Patna: In a big step towards boosting Bihar’s energy sector, the Nitish Kumar government has approved the construction of a greenfield thermal power plant with a capacity of 2400 MW in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur. With an investment of Rs 21,400 crore, the project marks the largest private sector investment in the state till date.
The initiative is aimed at providing a stable electricity supply, benefiting 13 crore residents and accelerating industrial growth.
The Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) will be responsible for the construction works, which will be tendered through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) with SBI Capital Markets Limited. In addition, the plant will be built using coal from Coal India Limited’s Shakti V (IV) block, which is projected to have higher efficiency.
Emphasising on Nitish Kumar’s bid to make Bihar an energy hub, state energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav said, “Under the leadership of the chief minister, Bihar has created a favourable investment climate. This project will not only ensure a reliable electricity supply but also contribute to reducing power costs. It will be a key milestone in the industrial development of the state.”
A total of 1,020 acres of land has been acquired for the project.
Energy Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal said that while an initial proposal for a solar power project in Pirpainti was considered, a technical survey determined that a thermal power plant was a more viable option due to the availability of coal and favorable land conditions.
The project is also expected to create thousands of jobs, draw further investments, and consequently enhance the state’s economy and energy sustainability.