Ministers inspect thermal power plant at Uppur

Minister for Electricity and Law R. Nirmal Kumar and Minister for Environment and Climate Change V. K. Rajeev on Saturday conducted an inspection of the Uppur thermal power project.

Later speaking to media persons, Mr. Nirmal Kumar said around ₹6,000 crore had already been invested in the thermal project since its inception in 2010. Initial development phases, including land acquisition, civil construction, and installation of heavy machinery and equipment imported from Germany, had previously been undertaken.

In order to assess the present condition of the stalled machinery, technical expert teams from major firms, including Siemens and BHEL, had been deployed to conduct a comprehensive re-study. The evaluation would focus on the current operational status and efficiency capacity of the equipment, extent of rusting and degradation, and feasibility factors for safely restoring and utilising the existing infrastructure.

He estimated that the detailed technical assessment would take approximately six months to complete. Reviving the project also hinged on establishing reliable coal transportation logistics. Bringing coal via large cargo ships was not feasible, and consequently, alternative supply routes, including using smaller vessels or constructing a dedicated 20-km railway line, were being explored.

Discussions were also held with senior administrators regarding additional funding, technical viability, and subsequent construction phases required to resume power generation.

Mr. Rajeev said further decisions on restarting the project would be made strictly following the receipt and review of the expert evaluation reports. All actions would prioritise public welfare and environmental safety to ensure no harm comes to the local community.

The inspection was attended by Collector M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran and Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Limited Managing Director M. Govinda Rao, among others,