RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday virtually dedicated, inaugurated, and laid the foundation stone of 10 projects worth about Rs 34,400 crore in Chhattisgarh.
The prime minister officially opened the Lara Super Thermal Power Project Stage-I by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and laid the foundation stone for Stage-II in Raigarh district. The first stage of the project cost Rs 15,800 crore, while the second stage involves an investment of Rs 15,530 crore.
Equipped with advanced supercritical technology for Stage-I and ultra-supercritical technology for Stage-II, the project will reduce coal consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Half of the power generated from both stages will go to Chhattisgarh, benefiting other states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
In efforts to promote renewable energy, the Prime Minister also inaugurated a solar PV project in Rajnandgaon costing Rs 900 crore, and a 50MW solar power plant in Bhilai, enhancing the use of solar energy for trains.
Highlighting the aim to provide affordable electricity, the Prime Minister emphasised the significance of the NTPC's Super Thermal Power Project. He also emphasized Chhattisgarh's potential as a hub for solar energy, stating that the solar plants in Rajnandgaon and Bhilai could supply electricity to nearby areas even at night.
Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated three 'First Mile Connectivity (FMC)' projects by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), costing over Rs 600 crore collectively. These projects aim to improve the eco-friendly and efficient evacuation of coal from locations like Dipka and Raigarh. Railway and road projects were also inaugurated during the event.
The prime minister inaugurated the newly constructed Bilaspur-Usalapur Railway Over, Rail Flyover in Chhattisgarh, costing Rs 303 crore, to strengthen the railway infrastructure. Additionally, he dedicated a railway solar power plant in Bhilai, built at a cost of Rs 280 crore, with a capacity of 50 megawatts.
This solar plant will annually produce 106 million units of solar energy, aiding in the operation of trains using solar energy. It will contribute significantly to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 86,000 tons per year and mitigating the risks of climate change. Furthermore, it will not only meet the energy needs of Indian Railways but also save revenue.
The construction of the 10.5-kilometer-long railway over rail flyover between Bilaspur and Uslapur, is strategically positioned on the Mumbai-Howrah mainline, connecting the important railway line from Howrah to Katni directly.
This flyover will increase the capacity of the section and smoothen the traffic on the mainline, enhancing train speeds and reducing travel time to destinations. Moreover, it will ensure a steady supply of coal to power homes, contributing to economic development and employment opportunities.
Addressing through video conferencing, the Prime Minister stated that the Central Government aims to transform the country's food providers into energy providers. To achieve this, the government is assisting to set up small solar plants on the barren land of agricultural fields.
The Prime Minister mentioned that the Government of India intends to fulfill the electricity needs of the people through solar energy and also aims to reduce their electricity bills to zero. He further explained that to achieve this goal, PM Surya Ghar Yojana has been initiated, under which every household will be equipped with solar power generation capabilities. This initiative will not only help individuals fulfill their electricity requirements but also provide them with an additional source of income by enabling them to sell surplus electricity. Consequently, every family stands to earn thousands of rupees annually.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.
Start a Conversation
Post comment