Mahagenco and NTPC Consortium to Revive Sinnar Thermal Power Plant Ahead of Simhastha Kumbh Mela
In a significant move to bolster Maharashtra's power infrastructure, the state-owned Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (Mahagenco) has initiated steps to restart at least two 270 MW units at the privately owned thermal power plant in Sinnar, Nashik. This action follows Mahagenco's successful bid and takeover of the facility, with the primary objective of generating electricity to stabilize the grid before the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Project Details and Consortium Formation
Mahagenco, in collaboration with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), formed a consortium to jointly bid for control of the 1,350 MW thermal power plant, which comprises five units of 270 MW each. The plant, which has been non-operational since 2017, is situated on 1,600 acres of land, providing ample space for potential capacity expansion. Mahagenco's bid emerged as the highest at Rs 3,800 crore, and upon completion of payments by mid-February, the company will assume control of the project, which will be jointly managed by Mahagenco and NTPC.
Operational Readiness and Challenges
Atul Sonje, Mahagenco's director (projects), stated that most formalities have been completed, with work set to begin soon on cleaning the premises and servicing the two units that were operational until 2017. A senior Mahagenco officer emphasized that the immediate priority is to service these units to ensure they are ready for commercial operation. The project will require 8,000 tonnes of coal daily once operations commence. However, due to ongoing opposition from farmers, rail linkage for coal transportation remains incomplete. As a temporary solution, coal will be transported by road via Sinnar Phata towards Sinnar.
Infrastructure and Grid Benefits
The existing water supply pipeline will be repaired and tested to ensure no water-related issues arise during operations. Regarding the railway track, the officer noted that past opposition from farmers had stalled a portion of the track, but this issue has now been resolved. The revival of this plant is crucial as the Babhaleshwar-Nashik grid is currently overloaded, creating an urgent need for a new power system to stabilize regional demand. Once active, the plant will provide stable, quality power supply to industries and support the increased power demand during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Timeline and Future Prospects
Mahagenco officials are confident that the power generation facility will be ready in time for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The project not only addresses immediate grid stability concerns but also holds long-term potential for capacity doubling, leveraging the available land. This initiative marks a strategic step towards enhancing Maharashtra's energy security and supporting economic growth in the region.
