As part of the association, Jeppesen will offer training for Flight Operations Officer and Flight Dispatcher courses.

These training programmes are comprehensive and employ the latest international regulatory information and technical data, a company statement said.

Graduates are eligible to take a short FAA course at Denver HQ in the US to achieve an FAA dispatch License.

Students joining this course will also learn the duties and responsibilities of the aircraft dispatcher with knowledge of commercial aviation dispatch procedures, work rules, local and international regulations and the use of sophisticated electronic flight planning systems, flight following and weather software.

bobbie501

May 19th, 2010, 06:22 PM

us2cyberabad

May 20th, 2010, 12:48 AM

Some upcoming high-rises in the city will have helipads.
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Hyderabad/City-high-rises-to-have-helipads/articleshow/5951329.cms

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has accorded permission to five real estate firms to have helipads on rooftop of their proposed structures.

The AP Fire Services Department has moved a proposal as per National Building Code (NBC) norms. According to NBC norms, high-rise buildings which are over 60-metres high must have mandatory helipads.

Though buildings would be equipped with adequate fire safety equipment, helipads would save precious human lives in case of a fire mishap.

"Though the NBC norm on helipads came into force in 1999, there were no high-rise buildings over 60 metres height in the city. With new projects of over 60 metres planned since 2007, the mandatory helipad has started kicking in," AP Fire Services Department additional director K Jayaram Naik told TOI.

The real estate firms would have to approach GHMC to get permission to construct the helipads. The firms have to construct helipads as per Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules and regulations, the official added.

"A four-member committee, comprising chief city planner (CCP) from GHMC, director, Town Planning, chief planing officer (CPO) from Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and engineer-in-chief from roads and buildings department will take decision on applications received from real estate firms for helipads," GHMC additional chief city planner (ACCP) S Balakrishna said.

"So far, the committee gave the green signal to five high-rise buildings of Lodha Healthy Constructions and Developers Ltd (73.20 metres) in Kukatpally, L&T-Phonex Info Parks Pvt Ltd, Madhapur (G+32 upper floors), Manjeera Retail Holdings Pvt Ltd, Kukatpally (72.25 metres), Golden Jubilee Hotels Pvt Ltd, Madhapur and Manthri Developers, Nanakramguda.

Babji

May 20th, 2010, 01:56 AM

Date:20/05/2010 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2010/05/20/stories/2010052060060300.htm
Land identified for new rail terminal at Hi-Tec City

Special Correspondent
Railways also seeking land to develop Ring Railway Corridor

HYDERABAD: The South Central Railway's proposal for a fourth passenger terminal near the Hi-Tec City received a shot in the arm with the government identifying close to 30 acres of land in the vicinity.

At a recent high level meeting presided over by the Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department, T.S. Appa Rao, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has pointed out that the portion of land demarcated by the A.P. Industrial Investment Corporation (APIIC) for parking and the surrounding land could be given to SCR for the new terminal.

Ranga Reddy District Collectorate has been directed to verify the area and submit details to HMDA for an early decision. SCR had sought the land as the existing three passenger terminals of Secunderabad, Nampally and Kacheguda were full and a new terminal was needed in view of the exponential growth towards the city's west or Serlingampally area.

Along with Hi-Tec City terminal, Railways are also requesting reserving land of about 3,000 acres for a Ring Railway Corridor (RRC) for three other new passenger terminals on the Moula Ali (Secunderabad-Kazipet section), Medchal (Secunderabad-Manmad) and Shamshabad (Umdanagar station).

Freight terminals: Besides, it is planning new freight terminals at Timmapur, about 44 km from Secunderabad towards Bangalore; between Nagulapalli and Vikarabad stations towards Mumbai and between Bibinagar and Bhongir sections towards Kazipet. These issues too came up for discussion and it was agreed that these requirements could be earmarked in the Master Plan.

‘No land': Senior civic officials present in the meeting pointed out that SCR could very well use the huge chunk of land already available near Moula Ali while the Ranga Reddy district officials claimed that there was no government land near the existing railway lines.

SCR has been asked to provide survey number wise details of the land in consultation with the Revenue Department and HMDA about its land requirements for the future

Hydshining

May 20th, 2010, 05:01 AM

Should be pretty recent. Awesome developer.

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/31340017.jpg

Hydshining

May 20th, 2010, 05:02 AM

Should be pretty recent. Awesome developer.

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/31340017.jpg

And btw, thanks Harsh, Rizwan and others for the energy to keep sharing.

razzy

May 20th, 2010, 07:18 AM

New handsets from Coolpad
:cheers:

RelianceWorld and Coolpad launched, what they claimed India's cheapest, new touch-screen CDMA mobile handsets here on Wednesday. The rollout of the new handsets offers more choice to the CDMA users, who have limited options as compared to GSM users.

Managing Director of Coolpad Communications Sami Al-Lawati and Andhra Pradesh Circle Head of Reliance Websotre M. Suresh unveiled half-a-dozen new handsets with CDMA mode and dual (CDMA and GSM) mode on the occasion. They claimed Coolpad S100 handset was feature-rich and 30 per cent cheaper than similar touch-screen phones available in the market. They were planning to launch over 15 CDMA handset models in the current financial year.

On the company's plans of investment in India, Mr. Al-Lawati said it was planning to invest Rs. 400 crore in the next four years and would set up a full-fledged R&D centre. It would finalise the proposal of the R&D centre by the year-end and would locate it either in Bangalore, Chennai or Hyderabad at a cost of Rs. 75 crore.:)

hyd

May 20th, 2010, 07:24 AM

where is this? near hitec mmts?

i do not think there is any apiic land nearby

Date:20/05/2010 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2010/05/20/stories/2010052060060300.htm

razzy

May 20th, 2010, 07:32 AM

Land identified for new rail terminal at Hi-Tec City

Special Correspondent

Railways also seeking land to develop Ring Railway Corridor

HYDERABAD: The South Central Railway's proposal for a fourth passenger terminal near the Hi-Tec City received a shot in the arm with the government identifying close to 30 acres of land in the vicinity.

At a recent high level meeting presided over by the Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department, T.S. Appa Rao, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has pointed out that the portion of land demarcated by the A.P. Industrial Investment Corporation (APIIC) for parking and the surrounding land could be given to SCR for the new terminal.

Ranga Reddy District Collectorate has been directed to verify the area and submit details to HMDA for an early decision. SCR had sought the land as the existing three passenger terminals of Secunderabad, Nampally and Kacheguda were full and a new terminal was needed in view of the exponential growth towards the city's west or Serlingampally area.

Along with Hi-Tec City terminal, Railways are also requesting reserving land of about 3,000 acres for a Ring Railway Corridor (RRC) for three other new passenger terminals on the Moula Ali (Secunderabad-Kazipet section), Medchal (Secunderabad-Manmad) and Shamshabad (Umdanagar station).

Freight terminals

Besides, it is planning new freight terminals at Timmapur, about 44 km from Secunderabad towards Bangalore; between Nagulapalli and Vikarabad stations towards Mumbai and between Bibinagar and Bhongir sections towards Kazipet. These issues too came up for discussion and it was agreed that these requirements could be earmarked in the Master Plan.

‘No land'

Senior civic officials present in the meeting pointed out that SCR could very well use the huge chunk of land already available near Moula Ali while the Ranga Reddy district officials claimed that there was no government land near the existing railway lines.

SCR has been asked to provide survey number wise details of the land in consultation with the Revenue Department and HMDA about its land requirements for the future.

rizwan3

May 20th, 2010, 11:45 AM

OLD NEWS

Marriott bullish on India

MUMBAI, India—Marriott International’s strategy for India includes a heavy emphasis on the Courtyard by Marriott brand, according to the company.

Courtyard, Marriott’s “upper moderate” product, is critical to Marriott’s growth in India, said Rajeev Menon, Marriott’s area VP for India, Pakistan, Maldives & Malaysia.

The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Hyderabad lobby
Four Courtyards recently opened in India: The 164-room Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad; the like-sized Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad in Gujarat; and the 199-room Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon each opened in November. The Gurgaon property is Marriott’s first foray into the National Capital Region of Delhi.

The 299-room Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport opened a month later. Mumbai, the nation's economic heart, features the highest concentration of Marriott product. It is Marriott's Indian analog to Washington, D.C.

“Due to the global economy shift, upper moderate products are becoming increasingly popular in India,” Menon said via e-mail. “We currently have four Courtyards in India with 12 more in the pipeline.”

These hotels suit primary and secondary markets and “provide full service, offer meeting spaces and all the other amenities at a lower price,” Menon said. They also differ greatly from their select-service U.S. parent, which doesn’t feature restaurants like the MoMo Café, a full-service eatery featuring Western and Indian cuisine.

The economic downturn has prompted Marriott to offer Indian Courtyard guests a special promotion through 31 January. “You Stay, We Pay” gives customers INR3000 (US$64.36) in credit redeemable for hotel services such as the all-day restaurant MoMo. The introductory rate at the Courtyard in Hyderabad, through 31 January is INR4499, or about US$96.50. At the Gurgaon Courtyard, the “You Stay, We Pay” rate is INR9500, or nearly US$204. Gurgaon is the center of business process outsourcing in the country.

Rajeev Menon
These Indian Courtyards also provide roomservice and meeting space: The Courtyard in Hyderabad, a center of information technology in the south, offers seven meeting rooms with nearly 7,000 square feet of space, with full catering services and staff. It is located next to the Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, so the two hotels, connected by a bridge, can offer one of the largest convention spaces in town and open 350 rooms to residential conferencing at one time.

In addition, rooms at these Courtyards are oversized: 32 square meters, or about 344 square feet. The Courtyards also offer recreation facilities and, in primary markets, an additional specialty restaurant: Red Zen, at the Mumbai and Gurgaon Courtyards, spotlights Asian cuisine.

No master franchisor

Viceroy Hotels Limited, one of several developers and investors in India with whom Marriott has a relationship, owns the Courtyard Hyderabad and the Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and is developing a JW Marriott in Chennai, a Marriott Executive Apartments in the Jubilee Hills section of Hyderabad, and a Renaissance in Bangalore.

Other Marriott developers own similar, multiflag portfolios. That’s the way Marriott likes it, Menon suggested, noting a country of such size and diversity doesn’t lend itself to a master franchisor.

Viceroy's seven-star, 387-room Chennai project is expected to cost RS620 crore, its 300-room Bangalore project RS311 core. The respective US figures are about US$130 million and US$66.6 million. Both projects are due to open in December 2010. Viceroy is trying to raise about RS150 (US$32 million) through private placement.

The exterior of the Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon.
“Most of these owners are highly reputed and established families in their specific markets,” Menon said, citing K. Raheja Construction in Mumbai, the Salgaocar Group of Companies in Goa, and the Chordia Group in Pune. “This puts Marriott in a unique position of strength, as these owners have long history and are well entrenched in their respective markets.”

Marriott, which has deployed five of its flags in India, doesn’t own any of its hotels there.

“We manage all our hotels in India under a long-term management agreement,” Menon said.
Its largest property is the 355-room JW Marriott Mumbai. Its other flags are Marriott Hotels & Resorts (in Goa) and Renaissance Hotels & Resorts and the extended-stay Marriott Executive Apartments (in Mumbai). It aims to introduce Ritz-Carlton to India in 2011, according to Menon.

stupid007

May 20th, 2010, 01:44 PM

APIIC owns some land opp the stn---behind the Hitex.

where is this? near hitec mmts?

i do not think there is any apiic land nearby

p.raghavendra6

May 21st, 2010, 01:26 AM

Source: Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/City-high-rises-to-have-helipads/articleshow/5951329.cms

City high-rises to have helipads

HYDERABAD: Some upcoming high-rises in the city will have helipads.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has accorded permission to five real estate firms to have helipads on rooftop of their proposed structures.

The AP Fire Services Department has moved a proposal as per National Building Code (NBC) norms. According to NBC norms, high-rise buildings which are over 60-metres high must have mandatory helipads.

Though buildings would be equipped with adequate fire safety equipment, helipads would save precious human lives in case of a fire mishap.

"Though the NBC norm on helipads came into force in 1999, there were no high-rise buildings over 60 metres height in the city. With new projects of over 60 metres planned since 2007, the mandatory helipad has started kicking in," AP Fire Services Department additional director K Jayaram Naik told TOI.

The real estate firms would have to approach GHMC to get permission to construct the helipads. The firms have to construct helipads as per Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules and regulations, the official added.

"A four-member committee, comprising chief city planner (CCP) from GHMC, director, Town Planning, chief planing officer (CPO) from Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and engineer-in-chief from roads and buildings department will take decision on applications received from real estate firms for helipads," GHMC additional chief city planner (ACCP) S Balakrishna said.

"So far, the committee gave the green signal to five high-rise buildings of Lodha Healthy Constructions and Developers Ltd (73.20 metres) in Kukatpally, L&T-Phonex Info Parks Pvt Ltd, Madhapur (G+32 upper floors), Manjeera Retail Holdings Pvt Ltd, Kukatpally (72.25 metres), Golden Jubilee Hotels Pvt Ltd, Madhapur and Manthri Developers, Nanakramguda.

:cheers:

rizwan3

May 23rd, 2010, 06:03 PM

Stage set for world telecom meet in Hyderabad
23 May 2010, 1308 hrs IST,IANS

HYDERABAD: A meeting in Hyderabad, beginning Monday, of global telecom experts will adopt the Hyderabad Action Plan that will set the agenda for development of telecommunication and information and communication technologies (ICT) over the next four years.

Over 700 delegates from across the world will attend the fifth world telecommunication development conference being organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a leading United Nations agency for ICT issues.

Ministers, heads of international organisations, development banks and regulatory agencies, and CEOs of private sector companies will attend the event which will continue till June 4.

This is the first time that India is hosting the conference which was first held in 1994 in Buenos Aires.

As part of the massive security arrangements for the conference, the Cyberabad police Sunday took control of the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) located in Hitec City, the IT district.

According to Geneva-based ITU, the conference will focus on the strategy for the growth of ICT and will adopt strategies to bring the benefits of ICT to all communities in all regions of the world.

An open and constructive dialogue on the future of the ICT sector and its contribution to social and economic development will focus on issues like broadband connectivity, digital broadcasting, open source software, cyber security, e-accessibility for people with disabilities, e-applications, including health, human capacity building, emergency communications and ICT policy and regulation.

A World Telecommunication Development Report will be released on May 25. Three ITU case studies will be released the next day.

Minister of Communications and Information Technology A. Raja will lead the Indian delegation at the conference. PJ Thomas, secretary, department of telecommunications and chairman, Telecom Commission and other top Indian officials will also attend the event.

ITU's membership includes 191 member states and more than 700 sector-members and associates. :cheers:

us2cyberabad

May 25th, 2010, 01:26 AM

BHEL signs MoU with US rig maker
Source:http://sify.com/finance/bhel-signs-mou-with-us-rig-maker-news-news-kfzbveccgaa.html

The Hyderabad unit of power equipment maker, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with National Oil Well Varco, a US-based oil and gas drilling equipment firm, to build 35 AC (alternating current)deep land drilling rigs in phases.

"AC technology rigs are eco-friendly and highly fuel-efficient with less maintenance cost. With this deal, BHEL’s turnover for oilrigs will increase to Rs 400 crore," a company statement said.

Hydshining

May 26th, 2010, 02:29 AM

http://picasaweb.google.com/kranti03/UntitledAlbum#5474950120104265698

http://picasaweb.google.com/kranti03/UntitledAlbum#5474950120104265698

Prodigist

May 26th, 2010, 07:24 AM

Accenture has taken space at the Tishman Speyer's WaveRock in Hyderabad (http://www.prlog.org/10698326-tishman-speyer-announces-waverock-project-lease-in-hyderabad-india-by-accenture.html)

TCS had previously taken space there as well

Prodigist

May 26th, 2010, 07:28 AM

News LINK (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/hyderabad/riding-the-waves/175935.html)

Photos (http://www.leonia.in/Littlechamps/kids_flowrider.aspx)

Leonia Holistic Destination introduces, Flow- Rider Double with Lazyriver, a surfing ridge for the water sport lovers in the city.

The FlowRider also has an action river with slides and other slow water rides for people to gain confidence. They add that while learning age is not an issue, there is just a minimum height criterion of 42 inches.

sekharjyoti

May 26th, 2010, 11:22 AM

BPO to be set up at Hyderabad's Cherlapalli Prison

http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-113707.html

p.raghavendra6

May 26th, 2010, 04:33 PM

sekharjyoti

May 27th, 2010, 07:41 AM

Hyd - ICRISAT scientist gets 1.7 mn dollar research grant

International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) scientist Rajeev Varshney and University of California, Davis, Professor of Plant Pathology Douglas Cook were awarded a 1.7 million dollar research grant for research on nitrogen fixation in legumes.
More at ..
http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-115031.html

Prodigist

May 27th, 2010, 09:41 AM

NIPER to set up Rs 30-cr national R&D centre for bulk drugs in Hyderabad soon (http://www.pharmabiz.com/article/detnews.asp?articleid=55643&sectionid=)

su_hyd

May 28th, 2010, 12:36 AM

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/infy/s-2nd-campus-in-hyd-to-be-ready-soon/396286/

Infy's 2nd campus in Hyd to be ready soon

Babji

May 28th, 2010, 02:51 AM

Date:28/05/2010 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2010/05/28/stories/2010052860120300.htm
Consensus on Lakdi-ka-pul RoB

Special Correspondent
GHMC and SCR reach an agreement on the road overbridge work
Key conduit:Once completed, the new and existing bridges would be joined paving way for smooth flow of traffic.

HYDERABAD: There is some headway at last for the expansion of the Lakdi-ka-pul road overbridge (ROB) with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and South Central Railway (SCR) reaching an agreement on the work.

GHMC is to pay Rs. 9.3 crore to SCR for taking up work on a new ROB adjacent to the existing one thus extending the carriageway width to four more lanes. Preliminary design discussion has taken place among the officials concerned about the project including shifting of a huge water pipeline beside the existing ROB.

Once completed, the new and existing bridges would be joined. Fourteen private properties are being acquired and 1,400 sq.ft land of the Intelligence Department was already taken over. “This project alone will cost us Rs. 20 crore and its very much necessary for smooth traffic movement of a key artery”, said Additional Commissioner (Planning & Projects) K. Dhananjaya Reddy.

Along with this, Commissioner Sameer Sharma has also given a go head for beginning long pending road widening works on several stretches.

Pending works

Some of these are: Liberty-Himayatnagar, Shankar Mutt-Shivam, Sanatnagar-Erragadda-Punjagutta, Bapughat, Asifnagar-Medhipatnam, Guddimalkapur, Srinagar Colony link road, Begumpet, FCI Godown-Fatehnagar, Tarnaka-Nagole, Chaderghat-Nalgonda crossroads-Mahboob Mansion, Chandrayanagutta-Barkas, Charminar-Falaknuma, Gulzar House-Panjeshah, Mir Alam Mandi, Khilwath, City College, Mitti-Ka-Sher, etc.

Mr. Reddy pointed out bad financial state prevented from taking up many of these road improvement plans last year as structural as well as land compensation have to be paid in most cases. The Land Acquisition Officer has been directed to make appropriate valuation of the properties to be affected and some of them are likely to be obtained through consent.

There are close to 570 properties which are to be taken over and the entire expenditure could be more than Rs. 150 crore. Roads are to be widened from 20ft-40ft, 60ft-80ft, 80ft-100ft and more in a few stretches and most of these are important thoroughfares where widening would make a lot of difference to traffic movement, he explained.

rizwan3

May 28th, 2010, 03:33 PM

CII plans to hold global investors' meet
:cheers:
Our Bureau

Hyderabad, May 27

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Andhra Pradesh has decided to organise a global investors' meet in association with the State Government to restore confidence and attract investments into the State. The meet would be held in the second half of this year.

A high-level delegation led by Mr Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII-Southern Region), had met the Chief Minister, Mr K Rosaiah, some Ministers and top Government executives on Thursday to discuss the proposed meet.

Addressing a press conference here after a series of meetings, Mr Gopalakrishnan said the State had gone through a rough patch.

“It is unfortunate. We can't change that. The industry had suffered a set back,” he said.

Asked about the quantum of loss the State had suffered during the crisis, he said it was difficult to arrive at a number as it was partly perception and partly because of the things that happened over the past eight months.

“We are not going to point fingers. We are focused on the future and we have decided to organise the meeting,” he said.

The CII-Andhra Pradesh Government had organised a few partnership summits during the Chandrababu Naidu Government. But the practice was stopped.

Mr Gopalakrishnan said the CII had decided to implement 41 projects in the four districts of Krishna, Chittoor, Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad. “We prepared a plan for these districts some time back and now we have identified the projects,” he said.

He said the CII also proposed to set up a Manufacturing Competitive Council on the lines of the national initiative in this regard.

Mr Shakti Sagar, Chairman of CII (Andhra Pradesh), said the association was trying to reduce the burden on the urban infrastructure by increasing focus on Tier II and Tier III cities. “We have created a special Task Force to encourage non-migratory jobs.

rizwan3

May 28th, 2010, 03:34 PM

AP allots 225 acres to MLR Motors

Hyderabad, May 27:cheers::banana:

MLR Motors, which has announced its plans to manufacture affordable cars, has been allotted 225 acres at Muppireddipally and Kallakal villages in adjoining Medak district.

The Andhra Pradesh Government issued an Order on Thursday allotting the land. It, however, has a rider that the automaker should complete financial closure by October 30, 2010.

The company, which was to achieve financial closure by March 31, 2010, said the global slowdown in the automobile sector and the Satyam scam had hit its plans to close the financial deals in time.

“The Satyam financial scam that rocked the financial and corporate world cast a shadow on the credibility of entrepreneurs from the State. It took considerable time and effort to neutralise the negative impact of the scam,” the company said.

In a representation to the Government, it had also cited the detailed project reported prepared by PriceWaterhouse for the car project. “Though PW is a reputed company, their association with the project turned out to be a hindrance rather than helping it. This connection caused potential financiers to shy away from the project even after they showed interest in the project,” it claimed.

“This forced us to rope in another agency and resume efforts for financial closure from scratch,” it argued, while praying for more time for financial closure.

us2cyberabad

May 29th, 2010, 03:47 AM

Mall to come up at Begumpet airport?
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Mall-to-come-up-at-Begumpet-airport/articleshow/5964061.cms

Saswati Mukherjee, TNN, May 23, 2010, 04.20am IST
HYDERABAD: The worst fears of those opposed to the closure of Begumpet airport are now coming true. A precious 29 acres of Begumpet airport land would soon house shopping complexes and hospitals, if the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has its way.

The AAI has proposed to give out the 29-acre cargo area, almost defunct now, of the Begumpet airport on long lease, the objective being to ensure "proper utilisation" of unused land, said authorities. Tenders will soon be floated seeking bids to set shops in this area. The cargo area is adjacent to the Begumpet petrol pump.

In fact, it is reliably learnt that the lease value of the airport land will be slashed by 50 per cent to lure developers. This is being done to attract better revenue prospects. The lease rates currently stand at Rs 1,221 per square metre per month for the airport building and Rs 3,163 per square metre per annum for open land. With a slash in lease rates, the built-in area at the Begumpet airport which now has the lone presence of Spice Jet booking counter might have a few more airline operators' booking counters.

A couple of banks also operate from the airport premises. The open land is used by flying clubs that pay the airport as per their open land charges.

Going by the prevailing market rates, this 29 acres of airport land runs into hundreds of crores with real estate analysts calculating the land's worth based on the prevailing rate of Rs 40,000 per square yard.

us2cyberabad

May 29th, 2010, 03:51 AM

IANSPrithvi aims to become $1 billion company by 2012
Source:http://sify.com/finance/prithvi-aims-to-become-1-billion-company-by-2012-news-default-kf1tkdcedge.html

Prithvi Information Solutions Ltd, a global Information and Communication Technology (ICT) service provider, aims to become a $1-billion company by 2012.

'The company has outlined a four-pronged success principle represented by CARE which stands for customer focus, accountability, respect and excellence and is focusing on IT services, engineering services and telecom products,' said Managing Director V. Satish Kumar.

The company, which has set a revenue target of $450 million for 2010-11, Thursday unveiled its new corporate logo. The new logo emphasizes on the brand name 'Prithvi' and is intended to facilitate easy reference and recall.

Apart from increasing its footprint in existing markets, Prithvi will focus on emerging markets - India, South America and the Middle East.

As part of its expansion plans, Prithvi recently shifted to a new corporate office building at Khanamet, HITEC City, Madhapur.

Prithvi is rated among the top 50 fastest growing companies in India and top 500 of Asia by international accounting and consulting firm Deloitte.

us2cyberabad

May 29th, 2010, 03:53 AM

Sujana Energy eyes Rs 500 cr from lighting
Source:http://sify.com/finance/sujana-energy-eyes-rs-500-cr-from-lighting-news-news-kf2buEagfab.html

Sujana Energy Limited, part of the diversified Sujana group, is expecting revenues of Rs 500 crore in three to four years from the lighting segment.

The company is targeting three segments- street lighting, indoor and solar products, according to its managing director, Hari Kiran Chereddi. "The volumes will come from government, muncipal and corporate orders. We are hoping for operating margins of 25 to 30 per cent," he said.

Speaking to the media here on Thursday to announce a partnership with Nichia Corporation, a Japanese supplier of white LEDs, he said the company had so far has invested about $5 million (Rs 23.65 crore) in its facility for offering lighting solutions.

As part of the partnership, Sujana will get LEDs from Nichia for use in lighting accessories. These would be made at its Madhapur plant here. "We will make the LED systems to suit the Indian conditions," he said

us2cyberabad

May 29th, 2010, 03:54 AM

DRS Group forays into pharma business
Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/drs-group-forays-into-pharma-business/96008/on

Hyderabad-based DRS Group today said it has made a foray into pharmaceutical business with the launch of its new division, DRS Labs.

The group, which has interests in transportation, logistics, supply chain management, warehousing and education, will inaugurate its first pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at Medchal in Hyderabad tomorrow.

DRS Labs will initially focus on contract manufacturing. It will have a capital of Rs 10 crore, the company said in a statement.

"There is a huge demand in the contract manufacturing space and with Indian drug manufacturing sector gaining international prominence, we felt this was the right time to launch DRS labs," DRS Group Director A K Agarwal said.

"The new division will commence its operations with contract manufacturing and we will target Rs 50 crore turnover in the first year," he added.

Its Hyderabad facility is spread over 9 acres of land and with a built-up area of 40,000 sq ft is fully equipped to manufacture over 300 tonnes of tablets, capsules, liquids and ointments per year.

Moreover, the facility will provide direct employment to 200 people and create indirect employment opportunities to over 300 people, it said.

us2cyberabad

May 29th, 2010, 05:48 AM

MIC Elec plans Rs 240-cr capacity expansion
source:http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/MIC-Elec-plans-Rs-240-cr-capacity-expansion/220042438

MIC Electronics Ltd will be investing Rs 240 crore in the next nine months in expanding its capacity of lighting systems.

The Hyderabad-based company would set up three production lines for tube lights, solar lights and street lights besides a unit of product testing and certification.

This was disclosed by Dr M.V. Ramana Rao, Chairman and Managing Director, MIC Electronics, after signing a memorandum of understanding with Patna-based Beltron Telecom Green Energy Systems (BTGES) for supplying 2.30 lakh solar-powered LED lanterns here on Thursday.

rizwan3

May 29th, 2010, 05:09 PM

rizwan3

May 29th, 2010, 05:11 PM

India101

May 30th, 2010, 02:38 AM

Raheja Orchards, more info on their website (http://www.rahejauniversal.com/Residential_Completed_project/forthcoming/forthcoming_project.html) -

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/5496/screenshot20100530at103.png

ranga

May 30th, 2010, 12:22 PM

deleted

us2cyberabad

May 31st, 2010, 04:23 AM

Pharmexcil seeks global consultants
Source:http://www.livemint.com/2010/05/27223400/Pharmexcil-seeks-global-consul.html?h=B

The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) has invited global consultants to draw up a plan for a proposed India branding and export facilitation project.

The overseas project, which will be paid for by the market access initiative fund of the commerce ministry and part-financed by the council itself, envisages the setting up of drug regulatory compliance and liaison centres, warehouses, infrastructure and the hiring of staff for export promotion activities in the overseas markets.

Pharmexcil chairman Smitesh Shah said the draft should be ready in a couple of months as the consultants will be shortlisted soon.

The proposal, which is the first of its kind by an Indian export promotion council, has also been approved in principle by the commerce ministry, he said.

In the first phase of the project, the overseas centres will be set up in five countries—the US, the UK, Japan, Russia and Nigeria. It will be expanded to a few other emerging markets later.

“These five markets constitute a significant part of India’s drug exports. The plan to set up common facilities abroad is to help bring down export costs, and also to develop markets, especially for drug makers entering newly to these geographies,” said Shah. “We have to be closer to the markets where we can sell our capabilities.”

The main objective of this big investment is to make exporters familiar with target markets. The overseas centres will have special cells to help Indian companies handle regulatory compliance issues, customs documentation and sales and distribution activities along with warehousing facilities, he said.

Pharmexcil, set up to promote drug exports from the country, is headquartered in Hyderabad and has regional offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Ahmedabad.

us2cyberabad

May 31st, 2010, 04:25 AM

We Are Known For Flash-based FPGA Technology"
Source:http://www.efytimes.com/e1/creativenews.asp?edid=45875

Actel has been providing FPGAs for the space and military industry in India for many years. Actel is among a handful of firms in the low power FPGA and mixed signal FPGA arena, offering the most comprehensive portfolio of system and power management solutions with a history of reliability, coupled with unique flash-based technology. Actel had their India operations through their partner QualCore Logic. Recently Actel started its direct operations in India; Actel India was established in June 2009. Mahendra Jain, country manager, Actel India, speaks to Jesus Milton Rousseau S of Electronics For You magazine about their future plans in India.

What is the USP of your company?

Actel is known for its unique flash - based FPGA technology. While we are the third largest FPGA company in the world, we are the only ones that provide both non-volatile antifuse and flash - based FPGAs, which are more reliable, more secure and have lower power than any other FPGAs in the world.

How has Actel's journey been so far in India and what are your specific plans for Actel India?

Actel has been providing FPGAs for the space and military industry in India for many years. Recently, we opened a development centre in Hyderabad to support our growing customer base around the world. We are planning to employ more engineers in Actel India Support Center and increase the head count from 60 to 100 employees this year. But more than increasing the head count our philosophy is to make employees more efficient and more productive by giving them the right training and right infrastructure.

Why did Actel choose Hyderabad?

Actel India's business partner QualCore Logic was based in Hyderabad so it had some links in the region. Also Hyderabad offered the best opportunity to recruit and retain employees. There are other technology companies in the area, so that makes the availability of both new and experienced engineers easier. Hyderabad also has a new airport, which makes flying in and out of the region more convenient. Also, in India we have another office in Bengaluru, which takes care of sales.