NTPC to set up another power project in Bihar

The state run NTPC is all set to get another power project in Bihar. This 1.320 MW project would be set up through a joint venture company with the PSU and the state government's power production company.

The project would be situated in Lakhisarai district of the state. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will lay the foundation stone for this project on Saturday.

In the joint venture company, the NTPC would own 74 percent, while the rest of the shares will belong to the state government."We have been trying very long for this project," said one of the senior officials of the Energy department, "However, our continuous efforts have not gone into vain and finally the NTPC have been chosen for this project."

The state government decided to set up three power projects in the state through private-public partnership (PPP). The next year, the state government chose three sites for these proposed projects in Bhagalpur (Pirpainti), Bauxar (Chausa) and Lakhisarai (Kajra).

The earlier two proposed projects have already been awarded to Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) and NHPC. "This was the last remaining project and this was awarded to NTPC through a completely transparent process. Only PSUs were allowed to participate in the bidding process. Still we get a lot of response, and finally NTPC was selected."

According to the state government officials, oil and gas major, ONGC, had also shown interest in this project.