Patna: Four major private power firms have expressed interest in building a 2,400MW thermal power plant in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur, marking what could become the largest private sector investment in Bihar’s energy sector to date.
Adani Power, JSW Energy, Torrent Power and Bajaj Group’s Lalitpur Power Generation Company have submitted applications to develop the plant, estimated to cost around Rs 28,000 crore. The project proposes three units of 800MW each, to be established on roughly 1,200 acres of land already acquired by the state government.
The Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL), acting as the nodal agency, launched the bidding process on June 17. The last date for financial bids from qualified applicants is July 11, with bids to be opened on July 16. A letter of award is expected within 30 days thereafter.
The state cabinet had given in-principle approval for the project in February this year. Under the plan, land will be leased to the project developer at nominal rates to help secure lower tariffs for consumers.
Coal supply for the plant, amounting to 10.43 million tonnes annually, is to be sourced from nearby blocks operated by Eastern Coalfields Ltd, while water requirements—approximately 60 cusecs—will be drawn from the Ganges.
Once operational, the new facility will supply power primarily to Bihar’s two state-run distribution companies—South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd and North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd—with any surplus power available for sale on the open market.
Officials said the new capacity would help bolster the state’s energy security, ensuring stable supply for domestic, industrial and agricultural consumers, and supporting Bihar’s economic growth.
M/s SBI Capital Markets Limited, Mumbai, has been appointed to provide consultancy services for the project tender process.
