The Bihar government seeks to bid out the proposed 2,400 MW coal-based power plant at Pirpainti by March, 2025. The project is part of a broader initiative mentioned in the FY25 budget, with a total cost of Rs 21,400 crore allocated for various power projects.
Coal for the Pirpainti plant is likely to be sourced from the nearby Eastern Coalfields. This project falls under a category where both the fuel and location have already been decided, allowing the state to focus on the bidding process. As per a senior government official, discussions are ongoing to finalise coal supply arrangements under the Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India (SHAKTI), which is expected to be concluded by February.
In addition to the coal linkage, the Central government has committed to assisting with the speedy processing of environmental clearances for the project. The Bihar government aims to expedite the entire process to ensure the timely development of the power plant.