Latest news with #Dahod
Mint
23-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Railway Ministry rejects ‘conflict of interest' charges over Siemens securing multi-crore Dahod locomotives tender
Indian Railways on Monday, June 23, responded to questions raised about German manufacturer Siemens securing a multi-crore 9,000 horsepower Dahod locomotive project by explaining the bidding process carried out in 2022. The Indian National Congress (INC) on Monday questioned Indian Railways over the process through which the ₹ 26,000 crore railway contract was granted to the manufacturer while alleging a conflict of interest issue, reported the news agency PTI. Congress leader Brijendra Singh raised the alleged conflict of interest issue as Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had previously been a vice president of Siemens India, the same company which won the railway contract. 'What sounds more concerning is that the current Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has been a vice president of Siemens India in the past. He was earlier employed by both Siemens and GE Transportation, companies which have vested interests in India's railway sector,' said Singh, according to the agency report. The opposition party demanded a parliamentary inquiry into the contract, while Indian Railways dismissed the allegation by terming it 'misleading,' as per the agency report. 'This raises a direct question of conflict of interest, especially since Siemens secured its largest-ever contract in India under his tenure as Railway Minister. Is this a coincidence, or a clear case of conflict of interest?' Singh was quoted as saying in the report. The Ministry of Railways issued an official statement assuring the public that the tender allotment for the 9,000 horsepower Dahod locomotive project was executed transparently. 'The tender for manufacturing and maintaining 9,000 hp electric locomotives was executed in a transparent manner. There are two electric locomotive manufacturers globally who have the capability to design and manufacture 9000 hp electric locomotives - Alstom and Siemens - both of them participated in the tender,' said the Railways Ministry. The Ministry further said that the tender offer was evaluated by a team of technical and financial experts, keeping in mind the processes that are required in Indian Railways. 'The price discovered through this transparent method is highly competitive. The contract is as per the tender documents. There is no change in the tender conditions,' it said in the release. Rejecting the conflict of interest claims of the Congress, the Ministry said there is no involvement of the Minister of Railways in the tender evaluation process. 'There is no role of the Minister of Railways in the tender evaluation process,' said the Railway Ministry in the release. The Ministry also said that nearly 89 per cent of the components used in the manufacturing of the 9,000 horsepower locomotives are made in India, and the maintenance will be carried out at four railway depots, namely, Visakhapatnam, Raipur, Kharagpur, and Pune.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Indian Railways to achieve net zero targets in 2025 itself - 5 years ahead of 2030 goal
By the end of December, Indian Railways will achieve 'Scope 1 net zero', successfully offsetting 2.2 million tonne CO2. In a big boost to Indian Railways ' green plans, the national transporter is set to reach its net zero objectives in the current year, significantly earlier than its 2030 target, primarily due to comprehensive electrification efforts. By the end of December, Indian Railways will achieve 'Scope 1 net zero', successfully offsetting 2.2 million tonne CO2, which exceeds its emissions by 200,000 tonnes, according to Indian Railways officials. By 2030, the Indian Railways anticipates requiring approximately 10 gigawatt (GW) of electricity for train operations. The distribution plan includes 3 GW from renewable sources including hydropower, whilst another 3 GW will come from thermal and nuclear sources. The remaining 4 GW requirement shall be fulfilled through arrangements with power distribution companies. On Track for net zero plans A senior official informed ET, "Over 90% of the traction (energy used to power trains) is on electric. This will rise to 95% by 2029-30." The government-operated railway network is currently focusing on decreasing indirect emissions, particularly from electricity generated by thermal power stations. Official data indicates that the Indian Railways' carbon emissions reduced from 3.32 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2023-24. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo The official stated, "At 90% electric traction (in 2024-25), Scope 1 carbon emissions stood at 2.02 mtpa. This will come down to 1.37 mtpa with 95% electric traction from 2025-26 onwards." Also Read | Indian Railways bets on nuclear power - details here Indian Railways is actively pursuing renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, while also exploring nuclear energy options. "This will address indirect emissions (Scope II and III)," the official added. According to officials, requests have been submitted to the power ministry to allocate roughly 2 GW of nuclear power for Indian Railways. Plans include sourcing 2 GW thermal power through new joint ventures and power purchase agreements. Additionally, negotiations are ongoing for 500 megawatt round-the-clock renewable energy procurement. The transition to electric power brings both environmental benefits and financial advantages for the Indian Railways. The expenditure on diesel for traction is projected to decrease to Rs 9,528.53 crore in 2025-26, marking the lowest projected diesel spending by the railways in over ten years. Also Read | Indian Railways' first 9,000 HP electric locomotive engine inaugurated by PM Modi; unveils Dahod's loco workshop - Top facts Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
2-0 Modi's manufacturing moment: From locomotives to aerospace, India's ambitions take flight
India is quietly—and quite deliberately—rebranding itself on the global stage. From locomotives to aerospace components, India is no longer content with being the world's back office or a domestic-only manufacturer—it's gearing up for exports. On track to build big Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to Gujarat wasn't just a ribbon-cutting ceremony—it was a signal. The inauguration of the Dahod locomotive manufacturing plant in Gujarat and the rollout of a domestically built electric engine are clear signals of intent. The new locomotives aren't just made in India—they're made for the world. According to The Tribune, they're headed to European and African markets. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo These aren't legacy diesel machines—they come with regenerative braking systems aimed at improving energy efficiency. And there's more fuel in the tank. Indian Railways recently bagged a Rs 2,000 crore order from Guinea for 140 diesel locomotives, to be built at the Marhowrah plant in Bihar. It's one of the largest railway export deals in India's history—a clear signal that India wishes to become a serious player in global rolling stock. Live Events Wings of ambition: Aerospace takes off If the railways are gathering speed, the aerospace sector is hitting altitude. Civil Aviation Secretary Sameer Kumar Sinha says global OEMs now source over $2 billion annually in aerospace components and services from India. The All India Association of Industries pegs the domestic aerospace and defense market at a potential $70 billion by 2030. Enter the Aerospace India Association (AIA)—a newly launched apex body tasked with multiplying India's aerospace exports tenfold, from under $2 billion today to $20 billion within a decade. Ambitious? Certainly. But well in sync with India's now-familiar pattern of big manufacturing bets. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu outlined the government's roadmap: build resilient supply chains, promote indigenous manufacturing, and transform India into a global aviation hub. A key part of that plan? A competitive aerospace supply base, and accelerating India's own regional aircraft programme. Complementing this export push is a long-overdue tax reform that could unlock serious potential in the aviation services space. To bolster India's standing as a global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub, the government, in July last year, implemented a uniform 5 per cent IGST on all aircraft and engine parts. The MRO sector had been weighed down by a patchwork of GST rates—ranging from 5 per cent to 28 per cent—which resulted in an inverted duty structure and clogged input tax credits. The new regime simplified the tax landscape, and aligns with the government's broader ambition to make India a credible player in aviation manufacturing and services. PLI + Engineers = Export engine What's fuelling this ascent? A cocktail of low labor costs, a high volume of engineering grads, and generous government support through Production Linked Incentives (PLIs). If the acronym sounds dull, the results aren't: PLIs are making it increasingly irresistible for global giants to shift their supply chains to India. Litmus test for India's manufacturing capacity Of course, the journey from 'Make in India' to 'Made for the World' isn't without friction. Winning orders is one thing—meeting global benchmarks on quality, consistency, and turnaround time is another. And external variables like trade wars or geopolitical tensions could jolt supply chains.
Times of Oman
25-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Indian PM Modi to visit Gujarat on May 26-27, inaugurate and launch development projects worth Rs 53,414 crore
Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on May 26 and 27, his first visit to the state following Operation Sindoor, to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various development projects in Dahod, Bhuj, and Gandhinagar, a Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO) release said on Saturday. On May 26 in Bhuj, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of 33 development projects worth Rs 53,414 crore, with the projects spanning key sectors and will be undertaken by major departments and Boards including the Energy and Petrochemicals Department, Roads and Buildings Department, Water Supply Department, Pavitra Yatra Dham Vikas Board, Power Grid, and Deendayal Port Authority, the release said. According to the release, PM modi will inaugurate development projects including 220/66 kV Babarzar Substation, 132/66 kV Kansumra Substation in Jamnagar; 66 kV HTLS Transmission Lines in Amreli, Junagadh, and Gir Somnath; 11 MW Solar PV Project at Jambudiya Vidi in Morbi; 10 MW Solar PV Project at Manjal, 35 MW Solar PV Project at Lakadia in Kutch; 210 MW Solar PV Project at Babarjar in Jamnagar; Widening and strengthening of Layja-Bada-Mapar-Modkuba-Lathedi-Sandhan-Suthari Road in Kutch; Expansion and strengthening of Bhirandiyara-Hodko-Dhordo Tent City Road; Banaskantha-Sankari Project: Transmission network extension to increase Available Transfer Capability (ATC); Oil Jetty No 8, Dome and transit storage godowns at Cargo Jetty area, Port Area Expansion for EXIM cargo storage in Kandla; Additional road connectivity from Adipur to Cargo Berth 16 and National Highway 141; Common connectivity for the container terminal at Tuna-Tekra; D-type residential quarters at Port Colony in Gopalpuri; Centre of Excellence at DPA Administrative Office in Gandhidham; Development of temple premises and surrounding area, including Khatla Bhavani and Chachar Kund at Mata na Madh. Additionally, the foundation stone for key development projects will be laid, including 800 kV HVDC project for power transmission from the newly developed Khawda Renewable Energy Zone; Transmission system for an additional 7 GW of power from Khawda Renewable Park; 400/220 kV Mevasa Substation, 400/220 kV Dholera-2 Substation in Kutch and Ahmedabad respectively; 800 MW Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Plant Unit, Remodeling of the new marshalling yard for the coal handling plant at Ukai, Tapi; Pump mode operation for the 60 MW unit of Kadana Hydro Electric Plant; Storm-proof underground power distribution network in Gandhidham city, Construction of the Palasava-Bhimsar-Hamirpur-Fategadh CC road, Strengthening of the Kotda-Bitta Road, Group Improvement Water Supply Scheme in Abdasa in Kutch; Four-lane high-speed corridor from Bhuj to Nakhatrana; Construction of a 10 MW Green Hydrogen Production Facility, Construction of 3 Road Over Bridges and improvement of 6-lane roads at Kandla; Development of Hyperloop Pod Technology at Kandla Port; and Tourism infrastructure development at Dholavira.
New Indian Express
19-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Dahod MGNREGA scam: Gujarat Minister's son Kiran Khabad held in pre-dawn swoop, hours after brother's arrest
AHMEDABAD: In a significant development in the Dahod MGNREGA scam investigation, police have arrested Kiran Khabad, the younger son of Gujarat Panchayat Raj Minister Bachu Khabad, further tightening the net around the influential Khabad family. This early morning arrest took place just hours after his elder brother, Balwant Khabad, was taken into custody on Saturday, signalling an intensifying crackdown. Kiran was apprehended on the Vadodara-Halol highway and swiftly brought to the police station. Speaking to the media, Dahod DySP Jagdish Bhandari stated firmly, 'Seven people have been arrested so far in connection with the MGNREGA scam. Some are in judicial custody, others on remand. Today, five more were arrested during a statewide operation.' He added, 'Among those arrested are Kiran Khabad, proprietor of the agency; APO Dilip Chauhan; former TDO R.K. Rathwa; and Parth Bariya, also linked to the agency. Bhavesh Rathod has also been detained. The investigation is intensifying.' The massive Rs 71 crore MGNREGA scam has rocked Gujarat's rural development machinery. With the arrest of Kiran Khabad son of the State Panchayat and Agriculture Minister the case has reached a new level. Kiran had been absconding, even as his elder brother Balwant Khabad, also a son of the minister, was arrested earlier on 17 May, directly linking both siblings to the high-profile fraud.
