Question : BELLARY THERMAL POWER STATION

(a) whether Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has completed only 5% work of Unit-2 of Bellary Thermal Power Station in Karnataka since November 2008.

(b) if so, the reasons therefor and the details of the work that still pending now;

(c) whether due to this delay, the Unit-2 which is scheduled to be commissioned in November 2010 will be getting delayed by at least 6 months.

(d) if so, the excess amount involved in this project; and

(e) the steps being taken by the Government to ensure that BHEL completes the project early?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI ARUN YADAV)

(a) to (c) : No, Madam. The ongoing work for 1x500 MW Unit-2 of Bellary Thermal Power Station being carried out by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is progressing satisfactorily. The completed work of Unit 2 of Bellary Thermal Power Station which commenced in November, 2008, exceeds 5%. Nearly 60% of Boiler erection work has been completed, and work on areas like Turbine, Generator and Balance of Plants (BOPs) is also progressing well.

Work on Coal Handling Plant could not be taken up as per schedule due to change in specifications and layout required by Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd., after six months of award of contract.

As per Joint Action Plan agreed to in a meeting held in January, 2010 in Central Electricity Authority, the Unit has been planned for synchronization by march, 2011.

(d): There is no excess amount involved at present, as it is a fixed price contract.

(e): The Department of Heavy Industry regularly monitors the progress of implementation of various power projects by BHEL, including of Bellary Unit-2, to ensure that the company puts in adequate efforts to minimize the slippages in commissioning of the projects.