Introduction

 

Infrastructure is the backbone of all development activities. It improves the well-being of the residents and impacts their daily life directly as well as indirectly. This Chapter includes sections on Transport, Energy, Urban infrastructure, Communication infrastructure, IT, Sports infrastructure, Housing and on Information and Publicity. The critical importance of this sector in Kerala, the main accomplishments of this sector during the 11th Plan (2007 -2012), the major challenges faced by the sector and some of the major schemes introduced to tackle these challenges are brought out in this chapter.

 

In Section 1 on transport, the main concerns brought out are lack of adequate road infrastructure primarily on account of non availability of land, increasing trend of road accidents and the pressing need to develop water transport as a complementary and environment friendly mode of transport. Major new initiatives underway include the Kochi Metro Rail System, High Speed Rail Corridor connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargode and Kochi to Palakkad, Rail Coach Factory at Palakkad, Kannur airport and Vizhinjam port.

 

In Section 2 on Energy, the concerns include the growing power deficit situation and the need to increase the share of renewable energy as an alternate and viable source of power. The major initiatives recently taken to improve the power situation in the state by KSEB, ANERT, Electrical Inspectorate and Energy Management Centre have been brought out.

 

Section 3 brings out the need for providing adequate infrastructure to cater to the increasing urban population and provides details of major schemes such as JNNURM, KSUDP, UIDSSMT, IHSDP and the Capital Region Development Programme. Section 4 brings out features of the communications ( posts and telecom) infrastructure in the state. The catalytic role of the Government to promote IT in Kerala through institutional support is given in Section 5.

 

The development of Sports Infrastructure has received a boost on account of the National Games (Section 6). The efforts of the State to provide public housing to the homeless through various schemes are highlighted in Section 7. Section 8 details the various public relations activities and information services of the Government.

.

 

Transport

 

5.1 Transport sector plays a significant role in the overall infrastructure development of the country which enables social, culture and trade development between Countries and States. Capacity requirements in transport are expected to double every decade in the medium term. This will consequently require large step-up in investments for capacity creation. Transport infrastructure consists of fixed infrastructure necessary for transport, such as roads, railways, airways, waterways, canals ,pipelines, terminals and portable infrastructure like inland vessels , cargo & passenger transport vehicles etc.

 

5.2 Transportation is an integral part of all commercial and social development processes. Any improvements in the sector will set the stage for much more widespread innovation in development processes. The benefits from the investments in roads sector are indirect, long term and perhaps, not immediately visible. The road density in Kerala is 3 times that of the National average, but is inadequate for Kerala’s transportation needs. The outley and expenture in Transport sector during 2010-11 and 2011-12 are given in Table 5.1.

 

5.3 The major development indicators of Transport and Communication Sector in the State since 2007 are given in Appendix 5.1.

 

Table 5.1

The Outlay and Expenditure in Transport Sector during 2010-11 &2011-12

(र Lakhs)

Sl. No.	Sector	AnnualPlan2010-11		% f Expenditure	Annual Plan 2011-12		% f Expenditure	AnnualPlan 2012-13 Outlay
		Outlay	Expenditure		Outlay	Expenditure
1	Roads & Bridges	54014.00	140653.68	26	62596.00	166196.19	27	54058.00
2	Road Transport	4819.00	4359.02	90	5319.00	4811.90	90	7425.00
3	Port	17081.00	16220.85	95	23081.00	21956.45	95	22368.00
4	Inland Waterways	11433.00	1541.09	13	11163.00	1837.25	16	13339.00

 

 

Transport Policy for Kerala 2011

 

5.4 NATPAC has prepared a draft transport policy with the Vision ‘Shaping a modern, efficient, economical and safe transportation system, connecting various growth regions in the state, to meet the faster mobility needs of all Keralites by 2025’.

 

5.5 The broad policy objectives and strategies of this draft policy are:

 

(i) Public Transport

The transport policy aims to revamp public transportation system by increasing its share from existing 33% of the total passenger traffic to 80% in 2025. Dependency on personal transport will be reduced and share of railways in interstate and intercity transport and that of buses in intra state and intra city transport will be increased.

 

(ii) Urban Transport

Due to inferior public transport services and lack of reliability and connectivity, the personalized transport demand is ever increasing in urban areas. It is expected that about 55% of Keralites will live in urban centers by 2025, so urban transport is a priority.

 

(iii) Intermediate Public Transport (IPT)

The Government will encourage introduction of specially designed Intermediate Public Transport vehicles such as four-wheeler Autorikshaw, Shared taxis, motorcycle taxies, and other non motorized vehicles for improving road safety.

 

(iv)Parking

Open and Multistoried parking facilities will be constructed by the Government at important transport terminals, market centers and multimodal logistic centres to promote inter modal transportation .

 

(v) Rural Transport

The transport policy aims to ensure easy access and reliable public transport to all classes of rural society. Standards of rural roads will be improved by connecting two or more panchayaths to allow bus services.

 

(vi) Goods Transport

The transport policy aims to ensure high quality goods transport service to the consumers through inter modal freight transportation and to provide barrier free movement of long haul goods vehicles entering the State.

 

(vii) Motor Vehicles.

The transport policy has the strategy to arrest the trend for sharp rise in private vehicle owner ship in the State and to improve driving skills and vehicle fitness for better road safety, to encourage cleaner eco-friendly and energy efficient vehicles and to make issuance of driving license and vehicle inspection strict and IT based.

 

(viii) Road Safety

The transport policy aims to arrest road accidents and fatalities at 2000 level immediately and to take measures to reduce road accident fatalities to zero level by 2025 .

 

Road Transport Sector in Kerala

 

5.6 The roads in Kerala are maintained by National Highways / Public Works Department (R&B), Local Bodies, Department of Irrigation, KSEB, Department of Forests, Railways etc. Other agencies dealing with transport sector are National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC), Motor Vehicles Department, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Kerala Transport Development Finance Corporation (KTDFC) and Roads & Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK).

 

 

5.7 In the State of Kerala the Public Works Department has a total road length of 31811.6 Kms of State roads and 1542 Kms of National Highways. The State roads include 4341.65 Kms. of State Highways and 27469.95 Kms of Major District Roads. Road improvements, repair and maintenance of existing roads, development and up gradation are the major activities taken up in the sector during the year. Budgetary support, private finance and institutional supports are used for the purpose. In the road infrastructure the share by different department of PWD are shown in the figure 5.1

 

Fig 5.1

Roads under PWD in Kerala (2010-11)

 

Source: PWD

 

State Highways and Major District Roads

 

5.8 All major arterial roads which provide mobility is with the PWD (R and B) and consist of 4341.65Km State Highways and 27469.95 Km Major District Roads. District wise details of road length are shown in Appendix 5.2.

 

5.9 Of the 14 districts in the State, like 2011, in 2012 also Kottayam has the major share of PWD roads with the length of 3449.3 Km and Wayanad has the lowest share with 1029.3 Km. The district wise, surface wise and category wise length of road maintained by PWD (R&B) as on 31-3-2012 is given in Appendix 5.3. The surface wise and category wise length of PWD Roads during 2011-12 is given in Appendix 5.4.

 

5.10 Analyzing the PWD roads it reveals that only 6.66Km is cement concrete, 30744.4Km is black topped and 447.3 Km water bound macadam. The black topped surface contributes nearly 97 % of the total roads. When compared to 2011 only the length of black topped road increased from 22174.5kms to 30744.4 kms (38.6% increase). The district wise details are given in Appendix 5.5.

 

5.11 The number of bridges and culverts and number of unsafe bridges and culverts remained same during the year. There are 2179 bridges (627 on SH and 1552 on MDR) and 51422 culverts (11512 on SH and 39910 on MDR) under PWD. Of them 148 bridges and 1519 culverts are unsafe and need reconstruction /renovation and details is shown in Appendix 5.6.

 

Railway Over Bridge (ROB) Projects

 

5.12 Out of 65 ROB’s approved by Railways for Kerala on cost sharing basis, 48 are to be constructed by Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala Ltd. (RBDCK).The corporation was entrusted with the work of construction of 48 Railway Over Bridges spread all over Kerala including one road namely Seaport Airport Road, and a river bridge at Pulamanthole.

 

Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP)

 

5.13 Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) is an initiative of Public Works Department, Government of Kerala and was officially launched in June 2002 to improve 1600 Km of State Road network and 77 Km of Inland Water. The total cost of the project is US $336 million (appx. र 1612 crores). Out of this, the World Bank Assistance is US$ 255 million (appx. र 1224 crores) and the Government of Kerala share is US$ 80.96 million (appx.र 388 crores).The State PWD has received a loan amounting to US $ 255 million for implementing the KSTP, from World Bank (IBRD).

 

5.14 The project comprises of Highway up gradation in two phases of 255 Kms (Phase 1) and 363 Kms (Phase II), Improvement to inland water canals in Alappuzha and Kottayam Districts (100 Kms),Road Maintenance of 1000 Kms, Road Safety engineering and Institutional strengthening in PWD. Road Maintenance, Road Safety works, Inland Water Transport works and Transport Corridor Upgrading and Institutional Strengthening of PWD are the other major components initiated under KSTP.

 

5.15 Transport Corridor Upgrading (Roads and Canals) 600 km roads and 77 km of canals-Up gradation of 600 km of State Highway and Major District Roads are taken up under phase I and II. But due to delay in acquisition of required land for road widening work and cost escalation, phase II up gradation work has been taken out of this project as per government decision. Also up gradation of 77 km of feeder canals has been taken up under this project and completed by reducing the scope of work.Government has accorded Administrative Sanction for र 1356 crores to take up works under external funds during 2011.

 

Research and Development in Road Sector

 

5.16 Research and Development activities play a crucial role in meeting the challenges of modernizing road system, technology up gradation, road safety, traffic control and finding cost effective solution to infrastructure problems in general. NATPAC, KHRI and DRIQ Board are the agencies engaged in Research and Development of the Road Sector.

 

National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC)

 

5.17 The broad area of activities of NATPAC includes Rural/Regional Transportation, Transportation Planning and Road Safety, Highway Engineering, Traffic Engineering and Management, Project Planning, Training and Extension Programmes. The Centre undertakes R&D Programmes in these areas. For further details refer Chapter 8 under Science and Technology Sector of this Economic Review.

 

Kerala Highway Research Institute (KHRI)

 

5.18 KHRI, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram is the only Research Institute under Kerala PWD.The major objectives and functions of the Institute are: to impart quality control in PWD by carrying out laboratory and field tests of all types of Building materials,undertake applied research works (R&D works),to function as a regular training institute.

 

5.19 The Institute functions under four divisions. They are Soil Mechanics and Foundation Division, Flexible Pavement Division,Concrete and Structure Division and Traffic Engineering Division.

 

Design, Research, Investigation and Quality Control Board (DRIQ Board)

 

5.20 Designing and construction of Bridges, Research and Project Preparation, Quality Control and Computerisation are the major activities of DRIQ Board. Major achievements include preparation of draft alignment plan for Ernakulam - Sabarimala road, Vattiyurkavu Junction and Karamana to Kaliyakkavila stretch of NH47. Structural Design of several bridges and a draft DPR for Vizhinjam International Container Terminal has been done.

 

State Road Improvement Programme (SRIP)

 

5.21 The Programme aims to ensure superior riding quality, better pedestrian facilities, higher safety standards etc. The programme shall comprise of the strengthening and widening and rebuilding major bridges, minor bridges and culverts, construction of concrete drains for rain water, construction of utility ducts for carrying utility lines like drinking water, telecommunication and electric cables, installation of traffic signals, road signage and road markings, street lights, paved or unpaved footpaths for safe pedestrian movements and long term periodic maintenance of pavements and street furniture etc.

 

Motor Vehicle Department

 

5.22 Motor Vehicles Department is one of the major revenue earning departments of the Kerala State. Towards the administration and enforcement of Motor Vehicle Laws, collection of tax on Motor Vehicles under various categories, registration of vehicles, licensing of drivers and regulation of use of motor vehicles in the State in accordance with the powers conferred on the Department, it has made remarkable achievements.

 

5.23 The number of motor vehicles having valid registration as on 31-3-2012 is 6865539. The District wise and category wise details of motor vehicles having valid registration as on 31-3-2012 is given in Appendix 5.7. The number of newly registered vehicles for the year 2011- 12 is 821295. The details are given in Appendix 5.8.

 

5.24 In Kerala Kottayam has the lowest registered vehicles followed by Wayanad in the year 2011-12. The highest vehicle population registered in 2011-12 is in Kasargod district followed by Alappuzha and Idukki. District wise growth of motor vehicles in Kerala from 2007-08 to 2011-12 is given in Appendix 5.9 and category wise growth of motor vehicles in Kerala from 2007-08 to 2011-12 is given in Appendix 5.10.The growth in the vehicle population of the State for the last 4 years is given in fig 5.2.

 

Fig 5.2

Growth in the Vehicle population

 

Source: Motor vehiocles department

 

The Kerala Road Safety Authority:

 

5.25 This authority was created by the Kerala Road Safety Authority Act, 2007.The Act has constituted the Kerala Road Safety Authority with the Minister for Transport as Chairman and Minister for Works as Vice Chairman. All key officials such as the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police are members. The Act provides for establishment of Kerala Road Safety Fund by levying a onetime Cess for motor vehicles and taking 50% of the compounding fee collected for offences under the Motor Vehicle Act. The authority is expected to coordinate functions of different agencies besides sanctioning expenditure for various Road safety schemes and programs.

 

Trends of Road Accidents in Kerala

 

5.26 Tremendous increase in the volume of road traffic in recent years has caused increase of road accidents. Government of Kerala has initiated Road Safety Authority and various programmes to address the alarming issues of increasing road accidents by coordinating all stakeholders of Road Safety namely Public Works Department, Motor Vehicles Departments, Police Department, KSRTC, NATPAC etc.

 

5.27 As vehicle population increases, road accidents also increase. It is also observed that nearly 98% of the accidents occurred due to the rash driving of motor vehicles. The district wise and category wise details of Motor Vehicle accidents are given in Appendix 5.11. In Kerala almost 59 percent of the accidents are by two wheelers. Details of Motor Vehicles involved in road accidents in Kerala during 2011 - 12 are given in Appendix 5.12. The decrease in accidents shows the effectiveness of road safety measures and regulations.

 

5.28 The total number of road accidents in Kerala during 2011-2012 is 11076 as against 30237 in 2010-2011 showing a decrease of 63.36 percent. The trend of motor vehicles accidents in Kerala from 2007 onwards is shown in fig 5.3.

 

Fig 5.3

Trend of Motor Vehicles Accidents in Kerala

 

 

Source: Crime Records Bureau

 

Kerala State Road Transport Services

 

5.29 Total number of Stage Carriages in the State comes to 46620 as per latest status. But KSRTC has only 5803 buses. It shows a good number of Passenger Transport Operation in Kerala is vested in the hands of private operators. The percentage of the Stage Carriages of KSRTC and private sectors can be seen in fig.5.4.

 

Fig 5.4

Passenger Transport Operation in Kerala (2010-11)

 

 

 

5.30 Out of the 5803 buses of KSRTC 1672 buses are aged above ten years. The age wise details of KSRTC buses are given in Appendix 5.13.

 

5.31 The number of Schedules operated rose from 5249 in the previous year to 5333 in 2011-12 shows an increase of 84 operations. So also, the gross revenue collection of the Corporation increased from र 1294.10 crores in 2010-11 to र 1555.72 crores in 2011-12. The major indicators showing operational efficiency of KSRTC are given in Appendix 5.14. District wise details of KSRTC operational statistics are given in Appendix 5.15. The fares charged by KSRTC ranged from 55 paise per Km in ordinary and city buses, and 110 paise per Km in High-tech buses. The fare structure of KSRTC during 2007-12 is given in Appendix 5.16. The major performance indicators such as average Kms run per day per bus, average route length etc are given in Appendix 5.17.

 

5.32 During the review period, 209 new buses were put on road. Corresponding to the expansion of fleet the work force also got strengthened by adding 4472 recruits from PSC, and 54 dependents of employees as dying in harness. The details of buses owned by KSRTC including new buses from 2007 to 2012 are given in Appendix 5.18.

 

5.33 As part of enhancing the non-operational revenue, bus terminal cum shopping complexes are being constructed by KSRTC at commercially viable locations/depots. In addition, construction activities like development of yard, bus station building, new garages, toilet blocks etc were taken up at various depots. A new bus station building was constructed at Kanchangad depot. New garages were constructed at Mala, Pandalam,Adoor and Kanchangad bus depots.Moreover as part of providing separate toilet facilities and other facilities for women passengers, toilet block cum rest rooms exclusively for ladies were constructed at Kasargode, Nilambur, Payyannur, Kalpetta, Kayamkulam.

 

5.34 Training was given to 4333 employees at the Staff Training Centre, KSRTC, which includes all the newly recruited drivers, conductors and other staff and corrective training for 454 drivers with special emphasis on avoiding accidents.

 

 

 

 

Railways in Kerala

 

5.35 The State total railway route has a length of 1257 Km and covers 13 railway routes. The Railway Divisions at Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad and Madurai jointly carry out Railway Operations in Kerala.*Total route Km of 623.76 km of Trivandrum Division comprises of 494.76 in Kerala State and 129km in Tamilnadu State. Thiruvananthapuram Division is the largest Coaching Division of Southern Railway with coach holding of 1572 (bare) coaches. The Division maintains 40 Express trains and 53 passenger trains. **

 

Kochi Metro Rail System

 

5.36 The project is envisaged to increase citizens’ mobility that will in turn boost the economic growth as well as increase quality of life for the citizens by providing them an alternate mode of public transport. The Metro Rail is safe, eco-friendly, and economical in the long run. Apart from providing connectivity, the project will bring about a more equitable allocation of road space by encouraging greater use of public transport.

 

5.37 The first phase is being set up at an estimated cost of र 5,181 crore (US$942.94 million). The Kochi Metro connecting Aluva-Petta will be completed in three stages and separate tenders will be awarded through bids. Each stage will be approximately 8 km. KMRL has planned to set up parking space at all metro stations based on the request from Civil Society Organizations. This proect will be completed in 2016. The total amount of land required for the project is 40.409 hectares. The total land required for all stations is 9.3941 hectares, including area required for parking lots.

 

High Speed Rail Corridor

 

5.38 The Kerala Government has decided to develop and implement High-speed rail corridor which relatively needs, less land for user development, connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod and Kochi to Palakkad. The total length of the two corridors was estimated as 900kms.

 

5.39 A company named Kerala High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd has been incorporated on 13.9.2011 and DMRC has prepared the feasibility study of the project.

 

Rail Coach Factory, Palakkad

 

5.40 The State Government has allotted 426 acres of land at Kanjikode near Palakkad for the Rail Coach Factory. The work on the Coach factory in Palakkad is progressing. The project is being taken up as a Public Private Participation (PPP) project for which token provision has to be provided in the Railway Budget of the Central Government . The Coach Factory is expected to bring more than 100 ancillary industrial units to the area .

 

5.41 The coach factory entails an investment of Rs.5000 crore in the first phase and the coaches are also meant to be exported.

 

Air Transport

 

5.42 Kerala has three airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode handling both international and domestic flights. Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Air Ports are owned by Government of India and Kochi Air Port is owned by Cochin International Air Port Ltd (CIAL), a company set up by Government of Kerala with Public Private Participation. The details of the Flights operated by various agencies during 2011-12 at these three airports are given in Appendices 5.19 (A), (B) and (C).

 

5.43 The major achievements of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) during the review year is as follows

 

• CIAL registered a passenger growth of 8.7% and 0.15 % increase in aircraft movement in the

financial year 2011-12. There was also a 5.25 % increase in domestic cargo movement and 4 %

growth in the international cargo movement during the financial year 2011-12.

During the financial year the following projects were operationalised.

• CIAL Trade Fair and Exhibition Centre.

• 110 KV hybrid sub- station ensuring un-interrupted power supply

• Aerospace Museum.

• Aircraft Maintenance and Repair and Overhaul facility

 

5.44 The following are the major achievements of Kozhikode International Air Port during 2011-12.

 

• The Airport is certified with ISO QMS 9001:2008, ISO EMS 14001:2004 for another 3 years valid

up to 24-12-2014 and is committed to environmental protection, for which a BARC model

Bio Gas Plant and Sewage Treatment Plant have been installed .

 

Kannur Air port

 

5.45 The State’s prestigious Greenfield airport project named ‘Kannur International Airport will be coming up close to Mattannur in Kannur district of Kerala State. It is only 20 kms away from Kannur city, and 2 kms from Mattannur on Kannur – Mattannur – Mysore road. The Airport will have a runway length of 3400 meters. The orientation of the runway is 07/25, which permits obstacle free approach. The airport is expected to have an annual traffic of more than 1 million international passengers and above 0.3 million domestic passengers as per 2009-2010 estimate.

 

 

Water Transport Sector

 

Port Sector

 

5.46 Kerala lies in the south west corner of the Indian peninsula. It has a coastal length of 585 km and the state has an average width of about 60 km with one major port at Cochin and 17 non major ports. Government of Kerala intends to provide a boost to coastal shipping with the development of ports. The geographical location of Kerala is very close to international shipping route. Out of seventeen minor ports in Kerala three are considered as intermediate ports based on berthing, cargo handling and storage facilities available in them. These have contributed much to the development of industry, trade, commerce and agriculture in the country, but the potential has yet to be fully tapped.

 

5.47 The Government of Kerala has decided to develop five ports through PPP mode. These ports are Azheekal, Beypore, Ponnani, Alappuzha and Kollam and a major project of Vizhinjam International sea port is alo being planned.

 

5.48 Presently cargo operations take place only in three ports – i.e. in Vizhinjam, Beypore and Azhikkal ports. Vizhinjam handles about 1000 tonnes. Beypore 50,000 tonnes and Azhikkal about 5000 tones annually. The remaining minor ports in Kerala are now defunct due to various reasons. Recognizing the need to develop the ports in a time bound manner, Government decided to encourage private sector participation in the sector. An amount of र 17081 lakhs and र 23081 lakhs are earmarked for this sector during 2010-11 and 2011-12 respectively.

 

 

Cochin Port

 

5.49 Cochin Port is the only major port in Kerala. It spreads over 827 hectares. It has a water frontage of 7.5 Km. The port has connectivity to hinterland through NH 47, NH 17 and NH 49. Rail links to the Konkan and Southern Railway also give key rail access to its hinterland. An inland waterway connecting Kollam and Kottappuram on either side is being developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India. During the year foreign cargo traffic increased by 14 % to 122.19 lakhs tonnes from 107.58 lakhs tonnes in the preceding year. During the year 2011-12, 1386 ships called at the Port as against 1256 ships in the preceding year registering an increase of 10% in shipping activity.

 

 

 

Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal

 

5.50 The Prime Minister of India laid the foundation stone for Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal in 1995. Completion of this prestigious project would make the Cochin Port a major hub port in the Indian Ocean region.

 

5.51 Regarding the construction of ICTT at Vallarpadam, Soil stabilization work with stone columns and band drains is in progress. Supporting infrastructure projects namely Stage-II capital dredging for providing 14.5 m draft at ICTT, National High Way connectivity at a route length of 17.2 kms and Rail connectivity with route length of 8.86 Km are at various stages of execution.

 

Vizhinjam Deep Water International Container Transshipment Terminal

 

5.52 Vizhinjam International Deep Water multipurpose Seaport is a flagship project of Government of Kerala, being developed on a landlord port model. Vizhinjam International Deep Water Multipurpose Seaport limited (VISL) is a special purpose government company (fully owned by Government of Kerala) that would act as a implementing agency for the development of a Greenfield port.

 

5.53 Vizhinjam is a natural port, which is located close to the international ship route. So it is expected that at least 50% of the (nearly 20,000) ships that pass through the Suez Canal (per annum) will anchor at Vizhinjam Port. It is expected that with the full functioning of Vizhinjam port. the ports of Colombo, Singapore and Dubai might face serious competition from India. This will boost the trade and commercial activities not only in Kerala but also to entire India. It is estimated that India could save more than a 100 million U.S. dollars per year in terms of foreign exchange.

 

 

Institutional Support

 

5.54 The Government agencies involved in the development of ports in the State are Port Department, Harbor Engineering Department, and Hydrographic Survey Wing.

 

Port Department

 

5.55 The Minor and Intermediate Ports are under the Administration of Government of Kerala. The Ports are administered directly by the Director of Ports who is headquartered at Thiruvananthapuram. There are three regional officers at Neendakara, Alappuzha and Kozhikkode. Besides the Port of Kochi (a Major Port governed by Major Port Trusts Act, 1963), there are 3 Intermediate and 14 Minor Ports in Kerala. They are Neendakara, Alappuzha, Kozhikkode (Intermediate Ports) and Vizhinjam, Valiyathura, Thankasserry, Kayamkulam, Manakkodam, Munambam, Ponnani, Beypore, Vadakara, Thalasserry, Manjeswaram, Neeleswaram, Kannur, Azhikkal and Kasaragode (Minor Ports). Most of the minor and intermediate ports in the State are seasonal in nature with insufficient infrastructure to handle even medium and small sized vessels throughout the year .Government of Kerala allowed private investment in Intermediate and Minor Ports from 1994.

 

5.56 Commodity – wise cargo handled in the non – major ports during the year 2011-12 are shown in Appendix 5.20. Cargo handling during 2011-12 was confined mainly to Kozhikode, Kollam,Vizhinjam and Azhikkal ports. The number and tonnage of steamers and sailing vessels that called at intermediate and minor ports during 2012 are shown at Appendix 5.21. During 2011-12, 583 steamers and sailing vessels with registered tonnage of 332459 are called at non- major ports against 592 steamers and sailing vessels with 141609 tonnages in the previous year. Statement showing the revenue collection at the non-major ports during 2011-12 is shown in Appendix 5.22.

5.57 Major Initiatives of the Port Dept during 2012 are development of Ponnani, Azhikal, Beypore, Alappuzha and Kollam ports

 

Kerala Maritime Institute

 

5.58 Port Department inaugurated on 3/05/2010 the first Maritime Institute at Neendakara in 11 acre campus. A sub centre of the institute started functioning on 3/09/2011 at Kodungalloor.

Harbour Engineering Department

 

5.59 Harbour Engineering Department was formed in 1982 as a separate specialised department as a service department for Fisheries and Ports. Government of India has empanelled Harbour Engineering Department of Kerala as a consultant in the Coastal Engineering field for the nation as a whole. This department is the only such State Department in India. The major functions of the department are investigation, planning, design, evaluation, execution, operation, maintenance, and management and related maritime engineering and technical works for the development schemes of the Fisheries and Port department.

 

Hydrographic Survey Wing

 

5.60 The Hydrographic Survey Wing was constituted in 1968 as a component of the Kerala State Port Department with a view to cater to the requirements of Hydrographic Investigation for the development of the non major ports of Maritime State of Kerala. This wing has been conducting pre-dredging and post-dredging, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon surveys to ascertain various aspects such as requirement of dredging, data required for the construction of Fishing Harbours, Fish Landing Centers, Small ports etc. In addition to the routine pre-monsoon and post-monsoon survey at 16 non-major ports they also undertakes survey work for other departments like Irrigation, Inland Navigation, PWD and Research Institutions like Kerala Engineering Research Institute etc.

 

5.61 During 2011-12, 21 surveys were conducted for Port Department. Dredging surveys of Thankasserry, Beypore, Azhikal, Akkulam were also conducted during 2011-12. Hydrographic Surveys of Kappil of Kasaragod, Sedimentation study survey of Vemballur of Trissur District for KERI, Peechi and Beypore for Kerala Maritime Development Corporation Ltd were also conducted during this period. The main problem existing in the sector is lack of coordination from different departments in implementing the schemes.

Inland Water Transport

 

5.62 Inland Water Transport is a fuel efficient and environment friendly mode of transportation. India is richly endowed with navigable waterways, comprising rivers, canals, backwaters, creeks, etc. It is estimated that a total of 14500 km of the waterways could be used for passenger and cargo movement. About 44 million tons of cargo is being moved annually by inland water transport. As a part of the Government’s policy to optimally develop and harness the potential of Inland Waterways in the country, the ‘Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)’ was set up under the ‘Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985’. The IWAI has been established for the development and regulation of Inland waterways for shipping and navigation and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985, empowers the Government to declare waterways with potential for development of shipping and navigation as National Waterways. Currently the following three waterways have been declared as National Waterways viz. (1). National Waterway No.1:- The Ganga between Allahabad-Haldia (1629 km) in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.(2) National Waterway No.2:- The Sadiya-Dhubri stretch of river Brahmaputra (891 km) in Assam; and (3) National Waterway No3:- The Kollam – Kottapuram stretch of West Coast Canal along with Champakara and Udyogmandal Canals (205 km) in Kerala.

 

5.63 Also, in order to provide an impetus to the development of Inland water transport modes, an Inland Water Transport Policy has been announced. It includes several fiscal concessions and guidelines for encouraging private sector participation in development of infrastructure and ownership and operation of Inland vessels. IWAI is also authorized for joint ventures and equity participation in BOT projects.

 

Inland Water Transport in Kerala

 

5.64 The State of Kerala is endowed with numerous backwaters and it is one of the States in India, where waterways are successfully used for commercial Inland Water Transport. The transportation is mainly done with country craft and passenger vessels. There are 41 navigable rivers in Kerala. The total length of the Inland Waterways in the State is 2395 Kms. The main arterial waterway in the state is West Coast Canal. The West Coast Canal connects the Neeleswaram in the north to Kovalam - Thiruvananthapuram in the south and is about 595 Km including 44 Km. uncut portion from Badakara to Azheekal .The Inland Canals play an important role in the economy of the state as they interconnect the rivers and backwaters .

 

5.65 The Government agencies engaged in the development of Inland Water Transport in the State are Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation Department (CSIND), State Water Transport Department (SWTD) and Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd. (KSINC).

 

 

 

State Water Transport Department

 

5.66 During 2011-12 Kerala State Water Transport department took stringent actionn to replace most of the old wooden boats above 25 years old with new steel boats and timely repair were made to rest of the wooden boats by purchasing timber from the Forest Department. Repairing of wooden boats, gear box, Engine, chemical toilet etc purchased. As compared to the previous year the number of passengers decrease, accordingly number of trips reduced, but total revenue receipts increase .There are 95 boats operated with 733 trips during 2011-12. Details of operational statistics of this department are shown in Appendix 5.23.

 

Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd.

 

5.67 The Corporation was formed in 1989 by the statutory amalgamation of Kerala Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd. (KINCO) and Kerala Shipping Corporation Limited (KSC) both Government of Kerala Companies. The main objective of the company is to develop passenger and cargo transportation through Inland Waterways of Kerala, docking and repair of marine vessels, construction of boats, conducting navigation training programmes, conducting tourist cruises, providing navigational aids and maintenance in National Waterway-III. The Corporation at present has 8 barges 5 tourist boats and 2 Jhankars. The operational statistics of KSINC are shown in Appendix 5.23.

 

Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation Department

 

5.68 The main Inland Canal schemes in the State are implemented through this department. The following programmes are implemented through this department during the Eleventh Plan are:-

 

• Improvements and Modernization of Inland Water ways and Canals

• XIII Finance Commission has earmarked Rs.200 Crores for the development of the Inland Water

ways and Coastal Zone management including construction of new sea walls and reformation

of existing sea walls for 2010-2015

• Development of Feeder Canals Connecting the National Water ways III(RIDF)

 

 

SECTION 2

Energy

 

5.69 Power development plays a pivotal role in the overall development of the economy. Apart from its contribution to economic development, it contributes significantly to revenue generation, employment and enhances the quality of life. Development of conventional forms of energy for meeting the growing needs of society at a reasonable cost is vested with the State. Development and promotion of non-conventional /alternative/ new and renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind and bio energy etc are getting sustained attention. Nuclear energy development is being geared up to contribute significantly to the overall energy availability in the country.

 

Power Sector in India

 

5.70 India is the fourth largest consumer of Energy in the world after USA, China and Russia but it is not endowed with abundant energy resources. It must, therefore, meet its development needs by using all available domestic resources of coal, uranium, oil, hydro and other renewable resources, and supplementing domestic production by imports. High reliance on imported energy is costly given the prevailing energy prices. Meeting the energy needs, achieving 8-9 per cent economic growth and meeting energy requirements of the population at affordable prices are the major challenges.

 

5.71 The Eleventh Plan aimed at a substantial increase with a target for additional capacity of 78700 MW. Actual achievement in the Eleventh Plan was 54964 MW (about 70 percent). Sector-wise and mode-wise capacity addition achievements are given in Appendix 5.24. The achievement is 30 percent lower than the original target, but at the same time it is double of Tenth Plan achievement.

 

Power Sector in Kerala

 

5.72 Kerala is a power deficit state which imports 60 percent of power from other states. A major achievement is that Kerala has achieved full electrification in all villages. Power crisis is a prime obstacle to start new initiatives in the industrial field. The need for power is increasing and the production of power should also be increased accordingly. Monsoon is essential to sustain the hydropower base in the state and the shortage in rainfall usually creates power crisis. Hydel energy is the most reliable and dependable source in Kerala. Of the total installed capacity of 2873 MW during 2011-12, hydel contributed the major share of 2045 MW (71 percent); while 793MW was contributed by thermal projects including NTPC at Kayamkulam (Kerala’s dedicated thermal station) and Kanjikode wind farm, Palakkad has contributed 2 MW. Wind Energy from IPP is 33 MW. Additional capacity generated during 2011-12 was only15 MW (0.53 percent) that is 2873 MW on 2011-12 against 2858 MW in 2010-11. Appendix 5.25 shows details of energy source and its installed capacity during the Eleventh Plan period.

 

5.73 Fig 5.5 highlights total installed capacity in Kerala from hydel, thermal and wind sources.

 

Fig 5.5

Total Installed Capacity

 

Performance of Power Agencies

 

5.74 Power development activities in the state are carried out mainly through four agencies viz, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT), Energy Management Centre (EMC) and Electrical Inspectorate. The Outlay and Expenditure of these departments for the last two years are shown in table 5.2

 

Table 5.2

Outlay and Expenditure

र Lakh

Sl. No.	Sector	Annual Plan 2010-11		% of Expenditure	Annual Plan 2011-12		% of Expenditure	Annual  Plan 2012-13 Outlay
		Outlay	Expenditure		Outlay	Expenditure
1	KSEB	99500	90331.95	91	103600	66927.03	65	111875
2	ANERT	4950	2313.50	47	5950	891.06	15	4226
3	MTSL	130	123.03	95	2620	1582.00	60	120
4	EMC	120	120.00	100	130	130.00	100	320
	Total	104700	92888.48	89	112300	69530.09	62	116541

 

5.75 The outlay earmarked for power sector during the Annual plan 2011-12 was र112300 lakh. The expenditure during this period was र69530.09 lakh (62 percent). During 2012-13, an amount of र116541 lakh was earmarked for Energy Sector which is 3.8 percent over the previous year.

 

Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB)

 

5.76 KSEB is the driving force behind development of the state of Kerala. A new Company named Kerala State Electricity Board limited has been incorporated on 14th January 2011 for the re-vesting of assets and liabilities of KSEB now vested with the Government. The Government is taking steps for re-vesting the assets and liabilities of KSEB to the new company. KSEB has been responsible for the generation, transmission and supply of electricity in the state, with particular mandate to provide electricity at affordable cost to the domestic as well as for agricultural purposes.

 

 

Generation

 

5.77 Kerala generates power from four sources - hydro power, thermal power, wind power and solar power. Of these, hydel and thermal power generations account for the considerable majority whereas wind and solar power generations make only marginal additions. Growth of power system in Kerala during 11th Plan is shown in Table 5.3.

 

Table 5.3

GROWTH OF KERALA POWER SYSTEM AT A GLANCE - 2007-2012

 

Sl. No	Particulars/Year	POSITION AS ON
		2007-08	2008-09	2009-10	2010-11	2011-12
1	Installed Capacity -MW	2662.24	2694.75	2746.19	2857.59	2872.79
2	Maximum Demand(System)-MW	2745	2765	2998	3119	3348
3	Generation Per Annum-(KSEB Own)-MU	8703.55	6494.50	7240.38	7412.59	8350.74
4	Import Per Annum- MU	8074.62	9628.98	10199.96	10512.29	11270.71
5	Export Per Annum-MU	1346.76	463.33	53.9	130.24	201.1
6	Energy Sales within state Per Annum-MU	12049.85	12414.32	13971.09	14547.9	15980.53
7	Percentage of energy losses to energy available for sales	21.63	20.45	19.41	17.99	17.45
8	Per Capita Consumption - kWh	477.00	490.00	474	519	567
9	220 kV Lines - CT Kms	2654.00	2683.00	2701	2701	2713
10	110 kV Lines - CT Kms	3905.00	3921.00	3970	4004	4005
11	66 kV Lines - CT Kms	2987.00	2387.00	2387	2387	2387
12	33 kV Lines - CT Kms	878.00	1148.00	1348	1421	1497
13	11 kV Lines - CT Kms	38227.00	41791.11	45541	49232	51392
14	LT Lines - CT Kms	234252.00	252458.00	260670	266856	270718
15	Step Up Transformer capacity -MVA	2561.00	2561.00	2564	2684	2689
16	No of EHT Substations
a	400 kV	2	2 *	2*	2*	2*
b	220 kV	15.00	15.00	17	17	18
c	110 kV	112.00	116.00	123	128	131
d	66 kV	89.00	85.00	82	80	80
e	33 kV	72.00	87.00	106	113	120
17	Step down transformer capacity - MVA	13300.70	13519.70	15827.9	16222.1	16556.3
18	Distribution Transformers
a	Numbers	42401.00	46955.00	52724	58427	62726
b	Capacity -MVA	5511.00	5937.00	6708	7320	7674
19	No of villages electrified	1384.00	1384.00	1384	1467	1467
20	No of consumers (Lakhs)	90.34	93.63	97.43	101.28	104.57637
21	Connected Load-MW	12378.00	15267.44	15866.55	16681.3	17518.42
22	No of Street Lights	1049047.00	1086688.00	1148220	1196503	1218610
23	No of irrigation pumps	440958.00	431745.00	437878	446460	455078
24	Total revenue Per Annum (रLakhs)	522714.00	609899.00	641138	692506	797804.89
25	Revenue from Sale of Power Per Annum(रLakhs)	469695.00	509749.00	495060	540376	581781.92

*Pallipuram 400 kv Substation owned by PGCIL

Source: KSEB

 

5.78 The history of Hydro Power development in Kerala begins with the commissioning of Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project in 1940. Next few decades reflected the progressive developments of various hydroelectric schemes implemented in the state. Sabarigiri in 1966 and Idukki in 1976 are milestones of power development in Kerala.

 

5.79 As per 17th Power Survey, there was an additional generation requirement of about1000 MW for the state during 11thFive Year Plan Period. To ensure reliability of supply as well as energy security, capacity addition in Kerala has to be geared up. KSEB had proposed to add about 610.50 MW of new hydel capacity generation during Eleventh Plan period but achieved only 210.54 MW (34 percent of target) at the end of the plan. The main reason for this shortfall is forest and environment clearance related issues including land acquisition.

 

5.80 Total installed capacity of power in the state as on March 2012 is 2873 MW, of which the contribution of state sector is 78 percent, central sector12 percent and private sector 10 percent. Sector wise total Installed Capacity generated in Kerala during the Eleventh Plan is shown in Appendix 5.26.

 

Hydel Generation

 

5.81 During the year 2011-12 the peak demand reached 3348 MW and there was huge gap in the availability against requirement. This was on account of various factors like the reduction in inflow due to poor monsoon, high cost of naphtha and Low Sulphur High Stock (LSHS), reduction in availability of Central Generating Stations (CGS) etc,. The maximum demand increased from 2745 MW during 2007-08 to 3348 MW (22 percent increase) during 2011-12 and highest consumption increased from 46.26 MU during 2007-08 to 63.45 MU (37 percent increase) during 2011-12.

 

5.82 Under the purview of KSEB, 27 hydel projects are in the pipeline. The details of the project can be seen in Appendix 5.27

 

Negative Surplus Power during 2011-12

 

5.83 With the hike in the consumption of energy, the State’s power quota from the central pool has enhanced from 900 MW to 1267.64 MW. The poor yield from hydel reservoirs, high cost for thermal power and increased demand for power created a situation of Negative Surplus Power during 2011-12. The negative situation occurred mainly due to the drastic reduction in the purchase of power from Independent Power Producers (IPPS) and decline in thermal power generation. At the same time although the total requirement increased to 18946.29 MU in 2011-12 from 17337.79 MU (9.3 percent growth) in the previous year against the power availability of 17295.54 MU resulted a negative surplus of 1650.75 MU. The details of power availability during the last five years are shown in Appendix 5.28.

 

Pattern of Power Consumption

 

5.84 The domestic category consumers showed a growth rate of more than 3 percent from 8063039 in 2010-11 to 8324961 in 2011-12. But Low Tension & High Tension (LT & HT) Commercial category consumers registered an increase of approximately 5 percent in 2011-12. Percapita consumption shows an increase of more than 9 percent i.e. 567 kWh in 2011-12 against 519 kWh in 2010-11. Growth of other agricultural pumping, Licensees (Bulk supply) also increased substantially over the year. During 2011-12, 16181.63 MU of energy amounting to र 581781.92 lakhs was sold showing an increase of 1503 MU as compared to the previous years (14678 MU amounting to र 540376 lakhs) which indicates that KSEB has increased their generation capacity during this period. The details of the pattern of power consumption and revenue collected during 2011-12 can be seen in Appendix 5.29.

 

Electrical Energy Consumption

 

5.85 In Kerala, electrical energy consumption has increased to 15980.53 MU in 2011-12 from 14547.90 MU during 2010-11. The percentage of consumption increased to 9.85 percent. Electrical Energy consumption in Kerala during 2007-08 to 2011-12 is depicted in Figure 5.6.

 

Fig 5.6

Electrical Energy consumption in Kerala

 

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

 

5.86 KSEB has entered into a PPA with various Central Generating Stations of NTPC, NLC, NPCIL etc. envisaged for Southern Region. In addition to this, power is being purchased from Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant of NTPC at Kayamkulam, BSES Kerala Power Ltd, Kochi and Kasaragod Power Corporation Ltd., Mylatti. As a measure to encourage non-conventional sources of energy, KSEB has executed PPAs for purchase of power from Wind Energy Projects, Agali (18.6 MW) & Ramakkalmedu (14.25MW) and from 2 small Hydro Projects (Meenvallam-3MW & Iruttukkanam -3MW). Power is also being purchased from Ullunkal Small Hydro Projects (7MW) and a co-generation plant of MPS steel, Kanjikode (10MW) and Philips Carbon Black Ltd., Kochi (10MW). The capacity allocated from various stations for which the PPAs have been executed is given in the Appendix 5.30.

 

5.87 Kerala is planning capacity addition through hydel and non-conventional sources during the 12th plan. Allocation of 232MW power from the projects viz. Neyveli Lignite Corporation Expansion (70MW), Simhadri Thermal Power Station (unit II-40.45 MW), Vallur (49MW) and Tutucorin 72.5 MW) are expected. Further KSEB has requested share of power from Kayamkulam Expansion (500MW).

 

5.88 KSEB had shown interest in sharing a total of 1200 MW power from the proposed Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPP) such as Tadri (400 MW) in Karnataka, Akalthara (200MW) in Chattisgarh, Krishnapatnam (400MW) in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa (200MW). But only a tentative allocation of 200 MW power from proposed Tadri, Karnataka has been obtained by Kerala. Kerala has received allocation from Ministry of Power for 300 MW from cheyyur UMPP in Tamilnadu, 190MW from Orissa UMPP and 75 MW from APUMPP.

 

5.89 PGCIL is entrusted with the work of construction of Thirunelveli-Madakkathara 400 KV line for evacuation of power from Koodamkulam nuclear power plant. The work in Edamon- Kochi sector of this line is held up due to public protest

 

 

 

Transmission

 

5.90 Transmission of Electricity means a bulk transfer of power over a long distance at high voltage, generally of 132 KV and above. A good transmission system is necessary to the effective distribution and to bring power from outside the state. The transmission network was scaled up by adding 385 Circuit kms of Extra High Tension (EHT) lines from 2007 to 2012 and 79 substations were commissioned during the period. In the Transmission sector, many planned works could not be taken up due to land acquisition and right of way related issues. Kerala’s Transmission system consisting of substations and its connected lines are given in Appendix 5.31.

5.91 It is evident that the performance of the construction of substation with various capacities has not achieved the desired target. Out of the target of 13 numbers of 110 KV substations, only 5 substations are completed and in the case of 33 KV substations, 7 substations are completed against the target of 30 numbers. In the case of 220KV and 66 KV substations, nothing has been achieved. The present status of transmission facilities set up in state and upgradation and construction of transmission lines are shown in Appendix 5.32.

 

Renovation, Modernisation and Uprating (RMU) of old Generating Stations

 

5.92 As part of increasing the generation capacity of existing stations, several measures are being taken. The renovation and modernization and uprating of Sabarigiri Power Station has been completed. The rectification work of Unit 4 of Sabarigiri Power Station is in progress. The system installed capacity increased by commissioning of Neriamangalam Extension Scheme, Kuttiyadi Tail Race Scheme, Kuttiyadi additional extension scheme, Poozhithodu SHP, Ranni-perinad SHP and renovation of 5 units of Sabarigiri HEP.

 

Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT & C) losses

 

5.93 A unit of power saved is equal to a unit of power produced. Energy conservation is as important as energy production. However certain amount of power is bound to be lost in the process of its transmission and distribution across the State.

 

5.94 During 2011-12 AT&C loss has come down to 15.65 percent from 16.09 percent in 2010-11. KSEB made significant achievements in the field of reducing AT&C loss. From 2003-04 onwards AT&C loss was considerably reduced by way of faulty meter replacement, intensification of theft detection, installation of new substations and lines, up gradation and modernization of sub transmission and distribution network through APDRP Scheme. The impact of AT & C loss reduction during the last five years is shown in Appendix 5.33. It can be seen in the Fig. 5.7.

 

Fig.5.7

Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT & C) losses

(in percentage)

 

 

 

Distribution

 

5.95 Distribution Sector is a profound area, which provides electricity to all consumers in Kerala. In the distribution segment, 13501 Circuit Kms of 11 KV lines, 47348 Kms of LT lines, 22854 nos of distribution transformers and 219011 street lights were added during the 11th plan period. Service connections aggregating 17.44 lakhs were effected during the years 2007-2012. Out of which 2572 kms of 11 KV lines, 4089 kms of LT lines and 4375 nos of distribution transformers were setup during the period under review. KSEB has given great attention to strengthen the distribution backbone by introducing new ventures of Restructured- Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R- APDRP) and Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyuthikaran Yojana (RGGVY). The power consumption comes to all time high. As on 2010-11, total number of consumers has increased to 1,04,57,640 nos against 1,01,27,946 during 2010-11. The details of pattern of power consumption and revenue collected are shown in the Appendix 5.29. The target and achievement of the distribution infrastructure during 2011-12 is given in the Appendix 5.34.

 

Tariff

 

5.96 The overall average realization rate from tariff has been decreased to 347.39 paise per unit in 2011-12 as against the 354.24 paise per unit in 2010-11. The details can be seen in Appendix 5.35 and Appendix 5.36. Tariffs are regulated by Electricity Regulatory Commission.

 

Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (R-APDRP)

 

5.97 The focus of the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (R-APDRP) is on actual demonstrable performance in terms of sustained loss reduction i.e. 15 percent AT & C loss reduction on a sustained basis for a period of 5 years. Projects under the scheme are taken up in two Parts. Part A of the project includes collection of accurate base line data and adoption of Information Technology in the areas of energy accounting, networking, MIS, consumer indexing, etc. and enable objective evaluation of the performance of utilities before and after implementation of the programme. Part B of the project includes regular distribution strengthening projects.

 

• Under Part A of APDRP, the Ministry of Power had approved detailed project reports for an amount of र 214.38 crore submitted by KSEB for 43 town schemes. First installment of loan amounting to र 64.31 crore has been disbursed by the Power Finance Corporation.

 

• Under Part A Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Data Monitoring System, 3 cities of Kerala viz. Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode are eligible for SCADA/DMS project. An amount of र 83.15 crore was sanctioned for these towns by PFC and disbursed र 24.945 crore as loan.

• Under Part B of R-APDRP, Ministry of Power had approved 42 schemes at an estimated cost of र 872.16 crore.

• As on April 2012 work amounting to र 91.15crore has been executed.

 

Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyuthikaran Yojana (RGGVY)

 

5.98 Under the Rajiv Gandhi Grammeen Vidyuthikaran Yojana (RGGVY), sanction has been obtained to implement the scheme in 7 districts of Kerala, namely, Kasargod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad and Idukki for an amount of र 221.75 crore. Implementation of the Scheme in Idukki District has been completed. REC issued sanction on revised DPR for Kasargod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram and Palakkad for a total amount of र 114.57 crore.

 

5.99 The details of the financial and physical progress of implementation of RGGVY as on 30-09-2012 are shown in the Appendix 5.37.

 

 

Non – Conventional Sources of Energy

 

Agency for Non-Conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT)

 

5.100 The major programmes targeted by Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) during 2012 comprise of baseline studies on energy demand, renewable energy potential and energy conservation potential, implementation of renewable energy and energy conservation programmes and infrastructure development for sustaining interactive energy planning and development programmes with local governments. The major achievements during 2011-12 are the following:

 

• 3050 numbers of Biogas Plants were installed

• 6000 nos of Improved Chulha

• Two wind monitoring stations in Kanjikkode and Vandiperiyar with 80m anemometry for estimating

the wind power potential had been installed and commissioned.

• Under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), 13Solar Photovoltaic power plants

were installed in different institutional and domestic applications, totaling 124 KW

 

Energy Management Centre

 

5.101 Energy Management Centre- Kerala (EMC) is an autonomous body under Department of Power, Government of Kerala, devoted to the improvement of energy efficiency in the state, promotion of energy conservation and encouraging development of technologies related to energy through research, training, demonstration programmes and awareness creation. The centre is networking with institutions within and outside the state for research and training activities.

 

 

5.102 Government of Kerala, with the concurrence of Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Government of India designated EMC as the State Designated Agency to enforce, regulate, co-ordinate and to implement the provision of the Energy Conservation Act 2001. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has opened its first Regional Centre for Small Hydro Power Development in EMC in the year 2003.

 

Achievements of EMC during 2011-12

 

• A study was carried out to understand the real pros and cons of large-scale penetration of  induction cookers in Kerala market. It has been found that, when the electricity cost is taken  as र 3/kWh, the price of useful heat derived from LPG stove and induction cooker are the  same, which indicates that the lesser the electricity cost or if the consumer falls in the less  tariff slab, cooking cost using induction cooker is least. If the consumer falls in the 151- 200kWh or above tariff slabs, cooking cost is higher in induction cooker than LPG stoves.

• EMC has developed an electronically controlled switching device for switching on and  switching off street lights. The switching device is capable of carrying 16 Ampere current.

• Prepared Energy Conservation Policy for the State and submitted to Government for approval.

• Energy Smart School- is a project in association with Education Department and KSEB with  the help of teachers, parents and local community to conserve energy.

 

Electrical Inspectorate

 

5.103 The Electrical Inspectorate is a department of the Government of Kerala. Safety inspections are carried out and sanction for energisation for all HT / EHT and other medium voltage installation in the State are issued by this department. Enquiry of all electrical accidents occuring in the state and forwarding the enquiry report to the Government and taking actions against responsible person / authority are also done by this department.

 

Activities and Achievements of Electrical Inspectorate

 

• By the implementation of the office automation, The Department achieve the prestigious  ‘SEVOTHAM CERTIFICATION’ (SQMS Certification) as per IS 15700: 2005 from the Bureau of  Indian Standards. It is the first department in the country, which bags this certification.

• The department has received the first E- Governance Award from the Honorable Chief Minister of Kerala.

• The Department procured certain equipments/instruments for the scope of enhancement of  National Accreditation Board for caliberation and Testing Laboratory (NABL) accreditation  incorporating energy parameter. A 3 phase Automatic Energy Meter Test Bench has been  procured during the year 2010-2011. National Accreditation Board for caliberation and Testing  Laboratory accreditation for the parameter was also received during July 2011. The Meter  Testing and Standards Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram is the only lab in the state with this  facility as per the new Central Electricity Authority Regulations.

• By calibrating, Servicing, error-corrections, replacement of faulty equipments/instruments/  Reference Standards/ Calibrators of the Meter Testing and Standards Laboratory and participating  in Inter laboratory Comparison, Profiency Testing, attending Training and Workshops as per  National Accreditation Board for caliberation and Testing Laboratory criteria, the Department could  maintain the National Accreditation Board for caliberation and Testing Laboratory Accreditation  for the last 5 years.

 

Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC)

 

5.104 The KSERC is a statutory organization of quasi-judicial nature constituted under the electricity established in the year 2002. During this period, this statutory body has taken all efforts to set up a fair, transparent, modern and objective electricity regulatory process in the State of Kerala. Mission of the Commission

 

• To promote competition, efficiency and economy in the activities of the Electricity Industry within  the State of Kerala.

• To regulate the power purchase and procurement process of the distribution licensees for sale  distribution and supply of electricity within the State of Kerala.

• To determine the tariff for generation transmission, wheeling and supply of electricity, wholesale  bulk or retail, as the case may be within the State of Kerala.

 

 

 

 

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