Akhilesh cabinet okays 3 thermal power units totalling 1,980 mw

Project is a JV between Nigam and NTPC for 2X660 mw (phase I) and work is already underway

In the backdrop of persistent power crisis, Uttar Pradesh cabinet today approved plans to set up three thermal power units totalling 1,980 megawatt (mw) in the public sector.

As per plans, state utility UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam would set up a 660 mw unit in Panki Thermal Extention Project, Kanpur. It would cost over Rs 4,712 crore, of which 80% would be met through institutional credit, while 20% would come through equity.

Besides, the cabinet approval the proposal to set up 2X660 mw (1,320 mw) units in Meja thermal power project, Allahabad. The project is a joint venture between the Nigam and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) for 2X660 mw (phase I) and the work is already underway.

Since, sufficient land for setting up 4X660 mw units had been available with the government, it was decided to set up 4 units in place of 2 to bring down per unit cost of power generation in the project. As such, the cabinet approved phase II of the project as well.

Meanwhile, the cabinet approved the revised estimates of Harduaganj thermal extension project (2X250 mw) from Rs 2,956 crore to Rs 3,168 crore. The government would inject 30% of the escalated cost (Rs 212 crore) through equity.

In another decision, the cabinet okayed setting up of an additional wagon tippler for coal rack handling at Pariccha thermal project (2X210 mw), Jhansi. It would cost Rs 80 crore, of which 80% and 20% would be met through credit and equity respectively.

Energy crisis, especially during summers, spills over as law and order problem in the state, while the opposition seizes the opportunity to attack the government.

Earlier, Yadav had written to prime minister Narendra Modi seeking enhancement of power quota for UP from central sector. He had also sought coal linkage for the operational and proposed power plants.

At present, the total installed capacity in UP stands at 8,250 Mw, comprising public sector (both thermal and hydro) and private sector.