Patna: The third unit of Stage 1 of Bihar’s first super thermal power plant in Barh was synchronized on Friday, marking a key milestone in the state’s energy expansion. The unit is scheduled to run at full capacity for 72 hours from March 26, paving the way for commercial production.
With this, all three units of Stage 1 and both units of Stage 2 of the Barh Super Thermal Power Plant will become fully operational. Each unit in Stage 1 has a capacity of 660MW, bringing the total generation from these units to 1,980MW. Stage 2’s two units, also with a capacity of 660MW each, contribute an additional 1,320MW. Bihar will receive 61% (1,202MW) of the power generated from Stage 1 and 87% (1,153MW) from Stage 2.
A Boost for Bihar’s Energy Security
Bihar’s energy minister, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, hailed the development as a significant step towards strengthening the state’s energy security. “This achievement has been made possible under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the state’s commitment to good governance,” he said. The minister emphasized that the project’s completion would ensure an uninterrupted and affordable power supply for industrial, agricultural, and domestic consumers, driving Bihar’s self-reliance in the energy sector.
A Project Decades in the Making
The foundation stone for the Barh Thermal Power Station was laid in 1999 when CM Nitish was a Union minister. Initially, only three 660MW units were planned, but a second phase was later approved, adding two more units.
Land acquisition proved to be a significant challenge, with local disputes delaying progress. The Bihar government played a crucial role in resolving these issues and ensuring the necessary land was made available.
Stage 1 faced additional setbacks due to a contractual dispute with a Russian firm originally tasked with construction. The project stalled between 2005 and 2014 before being reassigned to another company, which completed the units in phases. The first unit became operational in November 2021, the second in August 2023, and the third in March 2025.
Meanwhile, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) was responsible for constructing Stage 2, completing its work in 2016. Both units were commissioned on schedule.
Energy Minister Yadav played a crucial role in coordinating efforts between the Bihar government, the central government, and NTPC to overcome challenges and expedite the project’s completion.
With all five units now operational, the Barh Super Thermal Power Plant is set to play a pivotal role in Bihar’s energy landscape, supporting economic growth and development across the state.
