The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) in India is upgrading and modernising three hydro power stations at Panniar, Pallivasal and Sengulum in Iddukki district. The project involves a total investment of US$53.3M and will be completed within a time span of 12 to 18 months. KSEB is planning to start work on the project during the last quarter of 2000 (as IWP&DC went to press).

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya State Electricity Board in Arunachal Pradesh, has signed an agreement with Mitsui Corporation of Japan to modernise the 4 x 9MW Summer power house of the Umiam hydro power station. The US$12.27M contract involves the supply of necessary machinery and equipment and training of engineers. TPK India has been awarded the US$1.15M contract for erecting the plant and machinery. The entire project is estimated to cost around US$283.44M. US$205.39 is being provided by JBIC while the rest of the funds will be sourced from local agencies and governments. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2003.