NTPC’s Barh supercritical thermal power project at Patna in Bihar for which the then PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had laid foundation stone in 1999, seems to be a never ending story. While the project is being implemented in 
two stages (both are currently under execution) reasons for delay in both the projects are similar, that is, delay by the suppliers. In case of Barh STPP stage – I, two Russian suppliers, Power Machines and Technopromexport (TPE) are the culprits, Indian company BHEL’s slow pace of work in stage – II is said to be the main reason for the delay in executing the project. Slow pace of procurement by the Russian companies has been pointed out by NTPC as the main reason for delay in executing the stage – I. Also TPE is facing financial constraints which have added to the cup of woes of NTPC.
NTPC is also concerned with the inability of BHEL to deliver equipment as committed which in turn has resulted in missing several milestones in the past. According to the report submitted by NTPC, Boxing up of Turbo Generator Set and TG Oil Flushing Completion have been postponed for January 2014 and March 2014 due to delay in supply of turbine. The project has also been delayed due to an year long postponement of the completion of Steam Blowing.
Barh STPP is being implemented in two stages. While in Stage – I 3X660 MW will be set up, 2X660 MW are planned for stage – II. Both the stages are currently under implementation. In fact, first unit of Stage – II was commissioned on 30th November 2013 and the second unit is scheduled for commissioning in September 2014. Stage – I is expected to be complete by May 2016.
