Mamata Banerjee Launches Power Project, Highlights Sectoral Investments

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation for a 1,600 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant at Salboni in Paschim Medinipur, calling it a milestone in the state's journey towards industrial and infrastructure development.

The greenfield project, will be undertaken by JSW Energy at a cost of ₹16,000 crore, it will have two units of 800 MW each. The first unit would be commissioned in 42 months, followed by the second one in 48 months.

"This is the first ultra-supercritical plant of its type in Eastern India and will benefit 23 districts and provide 15,000 jobs," said Banerjee.

She mentioned the increase in the generation capacity of the state since 2011 from 2,000 MW to 10,000 MW with an objective to achieve 18,000 MW. A declaration of ₹48,000 crore in future investments and referred to projects that were currently under progress in Santaldih, Durgapur, and Sagardighi was also made by her.

Banerjee highlighted that the increase in power generation will reduce unit costs for consumers. “Since 2011, ₹76,000 crore has been spent to ensure uninterrupted power supply, and we’ve doubled electricity consumers from 1.07 crore to 2.30 crore,” she said.

She also highlighted the upcoming Deocha-Pachami coal complex poised to be the world’s second-largest as key to ending power shortages in the state.

JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal called the Salboni project a “dream” and praised West Bengal’s progress. “The plant will use zero-pollution technology and support Bengal’s energy needs. We’re also developing an industrial park over 2,000 acres here,” he said, adding that the group would establish a skill training centre, with full support from the state government.