Q Tell us about the evolution of SPML in the water business?
A The journey has been quite exciting. We started in 1968 when we started
selling pipes and fi ttings for the water sector. Around 1978-79, we were
the fi rst company to start turnkey project concept in the water sector when
we did the Jorhat water supply project in Assam. Then we did a project for
the Asiad Project in Delhi in the early 1980s. In the last 10 years or so, the
government has been really pro-active and a number of large projects have
come up. The population growth and higher urbanisation has created the
demand for water projects. In the absence of EPC concept, the government
has realised that there is no accountability. The infrastructure for every major city
has to be upgraded and this is a major opportunity. With proven capabilities in
the water, environment and infrastructure domain, SPML Group is developing
projects with projected investments worth Rs. 15,000 crores.
Q Recently, you won a large project order for Rs. 105 crores from NTPC
for Simhadri project. Tell us a bit more about this order, and about other
project orders secured by SPML.
A SPML is providing the station piping package for Simhadri Super Thermal
Power project including design, engineering, manufacturing and erection
of piping and all related systems. The project also includes anticorrosive
protection and painting of above ground piping for the project.
We have recently secured the prestigious Underground Sewerage Project
for Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra for Rs. 520 crores. This project includes
laying and commissioning 107kms of sewer lines; design, construction and
commissioning of 10 pumping stations and 10 sewage treatment plants
with capacities ranging from 7MLD to 17MLD. Designed on completely
decentralised system having 10 zones across Mira Bhayandar, the project
would also provide for the necessary pressurised ring mains for distribution
and disposal of recycled water, within the next 30 months.
Another important project being executed by SPML is the 25MGD Effl uent
Pumping Station (EPS) at Rithala STP for the Delhi Jal Board. The project
includes twin transmission mains for carrying 33.34MGD treated effl uent from
the EPS to Pragati Power Corporation Ltd plant at Bawana on a DBO basis
with a completion timeline of 11 months. SPML will also undertake operation
& maintenance for a period of 5 years post completion. This water will be the
source of generation of electricity for the prestigious Commonwealth Games
to be held in 2010. One of the unique features of this project is the use of
Magna Drive Couplings for pumpsets for energy effi ciency and long-term
trouble free maintenance.