NTPC gives nod to Katwa power plant in West Bengal

KOLKATA: The board of state-run power producer NTPC has approved the 1,320-MW thermal power plant at Katwa in West Bengal, clearing the last hurdle for the longdelayed project. This came after the West Bengal government allocated 96 acre for the proposed plant and local residents agreed to add 150 acre to the land pool.

The Rs 8,000-crore project was struck for almost three years as a change of government in West Bengal jeopardised the company’s land acquisition plans. The project cost will include Rs 116 crore for 556 acre that the earlier Left Front government had acquired before the power equation in the state changed. It will also include a staff hostel belonging to the government that would be handed over to NTPC.

The cost will also include payment ofRs 110 crore to the Indian Railways for gauge conversion of the tracks between Bardhaman and Katwa. This track will also serve as coal link to the plant.

Additionally, the railways will undertake gauge conversion between Katwa and Ahmedpur. The power producer will buy 150 acre directly from the farmers at the rate ofRs 15 lakh per acre. The government has also decided to allocate excess coal from West Bengal Power Development Corporation to the project till the recently allotted Deocha Achine block in Birbhum starts production.