NTPC B'desh project work to start by May

State-run NTPC would commence work on its first overseas project in Bangladesh by May 2011, said Chairman and Managing Director Arup Roy Choudhury.

“We have conducted feasibility studies at two places in Bangladesh — Khulna and Chittagong — for coal-based power projects. The work on Khulna plant is expected to start by April-May 2011,” he said. The development holds bilateral significance, as both India and Bangladesh had decided to improve economic ties in a ‘win-win’ mode during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit earlier this year.

Following the visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed to form an equal joint venture (JV) between NTPC and Bangladesh Power Development Board to develop two power projects of about 1,320 Mw. Choudhury said, “Our Sri Lanka venture is also likely to happen soon, as we are waiting for the clearance of power purchase agreement.”