AGARTALA, July 10 � The NEEPCO has assured Tripura Government to commission its much-delayed Monarchak power project by January 2013 next.
Prem Chand Pankaj, who took over the charge of NEEPCO as Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) on Tuesday arrived here to review the progress of the ongoing and upcoming projects. The CMD called on Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and Power Minister Manik Dey at Civil Secretariat here on Wednesday and briefed them about the NEEPCO�s plan in executing two power projects � 104 MW Monarchak and 42 MW Ramchandranagar Gas Thermal plant.
Soon after the meeting, the NEEPCO chief informed mediapersons that the first phase (60 MW) of the Monarchak power plant would be operational by January 2013 next while another 40 MW would be added by using steam turbine.
On the tardy pace of civil work at Monarchak site in Sonamura subdivision, the NEEPCO chief maintained that the work would be speeded up in due course of time. �The pace of the work will be speeded up by September because monsoon is still very active�, he said.
Pankaj further added the NEEPCO had already submitted a DPR for another 42 MW power unit at Ramchandranagar. �Hopefully, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) will clear the proposal within next one year�, the CMD said.
The NEEPCO has also decided to establish a 42 MW power unit at its existing Gas Thermal Project at Ramchandranagar by using emitted heat from the existing power project.
Meanwhile, the second turbine for 726 MW Palatana power project arrived at Akhaura Check Post here on Tuesday night. The puller vehicle will move towards its destination � South Tripura district�s Palatana area after taking in consideration of the weather. The first turbine for the first phase has already been taken to the place where it is supposed to be installed. OTPC sources said, the first phase of the Rs 3,000 crore power project will be operational by end of this year � most probably in December, 2011.
