SBI Caps appointed advisor for Bhaiyathan power plant

Mumbai, March 28, 2007: Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board (CSEB) has initiated the tariff-based bidding of the 1200-1500 MW Bhaiyathan Thermal Power Plant in Surguja District. This is the first mega power project of its kind in the country whereby the procurer (the state) has called for bids with pre-identified site and captive coal mines and the selected bidder will develop the power plant and supply electricity to the State with portion of certain percentage as third party sale.

SBI Capital Markets (SBI Caps), the investment banking subsidiary of State Bank of India, has been appointed advisor by the Chhattisgarh Government

The project will involve one of the largest private investments in Chhattisgarh and is in keeping with the vision of transforming the State into India's power hub.

The mega power project has received excellent response with 21 bidders, including Tata Power, Reliance Energy, Torrent, CESC, Essar, Sterlite and global power major AES Corporation, purchasing tender documents from the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board (CSEB).

The winning bidder of the Bhaiyathan Power Project, whose generation capacity will be in the 1200 "� 1500 MW range, will have the option for selecting the technology and unit size for the project. The proposed power plant will have dedicated captive coal mines at Pathuria and Gidhmuri. The power will be supplied at Raipur Load centre

SBICAP has structured the project and the bids are released for sale. After getting the feedback from the bidders, CSEB will take Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commissions' approval for the deviation to standard bidding documents, as issued by Ministry of Power. The structure finalised ensures energy security for the State, brings in much awaited developmental activity and creates new employment opportunities for the people of the state.

CSEB has taken the progress of plant at reasonable level. The land acquisition is in advanced stages. The issues related to environmental clearance are being settled down. The mining plan is being finalised and water linkage is obtained for the project. The advanced stages of clearances will also attract more interest in the bidders.

Tender issuing has already started and the closing date for the same is April 2, 2007.

About SBI Capital Markets Ltd: Founded in 1986, SBI Capital Markets Ltd. (subsidiary of State Bank of India) is India's leading investment bank and project advisor having a presence across all investment banking products and offering services across all business segments including private equity. SBICAP enjoys a strong working relationship with corporate and government clients, having worked for several fund-raising, strategic sales and other advisory transactions. SBICAP has entered into tie-ups with investment banks in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Oman and Qatar and has a strategic alliance with CLSA. It is also an alliance member of M & A International Inc, one of the world's leading alliances of independent advisors specialising in mergers and acquisitions in the middle markets.