CIL and DVC Form Joint Venture for 1,600 MW Power Project

12 Nov 2025 CW Team

Coal India Limited (CIL), the country’s largest coal producer, and Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), a leading power generator in West Bengal and Jharkhand, have signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) to develop a 1,600 MW brownfield thermal power project at DVC’s existing Chandrapura Thermal Power Station in Jharkhand. The agreement was finalised on 7 November 2025.

The project will comprise two ultra-supercritical units of 800 MW each, with coal sourced from CIL’s Jharkhand-based subsidiary, Central Coalfields Limited. The total estimated project cost is around Rs 210 billion, to be financed on a 50:50 equity basis between the two state-owned entities. The cost includes development, construction, and commissioning of both units, which are expected to begin commercial operations by FY 2031–32.

The JV also intends to explore future collaborations in other thermal and renewable energy ventures. Senior officials from both organisations stated that the project will leverage existing infrastructure at the Chandrapura site, ensuring efficient use of resources and faster execution.

Given its proximity to the coalfields, the project’s variable power cost is expected to remain competitive. As a brownfield expansion, major infrastructure, including land, is already available, expediting implementation.

The signing ceremony was attended by S. Suresh Kumar, Chairman, DVC; Sanoj Kumar Jha, Chairman, CIL; and senior officials from both organisations. The pact marks a significant step in enhancing national and regional power supply reliability and meeting India’s growing energy demand.

Infrastructure Urban

04 Dec 2025

ISRO’s IMAT Success Boosts Readiness for Maiden Gaganyaan Mission

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh informed Parliament that ISRO has achieved a key milestone in its preparations for India’s first human space mission with the successful completion of the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT). He said in the Lok Sabha that the test forms a central part of the qualification campaign for the Crew Module’s parachute-based deceleration system, one of the most vital elements in human-rating the mission.According to Dr. Jitendra Singh, the IMAT recreated one of the most demanding descent conditions by intentionally del..

Gyanesh Kumar Takes Charge as Chair of International IDEA Council

Chief Election Commissioner of India Gyanesh Kumar has assumed the Chairship of the Council of Member States of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance for 2026. The ceremony in Stockholm was also attended by India’s Ambassador to Sweden, Anurag Bhushan. India, a founding member of International IDEA, has long contributed to the organisation’s governance and global democratic dialogue, and the new Chairship signals broad recognition of the Election Commission of India as a trusted and innovative election management institution.During his visit, Kumar held discuss..

Coal Mines Boost Local Growth and Support India’s Energy Self-reliance

The Magadh and Amrapali coal mines in Jharkhand are playing a pivotal role in strengthening India’s energy security, contributing nearly half of Central Coalfields Limited’s total coal production in 2024–25. Both mines support the broader goal of ensuring steady coal availability for the power sector under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Magadh has estimated mineable reserves of 854.91 million tonnes, while Amrapali holds 456.34 million tonne. For FY 2025–26, the two are expected to generate net sales revenues of Rs 28.12 billion and Rs 23.67 billion respectively. Local development ..