Delay hits BBMB renovation plans

Shortage of 216 MW as two units are under renovation, commissioning of these units has missed deadlines
PATIALA: Delayed monsoon is bad news. Add to it the fact that power shortage too is going to continue.

With the power generation companies already grappling with demand-related issues, the fact that the modernisation plan of Bhakra Beas Management Board, aimed at increasing power generation of left bank units, is delayed is going to make matters worse.

Units number 2 and 5 of left bank of the Bhakra dam are under renovation and each have a power generation capacity of 108 MW. This reduces 216 MW power generation ability of BBMB this season, at a time when power demand is high due to scorching heat.
The Rs 490-crore contract to renovate and modernise the Bhakra powerhouse was awarded to an Austrian company Andritz in 2010. Under this plan, the BBMB eyed adding another 90 MW as machines of Bhakra left powerhouse were being upgraded from the present capacity of 108 MW to 126 MW.

To be executed in a phased manner, the project is scheduled for completion by March 2013. The work of left bank machine number 2 was initiated in May 2010 and was to be completed by November 2010. Similarly, the work on machine number 5 was set for commission by June 2011. However, both the deadlines have been missed, decreasing the power generation of 216 MW. Work on the remaining units has still not started.

Sources attribute the delay to design-related issues, as the company undertaking the renovation is finding it hard to connect new technology with the old. “Installing a new unit is easy, but renovating the old unit by improvising machinery needs time,” said an officer, requesting anonymity.

Despite several attempts BBMB chairman AB Aggarwal was not available for comment. However, KK Kaul, Chief Engineer (Generation) said: “We are trying our best to complete the work at the earliest. By all means, units number 2 and 5 will be commissioned by end of this year”, said.