Mamata to launch captive power JV with NTPC, wagon projects in West Bengal

The Railways and the National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC) will jointly set up a captive power generation unit in West Bengal.  The two public utilities will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for setting up the captive power plant at Adra, in West Bengal, tomorrow. 

Railway minister Mamata Banerjee will also lay the foundation stone for a coach mid-life rehabilitation (MLR) besides a state-of-the-art wagon manufacturing factory, called 'Bengal Wagon Industry', at the premises of SAIL's Kulti Works.

The Adra power plant will have a capacity of 1320 MW (2 units of 660 MW). This plant will employ super critical technology, which is more environment friendly.

NTPC and the Railways will sign the MoU at a function to be held at Anara, near Adra, in West Bengal's Purulia district, in the presence of union minister of railways Mamata Banerjee.

The project is intended to augment Railway's own internal power generation to meet its electricity requirements, an official release said today.

Railways' peak power requirement is expected to go up to 4500 MW by the end of the XII Plan from the current 3500 MW. Railways draws its power from state distribution utilities and a captive power unit will help it provide power in a more reliable, cost effective, uninterrupted and economical terms.