NTPC CMD fumes at BHEL contractor

KAHALGAON: Irked by the dilly-dallying approach of the BHEL in getting the commercialisation stage of the Phase-II of the Kahalgaon plant of the NTPC Limited done, the NTPC chairman-cum-managing director (CMD), T Shankarlingam, has decided to send the official notification in this connection.
"It is really a shame on the part of a big contract company like Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited, as they have taken enough excuses for their lapses.We do not even mind in terminating their contracts, as Stage-II has gone in a bad shape, due to their shabby attitude. We cannot have bad name, irrespective of the contractor's calibre. I am surprised that even the coal piping work has not been done as yet," the CMD told TOI on Sunday afternoon, adding, "We are going to send the official notification first in this connection."
About the power prospects in Bihar, the CMD said that apart from the prevailing joint venture with the Indian Railways, the NTPC had recently signed an MoU with the state government, for 1,980 (3X660 MW) power project at Nabinagar, Aurangabad.
When asked about how the NTPC would meet the coal demands for its coming projects, Shankarlingam admitted that there might be a coal shortage in future. "But the CIL has assured us to supply according to our needs," he said.
The chairman-cum-managing director also informed that Stage-III of 1,000 MW in the Kahalgaon plant would come soon in a concrete shape.
He also expressed satisfaction over the work at Kanti and Barauni thermal power units.
About the new power project near Pirpainty, he said that NTPC would not hesitate in going for it, if the state government would take the essential openings. "I hope that coming days will be much better for Bihar, in terms of power generation and supply as well," he added.