Bihar’s Power Boost: Barh Thermal Plant’s Third Unit Ready For Commercial Production

The third unit of Stage-1 of Bihar's first super thermal power plant in Barh has been synchronized, marking a significant milestone in the state's energy sector. Established under the initiative of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the new unit will operate at full capacity for 72 hours from March 26, 2025, before commencing commercial production. With this, all three units of Stage-1 and both units of Stage-2 of the Barh Super Thermal Power Plant will be fully operational.

Each of the three Stage-1 units has a generation capacity of 660 MW, while the two units of Stage-2 also produce 660 MW each. This brings the total power output to 1,980 MW from Stage-1 and 1,320 MW from Stage-2. Bihar is set to receive 61% (1,202 MW) of the power generated from Stage-1 and 87% (1,153 MW) from Stage-2, significantly enhancing the state's electricity supply.

Honorable Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav hailed the project as a major step towards Bihar's energy security. He credited Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership and the state's governance for the successful execution of the plant. "This project will ensure uninterrupted and affordable power supply, benefiting industries, agriculture, businesses, and households across Bihar. The Barh Thermal Power Project will not only make Bihar self-reliant in energy but also contribute to the state's overall development," he stated.

A Vision Realized After Years of Challenges

The foundation stone for the Barh Thermal Power Station was laid in 1999 when Nitish Kumar was a minister in the Central Government. Initially planned as a three-unit project (660 MW each), it was later expanded with the addition of two more units under Stage-2, bringing the total to five.

Land acquisition posed a major challenge during the project's early phases. The state government played a crucial role in resolving local disputes, ensuring NTPC received the required land, and addressing law-and-order concerns to facilitate construction.

Delays and Resolution in Stage-1 Construction

The construction of Stage-1 faced significant hurdles. A Russian company was originally tasked with building the three units, receiving the work order in 2005. However, a prolonged dispute between the company and NTPC stalled progress from 2005 to 2014. The contract was then reassigned to another firm, which completed the units in phases: the first in November 2021, the second in August 2023, and the third in March 2025.

In contrast, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) successfully completed Stage-2 on schedule in 2016, with both units commencing production as planned.

Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav played a pivotal role in overcoming challenges, ensuring coordination between the State Government, the Central Government, and NTPC. His leadership helped resolve obstacles and expedite the completion of the Barh Thermal Power Project, a key achievement in Bihar's energy landscape.