Delay in BBMB Unit II hits Punjab hard

The lack of competence and delay in decision making by the Andritz Hydro India has led to delays in the construction schedules

Yogindra Mohan

Patiala

The renovation work of 108 MW hydro units at Bhakra left bank power house of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has been moving at snail’s pace much to the discomfort of the partner states, including Punjab.

The delay in commissioning of Unit II is leading to shortfall in peaking capability of the Bhakra power house. With one unit of 126 MW out the direct impact is reduced peaking and increased powercuts on partner states due to the non-availability of this power.

As per 67th Operation Consultative Committee (OCC) meeting of Northern Regional Power Committee, the revival date of Unit II was given asSeptember 30, 2011, which has now been revised to September 28, 2012. Thus there is a minimum delay of one year in renovating the unit.

According to sources in the Power Department, the BBMB awarded the contract for executing the R&M and upgrading works of the power house in a phased manner for all five units of left bank by March, 2013, to a consortium of three overseas firms: Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation and Hitachi, and Austria-based Andritz Group.

The consortium had bagged the contract at an approximate cost of Rs 490 crore.

These sources said the renovation work of Unit II was started on April 26, 2010 and was to be completed within the 11th five year plan has slipped in the next plan. According to sources the renovation and modernisation (R&M) activities for Unit II have been delayed due to design and quality issues by the Indian outfit of Andritz.