AGARTALA, June 16 (TIWN): Oil and Natural Gas Corporation officials on Monday assured gas supply within five months to NEEPCO's upcoming 101 MW Manarchak project in Tripura. The project is waiting for gas supplies with its gas turbine ready since September, 2013.Power Minister Manik Dey reviewed progress in ongoing projects of the state including Rukhia and Baramura project. Officials of the BHEL, ONGC Tripura Power Company, NEEPCO and the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) were present at the meeting.

Speaking to reporters later this evening, Power Minister Dey said that the discussion was fruitful. We have asked them to make sure that supply of gas is not hampered.

Shortly after conclusion of the meeting, project head of NEEPCO’s Manarchak power project SR Biswas said that ONGC had assured gas supply for the plant in the presence of Power Minister Manik Dey. Asked about his take on claims of ONGC CMD that Manarchak project was delayed due to lack of technical readiness rather than absence of gas supplies, the project head said, “This is absolute misinformation. I don’t agree to the claim”.

Speaking about current status at Manarchak project, he said that the plant would be ready for commissioning within barely two months from the start of gas supply. “We are expecting to start open cycle unit at Manachak project by December this year if ONGC is able to supply us gas by October”, Biswas added.

ONGC’s Tripura asset manager VP Mahawar confirmed that gas supply to Manarchak plant was assured by the next five months. He, however, added that gas supplies for the plant was delayed partly due to sudden absence of contractor of the project for past several months and partly due to requirement of gas for the second unit of OTPC powered Palatana project. The second unit of the plant is expected to be commissioned by the next two months, he said.