This and several other issues relating to thermal and hydel power projects proposed in Tamil Nadu by the Centre, figured in the 75-minute discussions between Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and the Union Minister.

Speaking at a hurriedly convened media conference in the city, soon after his meeting with the Chief Minister at the State Secretariat, the Minister said that the Cudappah-Sriperumbudur line would be completed in about a year's time. He had also apprised the Chief Minister on a proposal for two more transmission lines -- a 2000 MW double circuit line in the Talcher-Kolar-Hosur corridor and a line from Kayankulam in Kerala to Tamil Nadu -- under consideration for linking the State to the eastern and western regions, to transportsurplus power.

It was also decided at the meeting, that the foundation stone for the National Thermal Power Corporation-promoted 2,500 MW project in Cheyyur, in Kancheepuram district, will be laid on April 14 next year. The Cheyyur project will be set up in two phases -- 1000 MW coal-based project at first and the 1,500 MW gas-based project second. Tamil Nadu's share from this project will be 48.87 per cent, he added. The second phase of the project, which is based on Liquid Natural Gas (LNG), would depend on the construction of the LNG terminal at the proposed Ennore satellite port.

Besides the various Centre-promoted thermal projects, the hydel project for Hogenekkal also figured in the talks, he said. On this, the Minister disclosed that the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) had been commissioned to investigate the feasibility of 850 to 870 MW Cauvery hydel projects in Hogenekkal and Rasimanal in Tamil Nadu, and Megadhatu in Karnataka.

``The study would be based on the point of view of landsubmergence and maximum power generation,'' he said, adding that he would be writing to the Chief Ministers of both the states in this regard. The NHPC will be the builder, operator and promoter for this project. The issue, if any, with regard to irrigation for the project would be sorted out by the Prime Minister, who heads the Cauvery River Water Authority, he added.

The Hogenekkal project was only in the initial stages of planning, the detailed project being developed only after the approval of the Chief Ministers of the two states, he said. A major share of the power produced would be given to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, he added.

The Neyveli Lignite Corporation and the NTPC were holding discussions with the Coal Ministry to finalise their joint venture, to promote a 2000 MW lignite-based project at Neyveli using lignite from the third mine, which recently received a Rs. 1,500 crore plan allocation from the Centre for this purpose, the Minister said.

He sought assistance from the State Government forcertain infrastructure projects, for his constituency which happens to be Tiruchi. ``The Chief Minister agreed in principle to discuss with the Chief Secretary, about constituting a task force for developing Tiruchi into a high technology district,'' he said.

Meanwhile, an official statement from the State Government disclosed the details of the discussions between the Chief Minister and Kumaramangalam, saying that the Chief Minister had sought at least 50 per cent share from the 2,500 MW Cheyyur project.

Kumaramangalam also assured that he would help the State Government to obtain the necessary sanction from the Tuticorin Port Trust for acquiring land for a 500 MW thermal plant, promoted by Spic Electric Corporation at Tuticorin.

The Minister also promised the CM that he would help the state get fuel linkage for three short gestation power projects, the release stated. The meeting was attended by Health and Electricity Minister Arcot N Veerasamy, Local Administration Minister Ko Si Mani and HighwaysMinister T Kiruttinan.