Agartala, May 23 (TIWN): If everything falls in place, the state government would supply 100 MW power to neighbouring Bangladesh through Suryamaninagar power substation.
An elaborate discussion on how to supply 100 MW power to Bangladesh was discussed at a high level meeting held at Prajna Bhavan here on Friday.

Besides, two members of Indo-Bangla joint study group- Dr. R. Saha, the director of Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and NERLDC chairman SK Roy, CMD of Tripura Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) Shyamal Kumar Roy and OTPC General Manager (Plant) Mukul Banerjee attended the meeting.

After the meeting, Dr. Saha said an elaborate discussion over supply of 100 MW power from Palatana thermal power plant was held. “We are here to explore feasibility to build necessary infrastructure to supply power to Bangladesh”, he said.

According to sources, Dr. Saha along with NERLDC Chairman would visit Palatana thermal power plant and Suryamaninagar power substation on Saturday before leaving the state.

On being asked by when Bangladesh could expect to receive 100 MW power, Dr. Saha said, “A joint survey for setting up transmission line upto Bangladesh needs to be done. Besides, power supply to Bangladeshi is a bilateral issue between Delhi and Dhaka and we can’t pass any commitment”.

A meeting of Joint Working Group was held in Dhaka on April 2 and 3 where the issue of supplying Palatana power to Bangladesh was discussed threadbare. According experts, Tripura which requires 240 MW during pick-hour, would be flooded with electricity after coming up of the Palatana unit-II. The Unit-II is expected to get commissioned by August/ September provided the ONGC ensures supply of natural gas.

“We are expecting to commission the Palatana’s unit-II by September if the ONGC ensures supply of gas to the plant on time. Once both units are operational, there will be more electricity supply which needs to be utilized properly”, said OTPC General Manager (Plant) Mr. Banerjee.