THOOTHUKUDI
Many in Thoothukudi region are looking forward to early commissioning of the 1,320 MW super critical thermal power project in Udangudi, for which Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswamy will lay foundation stone on January 29.
The much-awaited 2x660 MW coal-based thermal power project on a 1,000-acre site will certainly attract more industrial investments to Thoothukudi, say stakeholders of shipping industry.
The project, estimated at a cost of ₹10,000 crore, would be funded by Rural Electrification Corporation and executed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in 42 months, sources said here on Tuesday.
In 2009, the foundation stone was laid for a 1600 MW super critical thermal power project, a joint venture by the TNEB and BHEL, at Udangudi, but it did not take off then.
This time, the power plant would be designed with super critical technology to consume less coal and generate power with higher efficiency, sources said.
Collector N. Venkatesh told The Hindu that the government in March 2010 accorded administrative sanction for acquiring lands in Udangudi, Kalankudiyiruppu and Manaduthandupathu under the Land Acquisition Act.
T. Johnson, president, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Thoothukudi, said the project would spur industrial growth in Thoothukudi since investors accorded priority to availability of electricity and water. Since land and labour were available in good measure in Thoothukudi, the city had a good scope of becoming an industrial hub, he said.
J.P. Joe Villavarayar, president, Thoothukudi Ship Agents Association, said this project would be a bonanza for southern Tamil Nadu and would boost investors’ confidence. Thoothukudi had good road, rail, air and sea connectivity, he said.
K. Nehruprakash, vice-president, THUDITSSIA, said people expected the project, which should have seawater desalination plant and not rely on the Tamirabharani water, to be completed in time.
A. Saravanan, Superintending Engineer (in-charge), TANGEDCO, Thoothukudi, said this project was the first super critical thermal power project in the district. TANGEDCO was working towards achieving self-sufficiency in power generation. Power tariff was expected to go down gradually within five years, he said.
