Bihar Approves $2.6B Thermal Plant to Boost Energy Security

03 Mar 2025 CW Team

The Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) has been designated as the nodal agency to oversee the tender process and execution. SBI Capital Markets Limited, Mumbai, will manage the project under a tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) model. The state has already acquired 1,020.60 acres for the plant, with coal linkage secured under Coal India Limited’s Shakti-V-(IV) policy.

A Strategic Shift in Bihar’s Energy Policy Currently, Bihar relies on external sources for a significant portion of its electricity, a factor that has limited economic expansion. The new project is expected to change that.

“To ensure Bihar’s energy security, the government has decided to establish this 2,400MW thermal power plant, with coal allocation already secured,” said Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena.

A solar power project was initially considered for Pirpainti, but a technical survey determined that a thermal plant would be more viable given the region’s coal reserves and land conditions. Energy Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal confirmed that the decision aligns with Bihar’s long-term energy strategy.

Economic and Industrial Impact The project is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation, while also attracting new industries by ensuring affordable electricity.

Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav underscored the project’s significance, stating, “Under the Chief Minister’s leadership, Bihar has created an attractive investment climate. This power plant will not only ensure reliable electricity but also contribute to reducing power costs, accelerating industrial development in the state.”

The Union Ministry of Power has endorsed the tendering process under the Tariff Policy 2016, with the project’s funding announced in the Union Budget 2024. The Centre’s backing reflects growing recognition of Bihar’s industrial potential and the need for energy self-sufficiency.

With construction set to begin soon, the Pirpainti power plant marks a major milestone in Bihar’s energy transformation.

Bihar has approved a landmark $2.6 billion greenfield thermal power project in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur district, marking the state’s largest private sector investment. The 2,400MW plant, featuring three 800MW units, aims to provide a stable electricity supply to Bihar’s 130 million residents and drive industrial growth. The Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) has been designated as the nodal agency to oversee the tender process and execution. SBI Capital Markets Limited, Mumbai, will manage the project under a tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) model. The state has already acquired 1,020.60 acres for the plant, with coal linkage secured under Coal India Limited’s Shakti-V-(IV) policy. A Strategic Shift in Bihar’s Energy Policy Currently, Bihar relies on external sources for a significant portion of its electricity, a factor that has limited economic expansion. The new project is expected to change that. “To ensure Bihar’s energy security, the government has decided to establish this 2,400MW thermal power plant, with coal allocation already secured,” said Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena. A solar power project was initially considered for Pirpainti, but a technical survey determined that a thermal plant would be more viable given the region’s coal reserves and land conditions. Energy Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal confirmed that the decision aligns with Bihar’s long-term energy strategy. Economic and Industrial Impact The project is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation, while also attracting new industries by ensuring affordable electricity. Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav underscored the project’s significance, stating, “Under the Chief Minister’s leadership, Bihar has created an attractive investment climate. This power plant will not only ensure reliable electricity but also contribute to reducing power costs, accelerating industrial development in the state.” The Union Ministry of Power has endorsed the tendering process under the Tariff Policy 2016, with the project’s funding announced in the Union Budget 2024. The Centre’s backing reflects growing recognition of Bihar’s industrial potential and the need for energy self-sufficiency. With construction set to begin soon, the Pirpainti power plant marks a major milestone in Bihar’s energy transformation.

Building Material

08 Apr 2026

Jindal Aluminium Marks 56 Years of Industrial Leadership

Jindal Aluminium Limited has marked its 56th Inception Day, celebrating a legacy built on vision, resilience and manufacturing leadership. Founded in 1968 and incorporated in 1970 by Padma Bhushan Dr Sitaram Jindal, the company has grown into a major force in India’s downstream aluminium sector under the leadership of Pragun Jindal Khaitan.The company is India’s largest manufacturer of aluminium extruded products and the second-largest producer of aluminium flat-rolled products. With a turnover of around Rs 5,500 crore and a workforce of over 4,000, Jindal Aluminium continues to strengthen..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Apr 2026

Tunnelling Begins for Thane, Borivali twin tunnel project

Tunnelling work has commenced for the 11.84-km Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel, set to be India’s longest urban road tunnel, marking a key milestone in Mumbai’s infrastructure development.As per a post shared by Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority on social media platform X, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) ‘Nayak’—the country’s largest single-shield hard rock TBM for an urban tunnel—was launched by Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday. The event was attended by Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, among other dignitaries. A second TBM, ‘Arjuna’, is expected to be launched so..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Apr 2026

Large Format Store Planned At M G Road Metro Station

M G Road station in Bengaluru is set to host the city’s first large-format commercial and experience space, with planning led by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. BMRCL has invited proposals to develop and operate a central business district destination at the Purple?Pink Line interchange. The plan positions the station as a commercial hub designed to serve a broad commuter base across the city. The proposal is part of a broader effort to activate transit nodes commercially. Tender documents set a minimum monthly rental of Rs 0.944 million (mn), inclusive of GST, for the large-format..