NTPC's Barh super-thermal power
project in Patna district of Bihar is in a limbo and is unlikely to start power
generation by 2011.
The Union ministry of power has set up
a committee to look into the irregularities in awarding the contract for
purchasing boiler for this plant. A Russia-based company has asked the Indian
government to sign a fresh contract order at an enhanced rate due to the cost
escalation.
It is also learnt that, NTPC had
signed a contract on fixed value-price. Due to delay in the project, the cost of
boiler and its equipment have shot up. So the matter is pending before the
Centre, which will be expedited only after obtaining the report of the expert
committee.