Japan likely to finance Anpara D power project in UP

Lucknow, May 18 (UNI) Power starved Uttar Pradesh has approached Japan for financial assistance to the fourth phase of the Super Thermal Power Project at Anpara.

A high-level six member delegation led by Japanese Embassy's First Secretary Toyu Fuku today met state power minister Shivpal Singh Yadav and principal secretary (power) Ashok Khurana here. UP assembly speaker Mata Prasad Pandey was also present in the meeting.

UP has sought a financial assistance of Rs 5,500 crore for 1,000 Mw Anpara D thermal power station from Japan to be financed by Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC).

Anpara A and B, thermal power projects in operations have been financed by JBIC, while 1,000 Mw Anpara C thermal power unit would be awarded to private parties through bidding next week.

Mr Fuku told mediapersons here the delegation held meeting with the state officials on power and Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) in UP.

''We have asked UP to send a formal letter to Japan government about their power demand and MRTS,'' he informed.

Earlier on April 28, Japan's vice finance minister visited UP when the matter was rasied before him. The Japanese delegation comprised several industralists including ITCHU India chairman Yamamoto.

Mr Khurana said UP would ask Japan to complete its feasibility report within eight months so that the work for the power units starts soon.

''Normally, they take around three yrs to complete the feasibility report,'' he said, adding UP was also writing technical details of Anpara D project very soon.

Giving breakup of the loan amout, Mr Khurana said Rs 4,000 crore would be required for the 1000 Mw Anpara D Super Thermal Power unit, while Rs 1,500 crore would be needed for constructing transmission lines to feed the generated power.

If UP's proposal is approved by Japan, then it will get the loan at the minimum rate of 1.7 per cent interest and payable in next 40 years.

Meanwhile, the Japanese delegation has asked the state PWD department to sent technical report on MRTS to be constructed in Lucknow.

''UP capital might get a metro or any other high speed transport system if the proposal is approved,'' the Japanese team leader said.

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