"The government has constituted an empowered group of ministers to examine and decide all issues related to Dabhol. The EGoM would decide on the restructuring route to restart the project keeping all relevant aspects in view," Power Minister P M Sayeed told the Lok Sabha. Sayeed said the government was also working to expand the power transmission network in the country.

"The 10th five-year plan envisages an investment of Rs 28,840 crore (Rs 288.40 billion) in central sector transmission system," he said.

The government has also identified 106 thermal power stations with a total capacity of 10,413 MW for life extension schemes at a cost of about Rs 9200 crore (Rs 92 billion).

Besides, 57 thermal plants and 62 hydro plants have been identified for renovation and modernisation work at a cost of Rs 978 crore (Rs 9.78 billion) and Rs 2227 crore (Rs 22.27 billion) respectively, he said.

The government is also planning to implement the 50,000 MW hydroelectric initiatives. Preliminary feasibility reports of 162 hydel projects with a total capacity of 47,930 MW have been prepared.

These include 62 schemes in the North-east with an installed capacity of 30,416 MW, he said.