From Our Correspondent
AGARTALA: The first unit of Palatana mega power project is unlikely to be commissioned by February next year even as the OTPC authority’s ambitious words – it would come up on schedule.
The internal check of Gas Turbine (GT) is still going on and it will take another couple of days with BHEL and General Electrical engineers doing their best to complete the process at the earliest. One positive thing was that the GT has so far been found in good condition despite mishap near Bishramganj early this year.
As per the work schedule, after the internal checking, the GT which was opened for the checking will be reassembled (box-up).
Then, the engineers will undertake auxiliary works- erection of gas, water line and electricity connection, according to highly placed sources.
According to sources, BHEL engineers are hopeful of setting the stream generator within three-four days while gas generator will be fixed next month.
“To pull two major equipments- gas generator and stream generator for fixing them on original foundation, the BHEL is using Strand Jack Arrangement”, said a high official of OTPC.
According to BHEL sources, at least six months will be needed to carry out the remaining works before commissioning the first unit. “ The February deadline is not realistic keeping in mind of the remaining works”, said an engineer of BHEL over telephone from Palatana on Tuesday.
He claimed, the HBEL is trying its level best to compete the remaining works at the earliest.
“We are facing lot of problems in getting spare equipments which are available only in Kolkata. It takes around three/four day to bring a simple spare part from Kolkata leading to delay in carrying out the work”, he said.
When asked about the laying of GT for second unit, the engineer said, “ Now, our immediate attention is on the first phase. Once it is over, then we will undertake the works for the second unit”, he added.
The 726 MW Palatana first unit is scheduled to come up by December this year but later on the commissioning date has been extended till February next year. Now, the engineers are saying it will take another six months to commission the first unit by May next year.