PALATANA/AGARTALA, November 17 (TIWN): Preparations in OTPCs 726.6MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine(CCGT) Thermal Power Plant site is now in full swing regarding the proposed visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inaugural of Commercial Generation (COG) from Unit-II(363.3MW). As far as Trial Run of Unit-II is concerned technicians of OTPC & BHEL are now in a position to start Commercial Generation at any time. A highly placed sources told TIWN," On Saturday night Unit- II achieved the base load generation(362MW) and for 8 to 10 hours the Power Grid of Bongaigaon was supplied 350-355MW. On the early morning of Sunday the load was reduced. On Saturday night the technicians were compelled to reduce the generation from Unit-I to retain the full load supply from Unit-II."

    At present technical works have already been completed regarding COG of Unit-II. Ahead of PM Modi's visit, painting works and repairing works too are in full swing to give the entire plant area a new look. Moreover, the construction agency has already started the preparation of the stage. Police administration too has collected ID Cards and photo copies of all the staffs working in project site. Special passes will issued against each of the employees just before PM visit.

     Meanwhile administration has geared up for for the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. DM Gomati Sonal Goel told TIWN over phone,"Gomati District administration is all set to welcome the Prime Minister on this historic event. Already we have had several meetings with officials of concerned department. " SP Gomati Sankar Debnath too said on Sunday night," Police is on high alert. Necessary security arrangements are being made as per situation demands. However, as you know we can't reveal everything to the media as its a VVIP visit."

Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, CMD S.K.Dubey, other top officials visiting OTPC Palatana Plant on Nov 13. TIWN Photo

      But both DM and SP are with the opinion that no official confirmation has yet been given either from PMO or from the state administration regarding exact date of Narendra Modi's visit. Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was scheduled to visit the OTPC plant on Sunday to review the preparation ahead of PMs visit. But without any notification the visit has been postponed. A highly placed sources in the state administration said," PMO has not yet finalized the date. It might be the reason behind the postponement of the Union Petroleum Minister's  visit to Tripura. However, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar will go to Guwahati today to attend a high level meeting of DONER and it is expected that during his visit the date of PM visit will be finalized. " 

Palatana Unit II ready for commercial generation.  Inset : CM Manik Sarkar meeting PM Modi at New Delhi on August 8,2014. TIWN Photo