OREANDA-NEWS. Maithon Power Limited (MPL), a 74:26 Joint Venture between Tata Power and Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), has successfully commissioned both of the 2 x 525 MW coal-fired Units at Maithon. Maithon Power Limited bears the testimony to execution of the Group’s first ever Green-field Power Project in Eastern Region. Incidentally, MPL is also credited with the first successful implementation of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model in the field of Power Generation in India.

To ensure reliable coal supply for sustainable operations of the plant, MPL had planned a Railway Infrastructure Project spanning over 20.0 KMs, crossing the National Highway 2, Dedicated Freight Corridor Line (DFCL) of Indian Railways and consisting of 25 numbers of Bridges and finally connecting with the Grand Chord Line of Eastern Railway at Thaparnagar and Mugma Stations which was approved by Railways in the year 2010.

While the part of the Merry-Go-Round (MGR) bulb inside the Plant Area is in an advanced stage of completion, the major portion of the work, lying outside the premises of MPL and passing through 12 villages could not be started owing to land acquisition issuesand certain concerns raised by Eastern Railways. Due to this, the Company was compelled to bring the entire coal by road to run the 1025 MW plant since commissioning of both the units in July 2012.

After rigorous persuasion and garnering active support from local communities, opinion leaders, District Administration authorities, Land & Revenue Department, Government of Jharkhand, Eastern Railway etc., MPL had paved the way for successful initiation of the work outside the Plant premises.

After resolution of all issues, the Railway Infrastructure Project execution work outside the MPL Premises has been started in full swing on the Raiyati land from the Tulsibhita Mouza on 26th April, 2013. This event was supported wholeheartedly by members of the surrounding village, President- Rehabilitation &Resettlement committee along with the members of the Railway Bisthapith Committee.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bhaskar Sarkar, CEO, MPL expressed that “the initiation of construction of Railway Infrastructure of MPL marks the end of three years of strenuous efforts, perseverance and dedication of the team to patiently resolve each issue through rounds of negotiations & discussions to convince all stakeholders to arrive at a consensus. It also would contribute towards sustainable operations of the Plant and significant reduction of air and noise pollution in the area caused by transportation of coal by road.”

Mr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Station Head, MPL commented “This is a very proud moment for MPL to have full support of the community in undertaking the most difficult task. This event has got immense significance for Maithon Station and its future expansion plan. I am confident that we are steadily moving towards a successful Railway Project execution and also establishing a benchmark in community engagement with villages around our areas of operation.”

Mr. CB Singh, Head-Special Projects added “Amidst, several hurdles and difficulties, this has been successful after series of discussions and our sustained efforts towards reaching a consensus keeping in mind the views of all stakeholders and rolling out agreed schemes”.

The senior level authorities of Eastern Railway have also given in-principle approval to allow MPL to start execution of work towards the Mugma side which is also being planned once final approval is received.

MPL has plans to bring in the first railway rake carrying coal by March, 2014.