Delay in Pragati-III will not be acceptable: Walia

New Delhi, Oct 3 (UNI) Delhi Power Minister A K Walia today instructed the Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) to take up construction work of the Pragati Power III on a war footing to commission the project before 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Dr Walia personally visited the site of the 1,500 MW Pragati-III Project at Bawana, along with other senior officers to assess status of the ongoing construction.

He was informed that designing and engineering exercise is in full swing whereas site office/stores are being given final shape.

Dr Walia was accompanied by MD (IPGCL/PPCL) R K Gaur, Director (T) IPGCL/PPCL Vinay Kumar, GM (Pragati-III Power Project) R Tiku, GM (BHEL) S K Laad and other senior officers from all concerned Departments and agencies, BHEL was awarded the contract on a turnkey basis on April 30, 2008.

Dr Walia was assured that Gas Turbine Generator-1 (GTG) will be commissioned by March 31, 2010 to generate 250 MW power whereas GTG-2 is likely to be commissioned by May 31, 2010, which will also generate 250 MW power.

It was further reported that GTG-3 along with Steam Turbine Generator (STG)-1 will be commissioned by July 31, 2010 with combined generation of 500 MW.

As per schedule, GTG-4 with capacity of 250 MW will be commissioned by September 30, 2010 and complete power plant would be commissioned with almost full generation by commencement of Commonwealth Games 2010.

Dr Walia expressed confidence that commissioning of 1,500 MW Gas Based Pragati-III Project will go a long way in overcoming dependence of power on other states.

It would also usher into an era of self-sufficiency as far as availability of power is concerned. He further stated that another 750 MW from Jhajjar will also become available by that time.

UNI AR MP VC2130