The Eastern Voice Correspondent
Nabinagar (Aurangabad).
Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project located in the Aurangabad district and operated by NTPC Limited, one of the world’s leading power generation companies is playing a pivotal role in meeting Bihar’s energy requirements. In view of the rising demand for electricity in the coming years, the project is currently undergoing a large-scale expansion.
Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday, Project Head L.K. Behera stated that the Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project is currently supplying approximately 1,600 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Bihar, which accounts for more than 25 percent of the state’s total power requirement. He added that, keeping in mind the rapid industrial development taking place in Bihar and future energy needs, expansion work under Stage-II of the project is being executed at an accelerated pace.
He informed that, as part of the expansion plan, three new units each with a capacity of 800 MW—are being established at the site. These units will generate a total of 2,400 MW of electricity, of which 1,500 MW will be supplied to Bihar. Mr. Behera stated that power generation from the project’s fourth unit is expected to commence by March 2029, while the remaining two units are scheduled to become operational at intervals of six months each.
He further disclosed that approximately ₹30,000 crore is being invested in the construction of Stage-II. Notably, the foundation stone for this project’s expansion work was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 30 of last year.
L.K. Behera affirmed that once the expansion of the project is completed, it will emerge as Eastern India’s largest power plant and rank as the second-largest power project in the country.
The project is also playing a significant role in the realm of employment generation. The Project Head noted that the construction work for Stage-II both during its execution and subsequently is providing employment opportunities to approximately 4,000 to 5,000 people. Priority has been accorded to local residents for over 60 percent of these positions, while the remaining experts hailing from the technical and engineering fields—have been recruited from various states, including Bihar. Mr. Behera stated that an Air-Cooled Condenser System will be utilized in Stage-II, which will significantly reduce water consumption. All three new units will be based on Ultra Supercritical technology, wherein electricity will be generated through high temperatures and pressures, thereby further enhancing thermal efficiency.
He further informed that, during the financial year 2024-25, the project generated a net profit of approximately ₹800 crore. Additionally, NTPC Limited ranks among the top companies contributing the highest amount of GST revenue to the state of Bihar.
The Project Head also noted that an annual payment exceeding ₹400 crore is being made to the Railways as freight charges for transporting coal from various mines in Jharkhand. Meanwhile, last year, the project set a new record by generating 12,932 million units of electricity.
He added that, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the company is actively working to improve the standard of living in surrounding rural areas by implementing dozens of rural development schemes.
Mr. Behera highlighted that, through its CSR, R&R (Rehabilitation & Resettlement), and CD (Community Development) programs, the power plant is accelerating development across more than 22 villages. The project has undertaken commendable work in rural areas across the sectors of education, healthcare, infrastructure, and skill development. Through its sustained efforts, NTPC Nabinagar is scripting a new narrative of development in the region’s rural landscape.
He announced that, commencing June 2nd, NTPC Nabinagar will organize a “Girl Child Empowerment Campaign” as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility mandate. Under this year’s campaign, 60 female students selected from government schools in the Barun and Nabinagar blocks will receive free training covering subjects such as Mathematics, English and Hindi. In addition to their regular academic curriculum, the students will also receive training in Karate, Yoga, Computer skills, and other disciplines. Several senior officials were present at the press conference, including General Manager (Operations & Maintenance) Anil Kumar T.C., General Manager (Projects) Rakesh Sharma, General Manager (ADM) Manoranjan Panigrahi, Additional General Manager (Human Resources) Onkarnath and Public Relations Executive Atul Nath Jha.
