Bhel southern sector's profit up 147%

The southern region power sector of Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd (Bhel) reported a 147 per cent increase in profit before tax to reach Rs 40 crore for the year ending March 31, 2005-06 compared to Rs 16 crore in 2004-05. The company's total turnover registered a growth of 41 per cent to Rs 366 crore in 2005-06 from Rs 259 crore in the previous year.

Addressing a press conference, D Indran, executive director, southern region power sector, Bhel, said the power installer has received new orders worth Rs 633 crore in 2005-06 and has about Rs 1,673 crore orders under execution.

The orders that the company received include installation of two 250 mw Neyveli TPS for Neyveli Lignite Corporation on turnkey basis. This is expected to be the largest circulating fluidised bed combustion boiler in the country. A 125 mw project for Bhusan Steel and Strips, and two 220 mw Kaiga expansion project for NPCIL are the other major projects.

The power sector, southern region, Bhel, is currently executing 22 projects. The projects, when completed, would add 7,185 mw to the grid. During 2005-06, 177.55 mw was added to the southern grid, which includes Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Orissa.