Completion of Pragati-III to be pushed back

Timely commissioning of the Delhi government`s 1,500 MW Pragati-III Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP) in Bawana, being developed by Pragati Power Corporation Limited (PPCL), looks unlikely. This gas-based power project is likely to face a setback as the synchronization of its four 250 MW gas turbines (GT) and the two 250 MW steam turbines (ST) has still not been initiated. The first GT is now expected to be synchronized in August 2010, against the earlier schedule of April. The synchronization of the second and third GTs is now anticipated in September and December 2010, while the fourth GT has been postponed indefinitely to the next fiscal. While the generator and GTs have been placed in the foundation, the hall structure for the GTs is still incomplete.

On the same note, the first ST, which was slated for synchronization this month, has been deferred to December 2010, while the second has been pushed to the next fiscal. For the first ST, condenser supply, Steam Turbine Generator (STG) foundation work and building erection work is currently in progress. The unit is likely to attain full load till January next year.

It may be recalled that the project`s civil contractor, Era Infra Engineering, had been sorely ineffective in unfolding any significant progress in the civil work for the thermal venture, with the main equipment supplier, BHEL, also delaying the delivery of key equipment for the first GT. Being set up by BHEL on turnkey basis, this power plant is a part of the infrastructure planned for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.