Delhi, November 25, 2008: With an aim to bring the best minds in infrastructure sector together Essar Steel Infrastructure Network Forum in association with CNBC AWAAZ held a discussion on ‘Infrastructure Policy and Planning’ in New Delhi. The discussion panel included Gajendra Haldea, Adviser to Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Sanjeev Aggarwal, Managing Director, AES Chhattisgarh Energy Pvt Ltd, Suneet Maheshwari, Chief Executive, L&T Infrastructure Finance Company, K.T Ravindran, Head Urban Design School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi . Held in a run-up to ‘Essar Steel Infrastructure Excellence Awards’, the panel discussed various trends, learning and solutions in the sector.

The panel at the forum discussed issues pertaining to the infrastructure sector like the challenges faced by the government when developing and implementing infrastructure policies, steps taken by the govt to develop an actionable and comprehensive policy, regulatory frameworks and govt approach to non-PPP projects.

Mr Gajendra Haldea, said “Infrastructural projects have always got a great support from the government. There is a remarkable improvement in the (infrastructure) design systems and the support will further continue for bigger and better projects as Infrastructure is an important part of people’s lives”.

Mr. Maheshwari added “Funding and Financial support for Infrastructural projects have been provided by banks and other agencies in the past except in the past 3 months in which there has not been too much of a change. The support will continue as the world believes that Indian economy has huge growth prospective”.

The series of forums kicked off with a discussion on ‘Fast- Tracking Large Infrastructure Projects’ in association with CNBC-TV18 in Mumbai on November 12, 2008 where the panel discussed issues and solutions for large infrastructure projects The panel also highlighted the need for reforms in the infrastructure sector.

Government has now increased the ceiling on foreign borrowing for Indian infrastructure companies. The ceiling has been increased to $500 million from the earlier limit of $100 million. This goes on to prove the importance that the government is placing on what is increasingly turning out to be an important sunrise sector.

To highlight the role played by the infrastructure development in the economy and underline the progressive march of Indian Infrastructure industry, Essar Steel and CNBC-TV18 have instituted Infrastructure Excellence Awards 2009 to felicitate the best infrastructure projects in the country. In the first leg of the awards, Essar Steel Infrastructure Network Forums brought together great minds from the field of infrastructure and culminate in the ‘Essar Steel Infrastructure Excellence Awards’ for the projects in Highways & Flyovers, Railways, Airports, Ports, Energy & Power, Oil & Gas, Telecom and Urban Infrastructure.

About Essar Steel:
Essar Steel is a global producer of steel with a footprint covering India, Canada, USA, Middle East and Asia. It is a fully integrated flat carbon steel manufacturer - from iron ore to ready-to-market products. Its products find wide acceptance in highly discerning consumer sectors, such as automotive, white goods, construction, engineering and shipbuilding. It is India’s largest exporter of flat steel products and aims to reach 25 MTPA capacities by 2012.

About CNBC TV18:
CNBC-TV 18 is India's No.1 business medium and the undisputed leader in business news. And its leadership epitomizes the fact that India means business. It delivers quality and involved audiences that comprise a comprehensive viewership base greater than similar offerings in the business space across all media. The channel's benchmark coverage extends from corporate news, financial markets coverage, expert perspective on investing and management to industry verticals and beyond. CNBC-TV18 has been constantly innovating with new genres of programming that helps make business more relevant to different constituencies across the country. CNBC-TV18 is currently available in over 30 million households in India.

About E18:
E18, a division of Network18, is a dedicated Events company which organizes business conferences & summits, world class concerts and entertainment shows. E18 offers its clients the unique combination of live, television as well as internet platforms.

For more information, please visit: www.infrastructureexcellenceawards.com
Or contact:
Vaidehi Garigipati, HanmerMS&L- 9891755943
Roopa Sandhir, HanmerMS&L-9810995123