Second unit of Shri Singaji power project to start generation from October

Bhopal: Commercial power generation will start from ensuing October in the second unit of 2X600 MW capacity of the first phase of much awaited Shri Singaji thermal power project at village Donglia in Khandwa district. Project’s first 600 MW unit has started generating power since February 1, 2014. So far, Rs. 6822 crore has been spent on the project whose total cost is Rs. 7820 crore. Project’s 3rd and 4th units of the second phase will start generating power from March and June 2018, respectively. This project’s cost is Rs. 6500 crore. The state government has provided 20 percent share capital for this and remaining 80 percent is being obtained as loan from PFC.

Different BOP systems of second phase of Shri Singaji thermal power project are nearing completion. Similarly, construction of rail line from Surgaon Banjhari to Beed is under progress and is expected to be completed with electrification and signaling soon.

It is noteworthy that work order was released to messrs BHEL on December 12, 2008 for man power block of the project. Commercial power generation has started from Unit-1 and is expected to start in Unit-2 from October 2014. For remaining plant works, work orders were issued to messrs L & T Limited, Badodara on October 26, 2009.

Second phase

Estimated cost of project’s second phase is Rs. 6500 crore. Commercial power generation from this phase’s Unit-3 is expected to start from March 2018 and Unit-4 from June 2018. Adequate water and land is available for project’s establishment and financial closing has been obtained.

Of the estimated cost, Rs. 6862 crore will be obtained as loan from PFC and Rs. 1300 crore from share capital from the state government. For obtaining loan, the Power Generating Company has entered into an MoU with Power Finance Company. Permission has been obtained from Airport Authority of India for construction of project’s 275 meter high chimney. Union Ministry for Coal has allotted Gond Bahera, Singrauli coal block for the project.

The state government has given administrative sanction for establishment of the second phase by Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company. Union Ministry for Power has given status of mega power project to this project. Water allotment and land is available for the project. Project consultant has also been appointed. MoU with Madhya Pradesh Power Trading Company (Now, Power Management Company Limited) was signed on January 4, 2011.

Similarly, application was moved with the Union Ministry for Forests & Environment for environment-related clearance. Ministry’s committee comprising environment experts has held a meeting on the project in July on the basis of Gond Bahera, Singrauli coal block. Final action is expected after environmental clearance.