Latest news with #AjitabhSharma
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Green nod for ₹26,000 crore transmission projects to boost Rajasthan's solar ambitions
In a major boost to Rajasthan's renewable energy sector, the Rajasthan Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd (RVPN) has approved long-pending transmission infrastructure proposals aimed at easing evacuation bottlenecks that have hampered solar and wind energy projects across the state. The board of RVPN, the state's transmission utility, cleared proposals worth over ₹26,000 crore for developing 15 new transmission lines, a move seen as critical to strengthening the state's power infrastructure and enabling large-scale integration of green energy into the grid. The approval, granted during RVPN's board meeting earlier this week, marks a turning point for many delayed solar projects that have been awaiting adequate transmission capacity. The new projects will be developed through a competitive bidding process—specifically, Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding ( TBCB )—with RVPN itself now eligible to participate as a bidder for projects exceeding ₹300 crore in value, a departure from earlier policy restrictions. Transmission boost for solar surge The 15 approved transmission projects include nine 765kV lines, four 400kV lines, and two 220kV lines, strategically planned to ensure efficient evacuation of power from renewable energy-rich zones to both intra-state and inter-state grids. These projects had been stuck for nearly three years, primarily due to financial and policy-level delays, resulting in a backlog of commissioned but idle solar capacity awaiting connectivity. Speaking to ETGovernment, Ajitabh Sharma , Principal Secretary, Energy Department & Chairman , RVPNL, Government of Rajasthan, emphasised the strategic significance of the move, 'With the approval of ₹26,000+ crore worth of transmission projects, Rajasthan is set to strengthen its transmission network and accelerate renewable energy evacuation. Our forward-looking approach, including TBCB-mode execution for all projects above ₹300 crore, will enable seamless RE integration into the grid and drive India's commitment to a greener future. This also marks a significant opportunity for the power industry.' He further underlined the immediate need for enhancing the state's power evacuation capacity, 'Without the availability of transmission capacity, the rollout of solar and wind energy projects would be impacted. The current demand for evacuation outstrips the existing transmission capacity. These projects will go a long way in removing those hurdles.' Rajasthan's renewable potential Rajasthan, with its vast tracts of arid and semi-arid land, continues to be one of India's most promising states for solar energy generation. Despite its potential, the state recently lost its top position in installed solar capacity to Gujarat. Industry experts have attributed this decline not to resource availability, but to infrastructural bottlenecks—particularly transmission limitations—that have delayed or restricted the commissioning of new projects. With over 300 sunny days a year and abundant land availability, Rajasthan has the capacity to become the hub of India's renewable energy revolution. The state government has already announced plans to attract investments in the solar and wind sectors through supportive policies and robust infrastructure development. These newly approved transmission projects are expected to complement those efforts and attract fresh investor interest. Industry opportunity and national implications The scale of the newly sanctioned projects also represents a massive opportunity for players in the power infrastructure and engineering sectors. With all projects above ₹300 crore being executed under the TBCB mode, private developers will now have the opportunity to bid for and develop critical infrastructure assets. This move aligns with the Government of India's broader push for privatization, competitiveness, and transparency in power sector operations. Moreover, as India ramps up its commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), ensuring grid readiness becomes crucial. Rajasthan's initiative serves as a model for other states facing similar constraints in integrating renewable energy. The road ahead RVPN's proactive stance and its entry into TBCB bidding could set a precedent for other state transmission utilities to become more competitive and self-reliant. The corporation is expected to finalize tender documents and float bids for these transmission projects in the coming months, with an aim to begin groundwork by early next year. The timeline for project completion is expected to range between 18 to 36 months, depending on the scale and complexity of individual corridors. Implementation strategy and phased rollout The 15 transmission projects will be rolled out in a phased manner, prioritising regions with the highest concentration of commissioned but non-operational renewable projects. The western and northwestern districts of Rajasthan—such as Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Barmer , and Jodhpur—are set to benefit significantly, as these areas house some of the largest solar and wind energy parks in the state. To ensure efficient implementation, RVPN is also establishing a dedicated project monitoring unit. This unit will be responsible for coordinating with various stakeholders including private developers, central agencies, land acquisition authorities, and financing institutions. Emphasis will be placed on expediting clearances and ensuring right-of-way availability, which has historically been a challenge in large-scale transmission development. Financing and Private Participation Out of the ₹26,000 crore investment, a significant portion is expected to come from private players through the TBCB model, while RVPN will also explore multilateral financing options and green energy development funds to bridge any investment gaps. The competitive nature of bidding is likely to bring in major infrastructure companies, EPC contractors, and global investors looking to participate in India's renewable transition. Ajitabh Sharma emphasised that the move not only ensures efficient power evacuation but also stimulates local economic activity, 'These projects will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, spur local industry participation, and strengthen Rajasthan's position on the national renewable energy map.' Central Government Support and Policy Synergy The announcement aligns with the Ministry of Power's recent push to accelerate renewable energy integration by improving transmission infrastructure across the country. The central government has been advocating for the timely execution of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II, under which Rajasthan is a key beneficiary. Coordination between state and central efforts is expected to streamline execution and avoid duplication of infrastructure. A green leap forward The greenlight to these high-value transmission projects signifies more than just infrastructure growth—it marks a foundational shift in Rajasthan's energy ecosystem. By resolving a critical bottleneck, the state is poised to regain its leadership in solar capacity, attract global investments, and contribute meaningfully to India's clean energy goals. As execution begins, all eyes will be on how swiftly and efficiently RVPN and its partners can bring these transmission lines online—unlocking the full potential of Rajasthan's sun-drenched landscape and transforming it into a powerhouse of clean, green energy.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Green nod for ₹26k cr transmission projects to drive solar projects
Jaipur: In a breather for solar projects in the state, the Rajasthan Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd (RVPN) has approved long-pending proposals for setting up transmission lines through auctions. Projects for setting up 15 transmission lines will require investments of over ₹26,000 crore, which was cleared by the corporation on Tuesday. Many solar projects are facing delays due to the unavailability of transmission capacity, key to evacuating power from solar plants to national and state grids for consumption locally and across the country. It was also decided that RVPN would participate in the bidding process, which was earlier restricted. The 15 transmission projects approved include nine 765kV, four 400kV, and two 220kV lines. The projects were pending for the past three years. Principal Secretary (Energy) and Chairman of RVPN, Ajitabh Sharma, said, "Without the availability of transmission capacity, the rollout of the solar and wind energy projects would be impacted. The current demand for evacuation outstrips the existing transmission capacity. These projects will go a long way in removing those hurdles." He said RVPN will also be one of the bidders under Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) in projects more than Rs 300 crore. Recently, Rajasthan lost the number one position in installed solar projects to Gujarat despite having large swathes of barren, desert land.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Green nod for 26k cr transmission projects to drive solar projects
Jaipur: In a breather for solar projects in the state, the Rajasthan Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd (RVPN) has approved long-pending proposals for setting up transmission lines through auctions. Projects for setting up 15 transmission lines will require investments of over Rs 26,000 crore, which was cleared by the corporation on Tuesday. Many solar projects are facing delays due to the unavailability of transmission capacity, key to evacuating power from solar plants to national and state grids for consumption locally and across the country. It was also decided that RVPN would participate in the bidding process, which was earlier restricted. The 15 transmission projects approved include nine 765kV, four 400kV, and two 220kV lines. The projects were pending for the past three years. Principal Secretary (Energy) and Chairman of RVPN, Ajitabh Sharma, said, "Without the availability of transmission capacity, the rollout of the solar and wind energy projects would be impacted. The current demand for evacuation outstrips the existing transmission capacity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Искате да научите повече за новото BMW 2 Gran Coupe? BMW Научете повече Undo These projects will go a long way in removing those hurdles." He said RVPN will also be one of the bidders under Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) in projects more than Rs 300 crore. Recently, Rajasthan lost the number one position in installed solar projects to Gujarat despite having large swathes of barren, desert land.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
IAS officers' honest take on bureaucracy goes viral on LinkedIn-- Here's why
credit: linkedin A recent LinkedIn post shared by an IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre of the 1996 batch has sparked debate online. Mr. Ajitabh Sharma, who has dedicated so many years of his life to the Indian bureaucracy, breaking away from the polished narratives, admits that 'in IAS, any assignment ain't difficult,' highlighting a bigger concern: are all claims about this job misleading? His post reflected on how many in governance present a simplified view of their work, making it seem like all tasks are equally manageable. He says, 'I have always found it difficult, much less for the assignments and more so for the narrative,' expressing his disagreement with the idea that every administrative assignment carries the same weight and complexity. Ajitabh Sharma pointed out that more than 80% of an IAS officer's time is consumed by what he calls 'non-core work,' noting that the core work for each department is different. The non-core work includes HR issues, departmental and interdepartmental meetings, prepping countless reports, managing data, etc. These tasks, although important, often take up so much time that there's little left for anything that truly matters. Screenshot of the post (credit: linkedin) What is core work? He explains: 'Anything that is mission-driven, departmentally unique—water, social justice, education, health, and the list goes on. These are the areas where officers can actually make a difference, shape policy, and deliver impactful governance.' Further, Mr. Sharma warns that spending countless years under non-core duties can lead to a false sense of expertise. 'You may feel like you are the 'expert,' but it may take your department on a downward slide in the service industry,' he explained. With over 4,000 likes and 500+ comments, his post has struck a chord on the internet. Once again, somebody chose to speak reality—and people are loving it. Citizens who are often at the receiving end of administrative delays and inefficiencies have also voiced their support. This post is a timely reminder that meaningful public service requires time, focus, and the ability to rise above the noisy routine of paperwork.
Indian Express
27-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
'More than 80% of our work is…': IAS officer calls out bureaucratic culture in viral post
Rajasthan's new Principal Secretary (Energy), Ajitabh Sharma, is grabbing attention on the Internet for a powerful critique of the administrative work culture he has made in a LinkedIn post. Sharma, a 96-batch IAS officer, questioned the obsession with routine and procedural tasks that, according to him, often eclipse the real, high-impact work government officials are meant to do.'More than 80 per cent of our work is related to attending generic meetings… dealing with transparency laws, sending replies to news clippings, responding to mundane correspondence… I call this 'Non-Core Work',' he wrote in his post. Sharma, in his post, argues that while these tasks are important, they often become all-consuming, leaving little time for what he calls the 'Core Work' – the department-specific challenges that actually move the needle in governance. Be it energy, health, agriculture, or urban development, Sharma believes the real impact lies in engaging deeply with these sector-specific missions. 'Getting overwhelmed by the non-core work… would not only give you a false sense of being an 'Expert Administrator', but also take your department on a downward slide in service delivery,' he wrote. Having just taken over as Principal Secretary in Rajasthan's Energy Department, Sharma has vowed to flip the script. 'The RESOLUTION this time is to reverse the scenario and dedicate 80% of my time to the Core Work!' The post has struck a chord with bureaucrats, policy professionals, and other users alike, who are applauding the call to focus on meaningful governance over bureaucratic busywork. One user wrote, 'Truly insightful, Sir. It's rare to come across individuals who can offer such deep and meaningful perspectives—cutting through the noise and focusing on the core aspects that truly matter in our work. In today's fast-paced environment, many of us are constantly surrounded by surface-level interactions. It's refreshing and motivating to receive thoughts that inspire us to think deeper and act with more clarity.' Another LinkedIn user commented, 'Your clarity of thought and honest reflection on the real challenges of governance is truly refreshing. The resolve to focus on Core Work says a lot about your commitment and depth as a leader that truly makes a difference!'
