WB govt to spend Rs 24.5 Bn for three thermal power plants

02 Dec 2024 CW Team

Power Minister Aroop Biswas informed the Assembly that the West Bengal government is allocating Rs 24.5 billion for the modernisation of three thermal power plants in the state. He stated that the Sagardighi thermal power plant is undergoing modernisation at a cost of Rs 16.1 billion, the Bandel plant at Rs 6.5 billion, and the Kolaghat plant at ?1.9 billion.

The minister further mentioned that new generating units are planned at the existing thermal power plants in Bakreswar, Sagardighi, and Durgapur Projects Limited (DPL). He noted that the tendering process is currently in progress for two supercritical thermal power units of 800 MW each, totalling 1,600 MW, at Sagardighi, a 660 MW unit at Bakreswar, and another 660 MW unit at Santaldih.

He added that work is underway to establish a 12.5 MW solar generation unit in Purulia. Additionally, solar generating units with capacities of 20 MW each are planned for Sagardighi and Santaldih, along with a 10 MW unit at Bakreswar.

Biswas also revealed that plans are being developed for a 1,000 MW pumped storage hydro-electric power plant in Purulia. He emphasised that West Bengal ranks 17th among all Indian states in power tariff rates, with a per-unit cost of Rs 7.12.

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