Udangudi Thermal Plant’s First Unit Synced to Grid

16 Sep 2025 CW Team

The first 660 MW unit of the Udangudi Supercritical Thermal Power Project in Tamil Nadu has finally been synchronised with the grid, marking a long-awaited milestone for the state’s power sector. The project, being developed at a cost of Rs 13,076 crore by Tamil Nadu Power Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNGPCL), was originally scheduled for commissioning in 2021 but faced repeated delays due to court disputes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The synchronisation took place at 7.56 pm on Thursday, when the unit produced 42 MW during its initial trial run. Officials noted that the plant will undergo inspections and troubleshooting during trial operations before moving toward commercial generation in the coming months.

A senior TNGPCL official said the unit is expected to be commissioned in time to meet next summer’s projected peak demand of 22,000 MW. “Generation from our own thermal units will reduce reliance on high-cost power purchases from outside sources,” the official added.

The project’s engineering, procurement, and construction contract was awarded to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in December 2017. Alongside Udangudi, TNGPCL chairman J Radhakrishnan has directed BHEL to accelerate work on the 2×660 MW Ennore SEZ supercritical project, with at least one unit targeted for commissioning by March 2026.

During a site visit at Vayalur in Tiruvallur district, Radhakrishnan said that about 70 per cent of construction at Ennore had been completed and urged faster resolution of legal disputes delaying the work. He also reviewed operations at the North Chennai thermal stations, stressing timely maintenance and replacement of ageing components.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..