8 TBMs, 3-year deadline for 16.75-km Hebbal–Silk Board tunnel

The detailed project report (DPR) had suggested three tunnelling options. The government opted for eight TBMs, each drilling 2 km a year. The three-lane underground twin tunnel road will have a tunnelling length of 33.49 km in both directions, with two-lane exit and entry ramps.

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The Hindu

14 hours ago

• The Hindu

Singareni plans State's first pumped storage power project near closed Medipally OC mine

HYDERABAD The Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) is planning to establish the State's first pumped storage (hydel) power project with 500 megawatt capacity as part of its plans of diversification and business expansion towards making the organisation sustainable in the wake of increasing competition in the field of coal mining. In addition to its main activity of coal mining, the company has already entered into thermal and solar power generation areas. The decision to go for a pumped storage power project was taken following the directions from the State government, which holds a majority stake of 51% in the company. After preliminary study on the scope of the pumped storage project, the company has decided to entrust the task of detail project report (DPR) preparation to the Central Government agency WAPCOS. The letter of award for DPR preparation was given to the company at a meeting held here on Saturday. According to Chairman and Managing Director of the SCCL N. Balaram, the pumped storage power project is being planned at the water storage area (sump) created following the closure of Medipally opencast mine in the Ramagundam-I area. He stated that neither the State power utility Genco nor any private company has planned/materialised a pumped storage power project in Telangana so far, though several such projects were taken up in the neighbouring States. Deputy Chief Minister M. Bhatti Vikramarka, who handles the portfolios of Energy and Finance, has already visited the closed Medipally opencast mine area before giving a go ahead for the new venture. The WAPCOS would take up a comprehensive study before preparing the DPR - including geological, geotechnical and hydrology studies as also civil, mechanical and electrical designs, environmental aspects and safety works. The estimated cost of the project, time for its execution and sale of energy generated at the project would be included in the DPR to be prepared by WAPCOS. Mr. Balaram explained that a 157-meter deep water sump/tank was created with the abandonment of the Medipally opencast mine after the extraction of coal reserves there and the rainwater stored in it would be available round-the-year. The cost of the project is expected to be around ₹3,000 crore and it would have a life of 40 years – generating cheap energy for 40 years. Another reservoir with 2,350 meters length and 23-meter depth in the upstream area would be created with the same water-holding capacity (9.64 million cubic meters) and aout 8 million cubic meters of rainwater in the sump downstream would be pumped into to the upstream stream reservoir in day-time with the help of solar energy. In the night, the water pumped into the upstream reservoir would be channelised into turbines to generate hydel energy.

The Hindu

20 hours ago

• The Hindu

Extension of Kochi Water Metro service proposed in developing Kadambrayar as a tourism destination

Extending the Kochi Water Metro service using feeder boats from Kakkanad to Kadambrayar in Ernakulam for sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly transit for tourists and Infopark professionals figured among the recommendations included in a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed enhancement of Kadambrayar tourism destination centre. A well-designed, eco-friendly boat jetty has been proposed to facilitate the service. A floating or fixed reinforced cement concrete jetty based on water conditions, covered passenger waiting area with seating, safety railings, signage, and lighting, information display about the water metro schedules, easy pedestrian access from the riverfront promenade and integrated CCTV and Wi-Fi zones for safety and digital access are some of the features proposed for the jetty. 'We have already discussed the proposal with the Kochi Metro Rail Limited, and the outcome has been, by and large, positive. A more detailed discussion will have to be held,' said P.V. Sreenijin, Kunnathunadu MLA. Smaller boats He said that boats smaller than those used for the water metro services will have to be designed for the proposed service, considering the lack of vertical clearance under the Brahmapuram Bridge. The project has already received administrative sanction from the government. Once the technical sanction is also granted, the tourism department will tender it. The ₹3.50 crore project was approved during the chief minister's Nava Kerala Sadas. The DPR, however, proposes a three-phased development with an estimated investment of ₹5.50 crores. The first phase proposes a walkway widening, lighting, parking, and a café at an estimated ₹2 crores to be completed in six months. The second phase includes a proposed amphitheatre, gym, a boat jetty and parking facilities at an investment of another ₹2 crores in six months. Beautification and other amenities for ₹1.50 crores have been proposed in the final phase. The DPR observes that the Kadambrayar riverfront, with its natural beauty and ideal urban-rural interface, presents an exceptional opportunity for Kerala to showcase a sustainable tourism success story. It concludes that through targeted interventions, smart infrastructure, and community involvement, Kadambrayar can be developed as a model riverfront destination attracting urban professionals, families, and global tourists alike.

The Hindu

21 hours ago

• The Hindu

DPR proposes multi-pronged infrastructure facelift for developing Kadambrayar as a tourism destination

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the development of Kadambrayar in Ernakulam as an attractive tourism destination has proposed multi-pronged enhancement measures for improved infrastructure. Developing Kayaking routes along designated stretches of the Kadambrayar river is one of the proposals to promote eco-tourism and attract adventure seekers. This calls for safety gear and trained lifeguards for all participants, docking stations and rental kiosks for kayaks and pedal boats, and floating platforms and river pontoons for guided water exploration. Events like weekend river marathons or group kayaking challenges may also be introduced seasonally, the DPR says. Improved infrastructure has been proposed in nature-integrated amenities, health and wellness, food and refreshment, cultural and leisure activities, sanitation, kids, and digital safety services. An open-air gym with elderly-friendly units, a jogging track with rubber surface and signage, and yoga or meditation zones have also been proposed. A mini amphitheatre, public art murals and sculpture zones, and birdwatching points and eco-trails have also been proposed. Walkway widening Widening the existing walkway to 5 meters with durable paving blocks and elevating it by 2 feet to prevent waterlogging and improve resilience against seasonal flooding have also been recommended. Setting up long slab benches for paddy field watching, a tea or snack café as a scenic pit stop, the renovation of the existing DTPC hotel, and a beer parlour have been included in the proposals. The DPR foresees the local economy and community benefiting from the proposed developments. It lists out boost to local economy via tourism, employment/self-employment for youth and women, income from food stalls, boat rides, cafés, and events and the promotion of local culture and crafts as the obvious advantages. Environmental conservation measures like solar-powered street lighting, rain gardens and bioswales, native tree planting campaign, a total ban on single-use plastics, and community-driven river clean-up drives have also been proposed.