Neyveli Lignite commissions 1st unit of Barsinagar power plant

State-owned Neyveli Lignite Corp today commissioned its lignite-based power plant at Barsingar, in Rajasthan.

Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) today declared the first 125-MW unit of the 250 (2x125) MW project commissioned, which means that power generation can now start.

Minister of Coal Sriprakash Jaiswal and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were present on the occasion.

"We want to be self sufficient in power generation and we are working towards our goal," Gehlot said while addressing a gathering here.

Rajasthan has allocated Rs 24,000 crore from the state's budget towards development of the power sector.

Gehlot said, "52 per cent  (Rs 24,000 crore) of the state's budget would go for the power sector."

NLC would also set up two more power projects of 250-MW capacity each in the state.

"Two more power projects would be set by the company in Rajasthan," he added.

Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal assured the state of speedy coal linkages for its power plants and also faster rehabilitation of the affected families.

"Chief Minister has asked for coal linkages for the plants and (we) have given him the assurance for the same and I also request the state that the displaced families should be rehabilitated," Jaiswal said.

NLC is a lignite power producer and has an installed capacity of 2,490 MW. The company registered a profit after tax of Rs 1,604.86 crore for the fiscal ended March 31, 2010, compared to Rs 1,046.01 crore in the previous year.