 Early Times Report
Shimla, Aug 22: In a major push for sustainable development, industrial growth and infrastructure enhancement, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of projects in Bihar worth over Rs. 13 thousand crore from Bodh Gaya.
In this historic moment, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated first unit (1x660 MW) of 1320 MW Buxar Thermal Power Project of SJVN, a Navratna CPSE, under the Ministry of Power. The ceremony was attended by Hon'ble Governor of Bihar, Shri. Arif Mohammed Khan, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar, State Ministers and other prominent dignitaries.
The event was also attended by Shri Pankaj Aggarwal, Secretary (Power), Ministry of Power, Shri Bhupender Gupta, CMD, SJVN, Shri Ajay Kumar Sharma, Director (Personnel), Shri Vikas Sharma, CEO of STPL and other senior officials of SJVN. Employees of SJVN and its subsidiaries across all Projects and Units in India and Nepal witnessed this historic occasion through live streaming.
The 1320 MW (2x660 MW) Buxar Thermal Power Project located at Chausa in District Buxar, Bihar is being implemented by SJVN Thermal Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJVN. The foundation stone of the project was laid by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 9th March 2019. Equipped with state-of-the-art supercritical technology, the project ensures higher efficiency and reduced environmental impact. With the total investment of Rs. 13,756.56 Crore, the project will generate 9,828.72 Million Units of electricity annually, out of which 85% power has been allocated to Bihar under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement.
The Project will substantially enhance power availability in Bihar and the Eastern Region, reducing peak-hour shortages and strengthening energy security. Its construction involved the use of around 2,54,932 MT of steel and 2,80,362 tonnes of cement, providing a significant boost to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting domestic industries.
During construction phase, the Project engaged nearly 5,000 workers annually, with local residents being the primary beneficiaries. It has created both direct and indirect employment opportunities, which will continue during its operational phase as well. Local markets, small businesses, hotels, and transport services have also experienced growth, contributing to the region’s economic development.
Additionally, SJVN has actively undertaken community development initiatives in education, healthcare, sanitation, drinking water, and women empowerment, thereby ensuring inclusive growth and long-term social impact.
SJVN Limited, a joint venture of the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh, is a Navratna CPSE under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power. Beginning its journey with 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station in Himachal Pradesh, SJVN today has a diversified portfolio in Hydro, Thermal, Wind, Solar, Power Transmission and Power Trading. |
