PM inaugurates Goindwal thermal power project

Amritsar, Dec 20 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today inaugurated the 600-MW mega thermal power project worth Rs 2,500-Rs 3,000 crore at a public function in Ranjit Avenue here.

The Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) had yesterday signed an MoU with GVK Power Ltd for this project to be located in the holy town of Goindwal Sahib in Tarn Taran district.

The project envisions power sharing between the PSEB and GVK Power Ltd on a long term basis for a period of 25 years.

The thermal project was allocated to GVK through an international competitive bidding route. The first unit of 300 MW is planned for commissioning within 30 months from the financial closure which will not be later than six months from the date of approval of PPA by Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) and second unit within six months.

The coal for this project shall be used from an allocated captive coal block (Tokisud Coal Mine). This will be the first power project in the state which is being developed by a private developer.

The power to be generated at this project shall be to the tune of 3,850 MUs at the station Bus Bar at 80 per cent Plant Load Factor.

The tariff shall be approved by PSERC since the project is being set up at a location which is a load centre of adjoining areas and the power evacuated will be utilised in the districts of Tarn Taran, Kapurthala and Amritsar.

With the completion of the project, there will be a considerable improvement in the power supply position of the state and it will also enable PSEB to provide reliable supply to the consumers.

Present on the occasion were Union Minister of state for Shipping, Surface Transport and Highways K H Munigappa, Union Minister of state for Industries Ashwani Kumar, state Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal who holds the power portfolio and other senior ministers.

Other Congress leaders of the state including MPs Rana Gurjit Singh and Mrs Parneet Kaur were also present.

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