IEP Chandigarh, August 22
Haryana Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal today directed the officers of the Industries and Energy Department to complete all formalities of signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) preferably within 15 days for setting up of Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) and solar power generation infrastructure under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Scheme.
The Chief Secretary gave these instructions while presiding over a meeting on the establishment of MMLPs and solar power generation infrastructure under the PM KUSUM Scheme here today. He directed the officers to ensure the setting up of MMLPs and solar power generation infrastructure in a timely manner.
Highlighting the significance of the endeavor, CEO of the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), Mr. Prakash Gaur said that NHLML, a wholly-owned Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has been entrusted with a pivotal mandate – to develop Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) at 35 strategically significant locations across the nation. Out of the 35 MMLP sites approved by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA), Government of India, Haryana is set to host two MMLPs: one in Ambala and another in Hisar. Additionally, a proposed MMLP is earmarked for the Delhi-NCR region. In light of this, NHLML has requested the Haryana government to identify suitable land parcels, ranging between 100 to 150 acres. The ideal land parcels should be strategically situated near rail lines/DFC and national highways. Furthermore, proximity to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, industrial hubs, or production centers is recommended to ensure the MMLPs’ commercial viability. The prospective establishment of MMLPs within Haryana bears immense promise. Beyond bolstering the state’s economy and generating employment opportunities, these parks will contribute to pollution reduction and elevate the efficiency of the logistics sector, he added.
He said that NHLML plans to implement the projects under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) scheme, which aims to promote solar energy in the agriculture sector. Under the PM KUSUM scheme, NHLML will provide vacant land parcels at interchanges along the national highways/expressways to solar developers. The developers will then execute the projects in the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) mode, which is similar to the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) model. The developers will provide power to the state Discoms at the bid out price for a period of 25 years. The state Discoms will select the developers under the PM KUSUM scheme and purchase power from them at the bid out price. The Discoms will also pay lease rent to NHLML for the use of the land parcels. The implementation of these pilot projects is a significant step towards realizing the vision of ‘Green and Self-sustainable Highways’. The projects will help to reduce the carbon footprint of the highways and improve their energy efficiency, he added.
Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Mr. Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Mr. Anand Mohan Sharan and senior officers of NHLML including Col. Anil Sen, Zonal Officer, Northern Region, Mr. Ankit Sangrai, SE, Zonal Office, Chandigarh, Mr. Narender Kumar, SE, Zonal Office, Chandigarh were also present in the meeting.
