The Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, Renewable Energy and Mines, Shri. Piyush Goyal reviewed here today issues related to Power, coal, renewable energy and mines sectors with the Govt. of Karnataka. Addressing the media after the review meeting, Shri. Goyal said that there are four ongoing power projects linking with various states to bring surplus power from the central grid to Karnataka state. 400 KV Yelahanka LILO , 400KV Dharmapuri-Somanahally D/C Line, 400 KV Madhugiri –Yelahanka D/C line and 765 KV Madhugiri –Dharmapuri (Salem New ) S/C Line are the four projects which have been stalled from last many years due to the demand of high compensation. The Government of Karnataka has now agreed to provide all assistance to complete these projects. The completion of these projects will help Karnataka in getting surplus power. The centre has also approved a Renewable Energy Management Center for Bengaluru to support large scale grid integration , added Shri Goyal .
Regarding Coal & Mining sectors , Shri Goyal said India should look at doubling its mineral output in the next 3 to 4 years and become a net exporter of minerals. Coal problems are history in India. It is requested for steel industry of Karnataka to secure coal linkages. Last year the imports of coal have been reduced to the tune of Rs. 24,000 crore. This year the target is Rs. 40,000 crore . From 2-3 days stock of coal available to Power plants to straight 51 days stock of coal, it is a reflection of the hard work & commitment of all mine employees, the Minister said. Shri Goyal thanked Government of Karnataka for signing UDAY, even though the Government has accepted only the operational efficiencies and not its financial aspects. The Minister said that Central Government is willing to help Karnataka Government in every possible way. The Central Government has been requesting to Karnataka Government to sort out right of way issues so that transmission lines can be laid out smoothly , the Minister added. In the last 2 years the capacity of the Southern grid has been increased by 71%. Shri Goyal stated that he has requested Karnataka Government to come up with plans for rapid expansion of output of mines and creation of jobs in Karnataka .