NTPC`s stated goal of commissioning the fourth 500 MW unit of Simhadri thermal power project (TPP) by March 2011, two months ahead of the original schedule, sounds a tad too optimistic, given the that fact that the project is facing incessant delays due to the lackadaisical attitude of its contractors-- BHEL and Era Constructions. While BHEL has been awarded the main plant package, Era is responsible for the associated civil work.Delays have been observed, particularly, with respect to the supply of LP rotor and IP turbine. The supply of these equipment is now scheduled for August 2010 and October 2010, respectively. In addition, the none-too-impressive progress on civil work for the TG deck and foundation has deferred the boxing up of the TG-units, which would, in turn, prevent NTPC from achieving other critical milestones for the project on time.
Such discouraging signs notwithstanding, the power major is making all out efforts to beat the original deadline of May 2011. The power ministry is also being supportive, asking BHEL to airlift all crucial equipment, to preclude any transit delays.The Simhadri TPP, located in the Visakhapatanam district of Andhra Pradesh, has an installed generation capacity of 1,000 MW commissioned in 2002, while the Phase-II of expansion to the project involves two 500 MW units. The cost of the expansion has been estimated at Rs 5,038 crore.State-run transmission major, Power Grid Corporation of India limited (PGCIL), is constructing the 400 KVD/C line from Simhadri to Vizag to evacuate power from the project.
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