Punjab Power Minister’s Efforts Lead to Approval of Three New 800 MW Power Units in Punjab
Chandigarh, June 6
Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh persistent efforts have paid off, with the Union Power Minister approving the establishment of three additional 800 MW power generation units in the state. This decision came during a conference of North Indian Power Ministers hosted by the Government of India’s Power Department, where Harbhajan Singh represented Punjab.
The conference, chaired by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, saw participation from power ministers and officials of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Delhi.
watch……https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJSib79cLv4
Harbhajan Singh raised concerns about the limited capacity of the Ropar Thermal Plant, pointing out that despite Punjab having its own coal mines, the Union Government’s restriction on coal transportation beyond 1,000 kilometers was hindering expansion. Accepting the demand, the Union Minister directed officials to extend the coal transportation limit to over 1,500 kilometers and approved two new 800 MW units in Ropar, along with an additional 800 MW unit elsewhere in Punjab. This clears the way for a total of 2,400 MW thermal power capacity in the state.
Addressing the Union Government’s 7,000 MW solar power target for Punjab, the minister highlighted challenges due to high land costs but noted efforts to set up solar projects in neighboring states to supply power to Punjab.
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Harbhajan Singh also pressed for the immediate allocation of 1,000 MW power requested by Punjab for the paddy season, emphasizing the state’s critical role in national food security. He urged for timely power supply to ensure farmers can irrigate their crops, noting that Punjab currently receives 275 MW from the central pool.
The minister further mentioned that approvals have been secured to upgrade two 100 MVA transformers at BBMB Jalandhar to 160 MVA, with Punjab bearing the cost. However, delays in execution are causing issues, and he urged for swift action to operationalize the unit.
On the RDSS scheme, Harbhajan Singh highlighted that the Union Government’s 60% share of a Rs. 3,600 crore project (in a 60:40 ratio) to bolster Punjab’s power infrastructure has effectively dropped to 40% due to rising costs and fixed grants, leading to a Rs. 300 crore loss for Punjab. He demanded approval at revised rates to address this shortfall.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led government, the Power Minister emphasized their dedication to ensuring the best power supply for Punjab’s residents.
