Bihar State Electricity Board is confident of finalizing consultants for its Nabinagar mega power project by mid-June 2006. Highly placed officials at BSEB confirmed that the response to the tendering processes that closes on 30 May 2006 has been encouraging. Four consultants (names undisclosed) are strong contenders, based on the progress so far. The consultant would, among other things, assist in the selection of the private sector developer for implementing the project on BOT or SPV mode.

Meanwhile, in October 2005, expressions of interest were invited from prospective developers for the project. The response to EOIs has also been satisfactory, according to BSEB sources. Six firms have been shortlisted and the final developer will be selected over the next three months.

BSEB has proposed to develop the Nabinagar project on the bank of River Sone. The plant site is 50 km from Bihar's Aurangabad district headquarters. The power plant would have four units of 500 MW each or three units of 660 MW. BSEB is hopeful of commencing work within six months from the selection of the final developer. The Rs.8,000 crore project will have a gestation period of 42 months, implying commissioning by September 2010.

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