Buxar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit Gaya on Aug 22, is expected to formally inaugurate the 1,320MW Buxar thermal power project at Chausa in Buxar district. Modi had laid the foundation for the project in 2019 and his visit could mark its official commissioning. The plant has entered its final preparatory stage with the first consignment of coal from Hazaribagh in Jharkhand recently arriving at the Chausa rake point and being transported to the project site by truck. This coal will be used for the trial operation of the plant's first 660MW unit. To mark the milestone, officials from SJVN Thermal Private Limited (STPL) performed a traditional puja ceremony on Saturday. STPL chief financial officer Neeraj Kumar and other senior executives were present. "Trial runs will begin shortly," they said. Developed at a cost of Rs 11,000 crore, the project comprises two units of 660MW each. The water supply system has already undergone successful testingand with coal now on site, all major prerequisites for power generation are in place. Once operational, the plant is expected to supply 85% of its electricity to Bihar, significantly boosting the state's power capacity. Officials say this will enhance energy self-sufficiency, ensure a stable supply for Buxar and neighbouring districts, and create substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities.
"The commissioning of the Buxar thermal power project is a major milestone in the development of power infrastructure in Bihar and eastern India. It will stimulate industrial growth, improve economic conditions, and provide much-needed relief to power-deficient areas," said Omprakash Bhuwan, president of the Buxar district BJP.
