Delay at Bawana power plant worries Govt
-
19/11/2009
-
Pioneer (New Delhi)
The upcoming gas-based power plant at Bawana is giving nightmares to the Delhi Government ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Work at the 1,500-MW plant, which is being developed by Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL) to meet the electricity requirement in the city, is running behind the schedule, worrying the Government.
A meeting to review progress was held on wednesday, where Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit directed officials to complete the project before the Commonwealth Games. BHEL's CMD, however, informed the Chief Minister that two of the four gas turbines had arrived in the Capital, whereas the remaining two would soon be available.
Principal Secretary (Power) Rajendra Kumar, who was also present, said there were certain difficulties in the transportation of the third gas turbine, which is currently at Mundra in Gujarat. "Certain restrictions were imposed on transportation of turbine by the Gujarat Government due to its big size," said Kumar.
He said objections were raised by the Gujarat Government regarding transportation through a damaged bridge. However, an alternate route has been found, he added. Kumar said the Chief Minister raised concerns over the slow progress and said the project was crucial in view of the power needs during the Games.
Sources in the department said work at the plant was already delayed due to the four gas turbines that are to be supplied by a US-based firm. Though two of the turbines have already reached Delhi, the third one is yet to come from Mundra in Gujarat. Transportation of the turbine was stalled by the Gujarat Government and the National Highways Authority because of its size. According to BHEL, the third turbine has also reached Mundra but is yet to move out of the port.