Gujarat to set up two more power projects soon

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that two more power projects of 500 MW capacity would be set up in the southern part of the state soon. Modi made the announcement at a function here after dedicating a 250 MW Surat Lignite Power Plant Expansion Project to the nation at Nani Naroli in Surat district.

He criticised the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government for not allowing coal from neighbouring Nagpur coalfields in Maharashtra for Gujarat's coal-based power projects. He said such "anti-Gujarat" policy had forced his government to bring coal from Bihar and Jharkhand. This had led to high cost of power for the consumers in the state. "No such obstacles can stop the rapid progress of Gujarat," he added.

Energy Minister Saurabhbhai Patel said Gujarat would soon become a "energy hub" with the coming up of more mega power projects in the state. Modi said Gujarat had opted for the strategic development of key sectors like energy, industry and agriculture.