Bengal Govt to buy power from Jindal says Mamata

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today laid the foundation stone for the Jindal Group’s thermal power plant in Salboni, located in West Medinipur district. The project involves an investment of ₹16,000 crore from the Jindal Group to build two 800 MW power generation units. Once operational, the plant is expected to provide a significant boost to the state’s energy infrastructure and employment, creating jobs for 15,000 people. The project is set to benefit all 23 districts of Bengal by supplying electricity to the region.

The Chief Minister highlighted the strategic importance of the Salboni project for Bengal’s energy security. “Once power production begins, people from all 23 districts will benefit from the electricity,” she said. She also mentioned plans for the addition of two more units at the plant, which would further enhance its capacity and impact. The project is part of the state’s broader efforts to address energy demands and create sustainable infrastructure for future generations.

In her speech, Mamata Banerjee took a moment to reflect on the progress made in the power sector since her government came to power. She criticized the previous Left Front government for its handling of electricity supply, pointing out that load shedding was a frequent issue under their administration. "During the Left’s rule, there was a 12-hour power cut every day. Now, we ensure 24-hour electricity supply," she remarked. Under her leadership, the state has made substantial investments in power infrastructure, including new power lines and substations, improving the electricity situation significantly.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the scale of investment her government has made in the energy sector. "We have spent ₹76,000 crore to provide 24-hour electricity, including laying 350,000 kilometers of new lines and building more than 750 substations," she explained. In West Medinipur alone, ₹3,700 crore has been spent on power infrastructure improvements. These efforts are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to both urban and rural areas of the state.

Looking forward, Mamata Banerjee set ambitious targets for Bengal's energy future, aiming to increase the state's electricity generation capacity from 10,000 MW to 18,000 MW. She also revealed plans for further investments, with an additional ₹48,000 crore earmarked for energy projects in the coming years. Furthermore, the Chief Minister discussed the coal extraction project in Deucha-Pachami, Birbhum, which will create employment for one lakh people, contributing to both the energy supply and local job markets.