At present, around 40/50 megawatts of power are being daily generated at Palatana, where two units of 363 MW capacity each are being set up.

Officials sources say that the commissioning of the plant will help meet the power requirements of the chronically deficit Northeast region considerably. Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and other states will be served from Palatana once generation picks up and stabilises. Daily extended power cuts, especially during the long summer season, have posed a major problem affecting industrial and economic development of the region as a whole.

Successful completion of the project was crucial not only for improved living standards in the Northeast states, but also it is an important milestone in Indo-Bangladesh co-operation as well. Most of the heavy equipment and machinery needed for the project were sent from Haldia port by river traffic through Bangladesh territory following an agreement between the two countries. Much of the equipment, including turbines, came from the BHEL and other companies.

Government sources said that with the commissioning of the project and the generation of power expected to increase in the days ahead, the prospect for the successful implementation of proposed projects in the Northeast states, involving an investment of Rs 10,000 crore, has brightened.

NE media quoted Mr, Sudhindra Dube, of the Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (ILFS) as saying that with the launch of the 726 MW project, it would be possible to utilize the rich gas and energy resources of Tripura in the years ahead. The ILFS is a partner along with the ONGC and the State Government in this project. The power crisis in the NE states should be taken care of, especially by the end of 2013, when the second 363 MW unit would also go on stream. The national power-grid authorities would take steps to ensure timely supplies to other NE states from Palatana, during spells of shortage. Transmission lines had been completed, linking the plant with Bongaigaon and Silchar network.

Bangladesh, too had sought for supplies from Palatana, to meet its increasing needs. In recent years, considerably discussion had taken place between the officials of India and Bangladesh to ensure co-operation in the energy sector. Arrangements had been made for Bangladesh to draw around 500 MWs of power from West Bengal at peak demand time. Both India and Bangladesh are also participating in hydroelectric and other power projects in Myanmar, offering their expertise and other, in setting up a well connected inter regional network.(IPA)