The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved further development of Bangalore Metro Rail project worth Rs 14,788 crore. The two projects titled as phase 2A and 2B will connect the metro rail to Central Silk Board Junction to K.R. Puram and K.R.Puram to Airport via Hebbal Junction. The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi also approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilisers for the formulation of exclusive subsidy policy for Urea produced through coal gasification route by Talcher Fertilizers Limited (TFL).
Addressing media though video conference Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that the development project of Bangalore Metro will give more connectivity with the city and airport. He said the new metro lines of 59 kilometers worth Rs 14,788 crore will provide economic prosperity, last mile connectivity and sustainable transportation in Bangalore city.
“Considering the strategic energy security and urea self-sufficiency of the country, looking into the country’s vast coal reserves, it has been decided go ahead with Talcher Fertilizer Limited plant based on coal gasification technology.
The project shall improve availability of fertilizer to farmers thereby boosting development of eastern region and will save transport subsidy for supply of urea in eastern part of the country. It would assist in reducing Urea imports to the tune of 12.7 LMT per annum leading to savings in foreign exchange.
“The project will also give a boost to ‘Make in India’ initiative and AtmaNirbhar’ campaign and would help development of infrastructure like roads, railways water, etc. providing major boost to economy in the eastern part of the country including promoting ancillary industry. The project will also provide New business opportunity in form of ancillary industries in the catchment area of the project,” said Government in statement detailing the Urea subsidy project.
Coal gasification plants are strategically important as coal prices are non-volatile and coal is abundantly available. Talcher plant shall also reduce dependence on important Natural Gas for production of urea leading to reduction in LNG import bill.
The gasification process adopted in Talcher unit is a Clean Coal Technology giving negligible SOx, NOx and free particulate emissions as compared to directly coal fired processes. Talcher Fertilizers Ltd. (TFL) is a Joint Venture Company of four PSUs namely Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (RCF), GAIL (India) Ltd. (GAIL), Coal India Ltd. (CIL) and Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd.