Hopes revive for Hirma project

The much delayed Hirma Thermal Power Project may finally see the light of day with Reliance Energy getting the go-ahead from the Orissa government.

The generation capacity of the project may be raised from the originally proposed 3,960 Mw to 15,000 Mw and is likely to entail an investment of around Rs 60,000 crore.

"A team of Reliance Energy officials is reaching Hirma and a joint announcement will be made tomorrow. The project proposal has been lying with the Orissa government and it is keen to take the project forward. Once the announcements are made tomorrow further details will be worked out," sources said.

Besides Orissa, the power generated from this plant may be supplied to Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan.

Neyveli Lignite and NTPC were earlier believed to be interested in development of the project.

The project, in its earlier avatar, was to be developed by Mirant Corporation and Reliance Power.

"The project had earlier faced problems over issues relating to payment security and guaranteed power offtake," a senior government official said.