Latest news with #RoW
Mint
23-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Centre asks states to tie up for power procurement, develop transmission infra to meet rising demand
New Delhi: Union minister for power Manohar Lal on Friday stressed the need for resource adequacy and tie-ups for power procurement to meet increasing demand. Addressing the regional conference for the South, he said that states, while meeting their resource adequacy plan should also work on having an adequate power generation mix including addition of nuclear generation capacity, said the ministry. The statement gains significance as power purchase agreements for over 40GW of renewable power projects are unsigned. He also asked urged to accelerate the development of inter-state transmission networks, including Right of Way (RoW) issues. Right of way refers to the legal right for passage over of use of the land owned by some other individual or entity. He asked states for adoption of guidelines issued by the Union government in this regard. The minister noted that that states should promote renewable energy coupled with storage solutions so as to have energy reliability and to collectively meet India's international climate commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Addressing the conference, Pankaj Agarwal, secretary, Union ministry of power, reiterated the need to meet future power demand by ensuring necessary power generation capacity tie-ups as per the resource adequacy plan for up to FY2035. He said that it is also imperative to make necessary arrangements for development of inter-state and intra-state transmission capacities through various financing models available including Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB), Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM), budgetary support or monetization of existing assets. The secretary also said that states should make all efforts for securing the power sector infrastructure, including the transmission grid and distribution systems, against cyber security concerns and should implement necessary cyber security protocols for the same, he added. Growth in the transmission network is also important to integrate the growing renewable energy capacity in the country, more so when the government aims to achieve 500GW of non-fossil capacity in the country by 2030. An investment of ₹ 10 trillion would be required in the power transmission space by 2030 as the government aims to add battery storage capacity along with expanding transmission network. According to the National Electricity Plan for transmission released by the CEA in October last year, a cumulative investment of ₹ 9.15 trillion would be required in the transmission sector to achieve 500GW clean energy capacity and add the required storage capacity to ensure steady power supply. Data from CEA, showed that about 8,830 circuit kilometres (ckm) of transmission lines were added in FY25 across the country, 37.8% lower than 14,203 ckm in the previous fiscal.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
No mobile signal on underground Mumbai Metro; telecom firms cry foul at ‘monopoly' of operator
As complaints pour in from commuters regarding the non-availability of mobile network connectivity within the underground Mumbai Metro Line 3, also called Aqua Line, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has put the blame on what it describes as the 'monopolistic setup' developed by the Metro authorities. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the COAI made it clear that mobile network operators are quite keen on providing seamless connectivity along the underground section through an in-building solution (IBS) shared by all. However, they accuse Mumbai Metro of refusing them direct access and instead involving a third-party vendor at 'exorbitant' prices for deploying networks. Metro passengers on the recently opened BKC-Worli segment of Metro Line 3 have raised concerns about not being able to use their phones, surf, or access apps while on their underground ride, the most basic of needs for a technologically advanced city like Mumbai. 'Telecom service providers had offered to install the infrastructure free of cost and provide connectivity to commuters, while commercial terms could be worked out subsequently. This consumer-first proposal was ignored,' said Lt Gen Dr S P Kochhar, Director General of COAI. The association also stated that the current setup goes against the Right of Way (RoW) provisions under the new Telecommunication Act, which requires that public utilities cannot refuse access to service providers. COAI added that similar infrastructure deployments in public properties like the Central Vista and PWD tunnel in Delhi have been given permission for free, only for the sake of commuter convenience. According to Kochhar, the telecom service providers had even agreed to create a shared infrastructure to prevent duplication and accelerate rollout, but their bid was rejected. Instead, the Metro operator allegedly demanded provisioning connectivity via a single vendor at high fees for access — a model COAI described as 'extortionate and monopolistic.' Even as the services were being tested on a trial basis by the telecom operators awaiting final agreement, commuters are still experiencing poor or no connectivity inside underground stations and tunnels. Experts have cautioned that similar delays in offering mobile coverage would affect ridership as well as safety in the event of an emergency, in which case passengers might not be able to communicate. Responding to the allegations, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) stated that, because of the underground location of the Metro and space constraints, a common infrastructure model was essential and in sync with international and national practices. MMRC explained that the chosen vendor was appointed under an open tendering process and that all the key telecom players had tendered their agreement to participate through this shared infrastructure. 'The shortlisted contractor had invested a lot of money, and two telecom operators had even begun operations on Phase 1, which were later shut down abruptly. One has resumed later. It is neither advisable nor feasible to let each operator create its own infrastructure in tight tunnels,' a Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) spokesperson said, refuting allegations that it was not providing access. 'This is the same system applied to Indian metros and airports as well. Hence, it is absolutely denied that MMRC is not providing them access,' the spokesperson said. As Mumbai's underground Metro expands further, from BKC to Worli now, and is expected to extend till Cuffe Parade by August, commuters hope the dispute will be resolved soon to bring seamless digital access throughout the line.
Mint
20-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Gland Pharma Q4 results: Profit dips 3% YoY to ₹187 crore; 1800% dividend announced
Gland Pharma Q4 Results: Pharma company Gland Pharma on Tuesday, May 20, posted a weak set of numbers for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2024-25 (Q4 FY25), recording a single-digit fall in the consolidated revenue and profit after tax (PAT). Gland Pharma's PAT came in at ₹ 187 crore for the quarter under review, as against ₹ 192 crore in the year-ago quarter, recording a 3% decline on a year-on-year basis. Meanwhile, the revenue from operations declined by 7% YoY to ₹ 1,425 crore in Q4 FY25, from ₹ 1,538 crore in Q4 FY24. On the operating front, the earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) also fell 3% YoY to ₹ 348 crore from ₹ 359 crore. The EBITDA margin saw a small uptick to 24% in the March 2024 quarter from 23% in the year-ago period. On a sequential basis, Gland Pharma's revenue rose 3% while PAT was higher by 9%. Shyamakant Giri, Chief Executive Officer of Gland Pharma, commenting on the results, said, 'In Q4 FY25, our consolidated revenue reached INR 14,249 million, with a healthy EBITDA margin of 24%. On the base business, the EBITDA margin expanded to 38%, driven by volume traction in our U.S. portfolio and high-margin new product launches. Cenexi posted modest sequential improvement in revenue and gross margin, and we remain firmly committed to its turnaround.' Going ahead, Giri said the strategic focus would be on accelerating growth in RoW and India, deepening U.S. presence through portfolio enhancement, and continuing to lead on quality and cost efficiency. During the quarter, the company spent ₹ 50.3 crore on research and development (R&D), representing 4.9% of revenue, while for FY25, it was ₹ 1,922 million (4.7% of revenue). In Q4 FY25, Gland Pharma filed five ANDAs and seven got approved, with a total of 24 ANDAs filed and 32 ANDAs approved in FY25, contributing to a cumulative total of 371 ANDA filings in the U.S. (318 approved, 53 pending). Gland Pharma also recommended a final dividend of ₹ 18 or 1800% per equity share of ₹ 1/- each for the financial year 2024-25. The dividend, upon approval by the shareholders, will be paid within 30 days from the date of the 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the company said. Furthermore, Gland Pharma also announced the dividend record date. "The record date for the purpose of determining the members eligible to receive the final dividend for the financial year ended March 31, 2025, is Thursday, August 14, 2025," it said.
Mint
20-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Gland Pharma Q4 results: Profit dips 3% YoY to ₹187 crore; 1800% dividend announced
Gland Pharma Q4 Results: Pharma company Gland Pharma on Tuesday, May 20, posted a weak set of numbers for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2024-25 (Q4 FY25), recording a single-digit fall in the consolidated revenue and profit after tax (PAT). Gland Pharma's PAT came in at ₹ 187 crore for the quarter under review, as against ₹ 192 crore in the year-ago quarter, recording a 3% decline on a year-on-year basis. Meanwhile, the revenue from operations declined by 7% YoY to ₹ 1,425 crore in Q4 FY25, from ₹ 1,538 crore in Q4 FY24. On the operating front, the earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) also fell 3% YoY to ₹ 348 crore from ₹ 359 crore. The EBITDA margin saw a small uptick to 24% in the March 2024 quarter from 23% in the year-ago period. On a sequential basis, Gland Pharma's revenue rose 3% while PAT was higher by 9%. Shyamakant Giri, Chief Executive Officer of Gland Pharma, commenting on the results, said, 'In Q4 FY25, our consolidated revenue reached INR 14,249 million, with a healthy EBITDA margin of 24%. On the base business, the EBITDA margin expanded to 38%, driven by volume traction in our U.S. portfolio and high-margin new product launches. Cenexi posted modest sequential improvement in revenue and gross margin, and we remain firmly committed to its turnaround.' Going ahead, Giri said the strategic focus would be on accelerating growth in RoW and India, deepening U.S. presence through portfolio enhancement, and continuing to lead on quality and cost efficiency. During the quarter, the company spent ₹ 50.3 crore on research and development (R&D), representing 4.9% of revenue, while for FY25 was ₹ 1,922 million (4.7% of revenue). In Q4 FY25, Gland Pharma filed five ANDAs and seven got approved, with a total of 24 ANDAs filed and 32 ANDAs approved in FY25, contributing to a cumulative total of 371 ANDA filings in the U.S. (318 approved, 53 pending). Gland Pharma also recommended a final dividend of ₹ 18 or 1800% per equity share of ₹ 1/- each for the financial year 2024-25. The dividend, upon approval by the shareholders, will be paid within 30 days from the date of the 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the company said. Furthermore, Gland Pharma also announced the dividend record date. "The record date for the purpose of determining the members eligible to receive the final dividend for the financial year ended March 31, 2025, is Thursday, August 14, 2025," it said. Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
The Print
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
Mumbai metro trying to extract monopolistic, extortionate rents for mobile network: COAI
'Telecom Service Providers are always willing to provide connectivity through IBS (in-building solutions). However, in the instant case, Mumbai Metro has created a monopoly on providing connectivity exclusively through a third party vendor, and is now trying to extract monopolistic and extortionate rents for providing the mobile network,' COAI said. COAI, in a statement, said that in order to minimise disruptions, telecom service providers had offered a common network for facilitating mobile connectivity which has been ignored by the Mumbai Metro. New Delhi, May 18 (PTI) COAI on Sunday accused Mumbai Metro of trying to extract monopolistic and extortionate rents on provision of mobile network, as the industry body argued that under stipulated rules, a public authority cannot deny providing Right of Way to telecom operators in a public place. As per the new Telecommunication Act and Right of Way (RoW) rules, a public authority cannot deny providing Right of Way to TSPs in a public place 'which is exactly what is being done by the Mumbai Metro', COAI Director General S P Kochhar said. 'One must note that deploying of such network(s) are a norm, even in important places like the PWD tunnel in Pragati Maidan or the Central Vista, wherein the TSPs are laying infrastructure without paying any cost to anyone (including any third party),' according to COAI. COAI claimed that Mumbai Metro was quoting precedence for appointing a third party vendor and denying RoW to telcos. 'It may be noted that wrong precedence does not make a legitimate one and the industry is separately addressing the issue of such monopolies being created, with a view to stop such extortionate practices,' said the association – whose members include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea. Telecom service providers are always willing to incur capex for setting up network inside the Metro, despite no any additional incremental revenue. 'However, paying extortionate rates to Mumbai Metro for such a network is not viable,' COAI said. Further, COAI pointed out that services were being offered on a trial basis by all TSPs, pending finalisation of a formal agreement. '…to support uninterrupted connectivity for Mumbai Metro commuters, TSPs had proposed providing mobile connectivity Free of Cost without any payment to either the third party vendor or Mumbai Metro, until commercial terms could be mutually agreed upon. This was communicated through a joint letter by TSPs dated 7th April 2025,' COAI said, adding, 'reasonable and consumer first proposal was ignored by the Mumbai Metro'. PTI MBI HVA This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
