"Telangana Fast-tracks Establishment of Bhadradri and Yadadri Thermal Power Stations"

Telangana Genco is intensifying efforts to accelerate the establishment of the 1,080 MW Yadadri thermal power stations and the 4,000 ultra-mega Yadadri thermal power stations. The ongoing nationwide lockdown and the consequent movement restrictions on migrant workers have posed challenges to project timelines. Telangana Genco is devising strategies to mitigate these hurdles and ensure timely project completion.

The implementation of the Bhadradri project, overseen by State-owned BHEL as the EPC contractor, has faced setbacks due to the departure of migrant workers. Consequently, the scheduled commissioning of two units of the Bhadradri thermal power plant by May-end has been affected, with the remaining two units slated for commissioning by year-end.

In response, TS Transco and TS Genco Chairman D Prabhakar Rao has conducted a thorough review of the project progress, urging BHEL to ramp up manpower and undertake parallel works to adhere to the designated timelines.

Telangana Genco is prioritizing the timely completion of these projects to ensure an adequate power supply to meet the anticipated surge in demand. With over 25 lakh bore wells and numerous power-intensive lift irrigation projects in the state, there is a significant reliance on power supply, especially during the agricultural season.

As agricultural operations, including the utilization of borewell pumps and irrigation department turbines, gear up with the onset of the kharif sowing season, the demand for power is expected to soar. This demand surge is particularly critical for lift irrigation schemes like the Kaleshwaram project, facilitating the evacuation of water from the Godavari River through a series of lift irrigation projects.

However, the ongoing challenges are exacerbated by the reliance on migrant workers, many of whom have either left or are reluctant to return due to the lockdown. This dynamic poses considerable implementation difficulties for contractors managing large-scale projects dependent on migrant labor.

HBL