M K Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, on Friday inaugurated the first unit of a 2x660 MW super critical thermal power plant at Udangudi in Tuticorin district, marking the commissioning of India’s first unit under the project, built at a total cost of Rs 13,077 crore.
The project has been established by Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Ltd and is designed to improve efficiency in power generation while reducing fuel consumption compared with conventional thermal plants.
Through video conferencing from the Secretariat in Chennai, Stalin inaugurated Unit 1 of the plant. Officials said the super critical technology used in the facility makes it about six per cent more efficient than traditional thermal power plants, allowing faster start-up times and lower fuel costs.
According to an official release, the project is part of the state government’s efforts to meet the rising power demand in Tamil Nadu and ensure reliable electricity supply to industries and households.
“With increasing industrialisation and energy requirements, the government has been taking steps on a war footing to strengthen power generation and infrastructure,” the release said.
A key feature of the Udangudi plant is its dedicated offshore captive port, making it the first such facility of its kind. Coal for the plant is transported from a terminal located about nine kilometres into the sea through enclosed conveyor belts. The system reduces transportation costs and minimises environmental impact in fuel handling, officials said.
Also read: TN CM Stalin urges PM to release ₹3,112 crore Jal Jeevan dues
The electricity generated at the facility will be integrated into the grid through a 400 kV Gas Insulated Substation, which will help enhance the state’s self-generation capacity and reduce dependence on power purchased from the open market.
In addition to inaugurating the power plant unit, Stalin also launched several infrastructure projects across the state.
The chief minister inaugurated 11 road projects completed by the State Highways Department across Salem, Namakkal, Coimbatore, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruppur and Tiruvarur districts at a combined cost of Rs 1,843.85 crore.
Among the key projects were the upgradation of the Omalur–Sankagiri–Tiruchengode–Paramathi Road into a four-lane highway at a cost of Rs 985.18 crore and the inauguration of the Coimbatore Western Ring Road, a four-lane 11.8-km stretch built at Rs 250 crore.
Stalin also launched municipal administration and water supply projects worth Rs 265.66 crore, including the inauguration of 45 completed projects, laying the foundation stone for nine new initiatives and flagging off 28 vehicles for the department.
Officials said these initiatives are aimed at strengthening infrastructure and supporting economic growth across Tamil Nadu.
Follow us
