Patna: In a significant step towards strengthening Bihar’s energy sector, the state government has approved the construction of a greenfield thermal power plant with a capacity of 3×800 MW (total 2400 MW) in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur district. This project, with an estimated investment of ₹21,400 crore, marks the largest private sector investment in the state to date.
The power plant is expected to benefit 13 crore residents by ensuring a stable and affordable electricity supply while also fostering industrial growth. The Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited has been designated as the nodal agency, responsible for overseeing project implementation, including the tender process.
This landmark initiative is a direct outcome of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s forward-looking energy policies. Speaking on the occasion, Energy Minister Shri Bijendra Prasad Yadav said, “Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Bihar has created a favorable investment climate. This project will not only ensure a reliable electricity supply but also contribute to reducing power costs. It will be a key milestone in the industrial development of the state.”
Key Project Highlights:
Investment: ₹21,400 crore (largest private investment in Bihar)
Capacity: 3×800 MW (total 2400 MW)
Location: Pirpainti, Bhagalpur
Land Acquisition: 1020.60 acres acquired
Nodal Agency: Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited
Coal Linkage: Proposed from Shakti-V-(IV) under Coal India Limited
Tender Process: Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB)
Tender Management: SBI Capital Markets Limited, Mumbai
Bihar currently relies on external sources to meet its electricity demands. The completion of this power plant will significantly reduce this dependency, leading to more cost-effective electricity procurement. Confirming this strategic decision, Chief Secretary Shri Amrit Lal Meena stated, “To ensure the state’s energy security, the government has decided to establish a new 2400 MW thermal power plant. The necessary coal allocation has already been secured.”
Energy Secretary Shri Pankaj Kumar Pal highlighted that while an initial proposal for a solar power project in Pirpainti was considered, a technical survey determined that a thermal power plant was a more viable option due to the availability of coal and favorable land conditions.
Beyond its impact on power supply, the project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities during the construction phase and beyond. Additionally, the availability of affordable electricity will facilitate the establishment of industrial units, attracting further investment to the state.
The Ministry of Power, Government of India, has endorsed the project’s tendering process under the Tariff Policy 2016. The allocation of ₹21,400 crore was announced in the Union Budget 2024, reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to Bihar’s energy self-sufficiency.
Upon completion, this initiative will mark a transformative phase in Bihar’s power sector, propelling the state towards a more robust and sustainable energy future.
