To keep pace with the uptick on economic front, the Maharashtra Government chalked out plans to augment power generation and upgradation of distribution infrastructure wherein three new super critical units will be set up at Koradi and Chandrapur. At Koradi, 660 MWx2 plants will be set up to replace old units while at Chandrapur one 660 MW unit has been sanctioned, announced Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

Rs 15,625 crore have been earmarked for the purpose for Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MSPGCL), the Deputy Chief Minister said while replying to a discussion in the State Legislature.

Apart from that, Central Government has sanctioned Rs 9,842 crore under RRDS through which new transformers, laying of new transmission lines, aerial bunching cables, installation of new transformers will be done. Funds have also been earmarked for strengthening Information Technology and Rs 894 crore have been kept aside for other necessary works, said Fadnavis adding that 10 per cent of the funds would be utilised in Vidarbha region alone.

For upgradation of transmission network, Rs 4,405 crore worth of works have been approved. They include setting up of new sub-station and installation of HT lines in the State. The MSEDCL has adopted ‘Mission 2025’ to switch over 30 per cent of agricultural feeders to solar so that day-time power can be supplied to farmers.

Also, there is Rs 553 crore plan to upgrade existing thermal power plants at Khapar-kheda and Chandrapur.

The House was also informed that from January 2023, Patanjali plant, will start operations at MIHAN in the first phase. Further, about 80,000 jobs, direct and indirect, have been created at MIHAN wherein 14 new companies have applied for land.