Mixing "what" and "how" - Mysore water supply protest example

silkboard - 21-MAR-2009

Not writing this to take sides in the recently lit 'protest' over supposed privatization of water supply at Mysore. Good friend Vinay forwarded this article from Star of Mysore which goes by the title "Intellectuals oppose Tata deal"

Good response to Karnataka's Mega PPP on Roads

silkboard - 4-MAR-2009

In this round-up report today ("States pip NHAI in PPP road projects"), Biz-standard reporter Anirban Chowdhury has updates on Karnataka's mega PPP initiative to improve state's highways.

Exciting - Karnataka's own NHDP !!

silkboard - 29-JAN-2009

I am a bit surprised that mainstream media is yet to show serious interest in a PPP proposal to develop 66000 kms of roads in Karnataka. I first heard about this mega plan about two months ago, and finally, yesterday, half page ads appeared in newspapers with more details. Sounds exciting isn't it, promise of connectivity, and its about the whole state, not just Bengaluru. Call it Karnataka's own NHDP of sorts. Plan is to modernize roads, not build greenfield roadways. Highlights, here they are:

Heavy toll for NICE drive

murali772 - 18-DEC-2008

Already embroiled in litigation over key issues involved in the implementation of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor, its promoter, NICE on Wednesday delivered a shocker to motorists. The toll will be the highest in the country and will be in force until December 31 when it can exercise the option of revising it, at an annual rate of 10 per cent increase.

Water supply is not getting privatized

silkboard - 14-DEC-2008

After Mysore City corporation announced the water supply PPP with JUSCO (Tata arm that manages water supply in Jamshedpur), there have been concerns that water supply is being handed over to private players, and the rates may go up.

Tata arm bags Mysore water supply project

silkboard - 4-DEC-2008

This piece of news must be noted, its significant. Mysore city corporation (MCC) is inviting a Tata arm to form the largest water supply PPP project in the country. Read the press release directly on Tata group's website. Here are some key points worth your time:

Brand IIT the only way, or Karnataka Inst. of Tech possible?

silkboard - 1-DEC-2008

This is a reaction to "Demand for IIT rejected again". It seems the main reason KA's request was turned down was because the state already has IISc and IIM here. Is getting a central govt sponsored, IIT branded institute the best way of setting up a premier education institution in the state?

Water water everywhere

silkboard - 20-OCT-2008

Did you too notice a spate of water supply related news and announcements recently? Perhaps some influential  individual or minister has water on his mind. Have a look:

Passport in three days

murali772 - 14-OCT-2008

Citizens can now get a new passport within three days of police verification, or on the same day under "tatkal" scheme, as the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday signed an agreement with Tata Consultancy Services.

Sanity Check: Bangalore international airport rail link

Devesh - 6-OCT-2008

[Cross posted from My Blog]

The Karnataka state government is tripping over itself trying to expedite the High Speed Rail Link (HSRL) to the new Bengaluru International Airport (BIA), conservatively expected to cost Rs. 5,200 - Rs. 5,700 Crore by completion date, somewhere by 2012.