Bengal will supply surplus power to other states soon: Mamata

“We are developing a power bank. With the addition of new power units, total power generation in Bengal will get a boost and we will be able to supply surplus power to other states,” Banerjee said after inaugurating the 500 MW third phase of Sagardighi Thermal Power Plant in Murshidabad district.

The fourth phase of the plant with another 500 MW capacity will come up soon, the Chief Minister said.

Currently, the plant has two units of 300 MW capacity each.

Criticising the opposition political parties, Banerjee said: “We make promises which we can fulfil. We have made Bengal power surplus, what could not be done by the erstwhile Left Front Government.”

“BHEL has added this coal-based power plant to the grid by successfully commissioning a 500 MW thermal generating unit at the Sagardighi Thermal Power Extension Project of West Bengal Power Development Corporation (WBPDCL),” the company said in a statement.

Another 500 MW unit is also in an advanced stage of completion, the company said.

Banerjee reiterated that despite Centre’s “non-cooperation”, her government has increased revenues from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 41,000 crore.

“But the Centre is taking away a major share of our revenue. How will we continue with our development work?” she regretted.

“Tourism is flourishing in the state. A lot of tourists are visiting Murshidabad district. We are very happy,” she said.

During her visit to Murshidabad, she either inaugurated or laid the foundation stone of a number of development projects.