Patna: In a major push toward expanding Bihar’s power infrastructure, four major private sector power companies—Adani Power, JSW Energy, Torrent Power, and Lalitpur Power Generation Company Ltd (a Bajaj Group subsidiary)—have expressed formal interest in setting up a 2400 MW thermal power plant at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur district.
The proposed 3×800 MW coal-based thermal power project represents a massive ₹28,000 crore investment, making it the largest private sector investment in the state’s power sector to date.
Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) Route Adopted
The project is being developed under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) framework with Bihar State Power Generation Company Ltd (BSPGCL), Patna as the nodal agency. The invitation for bids was floated on June 17, 2025, and the last date for receiving applications was June 25, 2025.
The tendering and consultancy process is being supported by SBI Capital Markets Ltd, Mumbai.
Project Highlights
- Capacity: 3 units of 800 MW each (Total: 2400 MW)
- Investment: Approx. ₹28,000 crore
- Land: ~1200 acres, already acquired by the Bihar government
- Water Source: 60 cusecs from River Ganga
- Coal Linkage: 10.43 MTPA from Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL)
- Bidding Timeline:
- Last date for financial bids: July 11, 2025
- Bid opening: July 16, 2025
- Letter of Award (LOA): Expected within 30 days
- State Support and Consumer Benefits
In a significant facilitation measure, the Bihar government has approved nominal lease rent for the 1200-acre site, ensuring lower electricity tariffs for state consumers. The in-principle cabinet approval for the project was granted on February 4, 2025.
Once operational, the power plant will supply electricity to South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd and North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd, with surplus power eligible for open market sale.
Economic and Strategic Importance
This ambitious project is expected to:
- Strengthen the power supply chain for domestic, agricultural, and industrial needs
- Enable 24/7 quality electricity across Bihar
- Attract further private investments into the state’s energy and industrial ecosystems
- Accelerate the overall economic growth and development trajectory of Bihar
