India lays foundation stone for a power project in Sudan
Feb 12, 2006 (NEW DELHI) — Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Santosh Mohan Dev has laid the foundation stone for a mega Thermal Power project at Kosti in White Nile State of Sudan.
The 500 MW project costing USD 457 million, will be built in 44 months by Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. India has extended a concessional line of credit of USD 350 million, the Indian PTI new agency reported.
Addressing a gathering after the stone laying ceremony yesterday, Dev highlighted the growing friendship and economic ties between the two countries. He said ONGC and BHEL, India’s two leading Public Sector Undertakings were already working in Sudan.
ONGC completed its 741 kilometre multi-product pipeline project in August 2005, two months ahead of schedule. BHEL would also complete its project on time, the Minister assured the Sudanese people, the release said.
Dev announced a contribution of USD 80,000 by ONGC for a state-of-the-art institute in Kartoum for hearing and speech impaired children.
He also called on Sudanese President Omer Hassan al-Bashir and offered India’s support for the development of non-conventional energy sources in Sudan.
(PTI/ST)