India’s Tamil Nadu to set up 500-MW solar PV park worth Rs23.5 bn, CM says

The government of Tamil Nadu, a state in south India, will be setting up a 500-megawatt (MW) ultra-mega solar photovoltaic (PV) power park estimated to be worth Rs23.5 billion in the Ramanathapuram district as part of a series of new initiatives in various sectors, according to a suomotu announcement made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami.

The announcement was made using the Tamil Nadu Assembly rule No 110, often used by former chief minister Jayalalithaa to spell out her government’s various initiatives and measures.

State-run TANGEDCO will establish the solar power park on Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) basis at Naripaiyur and adjoining villages in the district, the chief minister said.

Palaniswami also announced the setting up of nearly 130 new sub-stations and related power infrastructure in different parts of the state, besides upgradation of existing ones.

He recalled that various steps in this sector had ensured the state had overcome the severe power crisis and it has now become power surplus.

In the Industries sector, the chief minister proposed a Multi-Modal Logistics Park in neighboring Tiruvallur district. A joint initiative to be taken up with the central government, the park will come up on 360 acres at an estimated Rs12.95 billion, he said, adding that it will address issues including congestion and pollution.

Palaniswami also announced developing the second stage of a SIPCOT Industrial Complex in Tuticorin.

As a first step, infrastructure such as inner roads, water supply, water drainage facilities, streetlights and other facilities will be developed at a cost of Rs600 million in the two years, Palaniswami said.

“This will pave the way for attracting Rs5 billion of investment (at the new industrial site), besides direct job opportunities for 10,000 persons,” he said.

Another 20,000 persons will benefit from indirect job opportunities, he said.

The chief minister also announced that the government will establish three industrial estates– one each in Vellore, Tiruvannamalai and Tiruvallur districts, at an estimated cost of Rs770 million, in the current year.

He also announced setting up of many additional facilities in the existing industrial estates.

For differently abled persons, the government will provide rollator/walker to 1,000 children at a cost of Rs1 million. An audit committee will also be formed to ensure implementation of various facilities for differently abled including lifts in all public buildings, ramps, toilet facilities and specific information signs for visually and hearing disabled, the chief minister said.