Sahara India Power Corporation Ltd., the unit of Sahara Prime City Limited has informed that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Orissa for setting up a 1320 MW (2 x 660) Coal Based Thermal Power Plant in Turla Tehsil of Balangir District.

The Turla plant, which is proposed to be built on an area of 1,500 acres, planned to begin its first Unit of 660 MW by February 2013 while the second unit of 660 MW is expected to start working within 6 to 8 months thereafter.

The three-way battle to control Orissa Sponge Iron and Steel Ltd has taken a new turn with Bhushan Energy Ltd's decision to offer 330 rupees per share for 20 percent stake in OSLS against Monnet Ispat's offer of Rs 310.

Other players including BNS Steel Trading Pvt. Ltd, BBN Transportation Pvt. Ltd, BNR Infotech Pvt. Ltd and BNR Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd are also in the race to acquire stake in the firm.

The Bhubaneshwar-based Orissa Sponge holds captive iron ore and coal mines. The company is witnessing battle between Bhushan Power, Monnet Ispat and Bhushan Steel in the past one week. The final winner would be declared on May 13 for the offer opening on April 24, according to information available from Bombay Stock Exchange.

Sundergarh (Orissa), Feb 28 : About 60 Maoists have triggered explosions at the Bhalulata railway station, 25 km from Rourkela on Howrah-Mumbai section, and abducted two railway officials in Orissa''s Sundergarh district early Saturday.

According to the local railway police, the station building was virtually razed to the ground as its roof collapsed under the impact of the explosions done with the help of landmines.

Bhubaneshwar, Feb. 27 : Orissa's small-scale iron crushing units are facing severe crisis, as they are not assured of ore lumps supply at reasonable rates from the Oil Mining Corporation.

The 300 crore rupees small units provide employment to 40,000 persons in the district.

It's still February, but the mercury has touched 40.4ºC in Orissa's capital Bhubaneswar. Wednesday's temperature was the highest in the last 45 years. There was marginal relief on Thursday when the mercury came down to 38.5ºC.

Congress workers and activists in Orissa have been asked not to raise slogans in the name of state leaders or local leaders in a meeting or a rally.