APCPL's Jhajjar unit unlikely to benefit CWG 2010

The first 500 MW unit of Indira Gandhi super thermal power project (STPP), located in the Jhajjar district of Haryana, is unlikely to be on-steam by September 2010, to supply power during the forthcoming Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2010, which are due to be held in the capital in October. The main reason for the delay at the project is the supply of Controlled Circulation (CC) Pumps by the contracted agency, BHEL. This comes despite BHEL`s commitment to make the CC pumps for at least Unit-1 available by March 2010. These components are now expected to reach the project site only by end of the current month. This delay, along with the deferral in completion of the fuel oil system and flue gas ducting, is likely to affect boiler-light-up (BLU) for this unit, which is now scheduled for June 2010.

To stick to the original schedule of supplying CC-pumps by March 2010, BHEL had, earlier, committed to air lift these pumps from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), which is based in Japan. However, the state run equipment major finally had to resort to the sea-route for shipping the equipment. Further, issues with the supply of IP turbine inner casing are affecting the commissioning schedule of units 2 and 3, as well.

The project, being developed by Aravali Power Company Private Limited, a joint venture between NTPC, Indraprasth Power Generation Corporation Private Limited (IPGCPL) and Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL), was expected to meet part of the power needs of the impending commonwealth games; however, BHEL's lapses have rendered this a remote possibility.