Staff Reporter :
Rani Avanti Bai Sagar Hydroelectric Power Station at Bargi, operated by Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company, has resumed electricity generation at full capacity from both its 45 MW units. The units became operational on the evening of July 9 following scheduled annual maintenance. Unit 1 and Unit 2 were shut down for overhauling on June 20 and July 1, respectively. Typically, each unit requires around 30 days for complete maintenance. However, engineers and technical staff at the Bargi plant completed the overhauling of Unit 1 in just 20 days and Unit 2 in a record 8 days, well ahead of schedule.
The entire operation was carried out without assistance from any external agency.
The overhauling process included underwater inspections and the replacement of key panel components. This successful and timely restoration has allowed the plant to resume power generation earlier than expected, optimizing the use of available water resources.
Annual overhauling of hydropower units under Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company is typically scheduled during June and July.
Accordingly, both units at Bargi were taken offline one after another for maintenance. To ensure minimal disruption in power generation, the company coordinated with the Water Resources Department, which confirmed that the Bargi Dam gates are usually opened between July 15 and 31 during the monsoon.
In light of the early arrival of the monsoon and consistent rainfall, the overhauling was completed ahead of schedule,
enabling timely use of water for power generation. Both units are generating 41 MW each. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the company’s in-house technical team and highlights efficient resource management and inter-departmental coordination.