Bhagalpur/ Patna: The tender for the long-awaited thermal power plant to be established in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur district, has been extended due to a lack of interest from potential agencies. Initially scheduled for April 22, the tender opening date has now been pushed to May 21, with the final date for submission set for May 20.
The project, which is part of the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process, has not attracted any agencies so far, raising concerns about its viability. The extension raises questions about whether any agencies will come forward to participate when the revised deadline arrives. Should a suitable agency be selected, the project promises to significantly boost Bihar’s power supply and make the state self-reliant in meeting its growing energy demand.
The Pirpainti project will involve the construction of three thermal power plants, each with a capacity of 800 MW, totaling 2,400 MW of electricity. The plants will source fuel from an allotted coal linkage and will be required to fund the entire design and construction process, with costs recovered through electricity sales.
Once operational, the plants will primarily supply electricity to South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) and North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPCDL), which will have the first right to purchase power. Any surplus power can be sold to other buyers, offering potential incentives for the plant operator.
In addition, a boundary wall around the project site is set to be constructed by South Bihar Power Transmission Company Limited, with a budget of Rs 23.11 crore. The process of reinstating the contracting agency for this work is currently underway.
