Move to speed up Gas Cracker Project work

From Kalyan Barooah

NEW DELHI, June 30 – In a bid to fasttrack the implementation of the mega Gas Cracker Project, a deadline of September 15 has been set for selection of licensors and financial closure. A crucial review meeting of the Project, chaired by Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Bijoy Krishna Handique fixed the timetable for completion of the vital formalities. This came even as the Prime Minister’s Office has called for priority in selection of a full-fledged Managing Director and a Director of the Brahmaputra Crackers and Polymers Limited (BCPL).The selection process for the post of Managing Director is expected to take another six months, said the Minister, talking to this newspaper soon after the review meeting. Necessary papers for finalisation of the criteria, norms and qualifications have been forwarded to the Department of Public Enterprise, sources said. BPCL has already appointed a full-time chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Technical and the contracts and procurement teams have been formed. To expedite the clearance process, a sub-committee of the Board has been formed, sources said. However, the meeting at Shastri Bhavan today while reviewing the progress of the works noted with dismay the suspension of the fencing work following trouble at the work site. A Guwahati-based company was awarded the contract for the fencing works estimated to cost Rs 4 crore. Chairman-cum-Managing Director of GAIL, Dr UD Choubey had formally launched the commencement of fencing work on May 28. Following trouble between the company and local contractors, work has been suspended. The meeting today requested State Industries Commissioner, Ravi Kapoor to look into the issue and sort it out. The meeting was attended by officials of Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Assam Government.Meanwhile, the Minister said a firm timetable for completion of formalities has been set. All work like floating of tenders and selection of technology and licensors would start in July. A deadline of September has been set by when all tenders would be awarded, he said.The two main tasks set out for completion include financial closure of BPCL and selection of licensor. The technology is to be selected by the licensor. There are three major players the world over.With the PMO closely monitoring the progress of the project, officials are under pressure to work on a schedule and complete the project within 60 months. Handiqe, meanwhile, said that he is not satisfied with the progress of the work and has impressed upon the officials to fast track the execution of the Project.The joint venture project among GAIL, Oil India Limited (OIL), Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) and Assam Government is estimated to cost Rs 5,460 crore. The Government of India is shelling out a subsidy of Rs 2138 crore. The Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone of the project in April last year. source: assam tribune