Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the completion of West Bengal’s largest 660 MW supercritical thermal power plant at Sagardighi, which will become operational on December 10. The project, costing Rs 45.67 billion, aims to provide electricity to approximately 1.67 million households and create around 2,000 jobs, with a total of 26,000 direct and indirect jobs anticipated. Banerjee highlighted concerns regarding severe erosion along the Bhagirathi river, which has affected 12,116 bighas of land, criticizing the Central government’s lack of action on the Farakka treaty commitments. Nonetheless, the state has completed 189 projects in the region worth Rs 9 billion, including embankment projects.
West Bengal Power Development
The state of Bengal has marked a major milestone in its energy journey with the completion of the 660 MW supercritical unit at the Sagardighi Thermal Power Plant. The unit built by West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) is slated to begin (India) operations from 10 December 2025, as announced by the state leadership This development is being hailed as the largest single‑unit power plant in the state, and the first of its kind in Northeast Eastern India under a supercritical coal‑fired design The project originally announced in 2017 has been realised through years of planning, environmental clearances, and execution The actual civil works for.
The extension (Unit‑5) were entrusted to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), which began groundwork in 2020 after the state issued the notice-to-proceed. BHEL’s scope encompassed the design, supply, erection, testing and commissioning of the supercritical boiler–turbine generator package, along with associated units such as coal‑handling, ash‑handling, flue‑gas desulphurisation (FGD) and emissions control systems Financially, the project has cost the state more than ₹4,567 crore a significant investment but one that promises huge returns in energy security and capacity. Once operational, the new unit is expected to supply electricity to roughly 1.67 million.
Socio Economic Benefits Authorities estimate
16.70 lakh households, thereby contributing substantially to reducing power shortages across Bengal Beyond energy supply, the project is also poised to have major socio‑economic benefits. Authorities estimate that about 26,000 jobs direct and indirect will be created through the plant’s commissioning and functioning a state aiming to expand industrial growth and improve life for its citizens, such job creation alongside infrastructure upgrades adds a layer of strategic value For the power sector in Bengal, this new capacity will meaningfully strengthen the generation base. Currently, WBPDCL accounts for the bulk of the state’s thermal capacity; with this addition.
The overall generation mix gains a modern, efficient, high-capacity unit The supercritical design efficient than traditional subcritical units implies better coal‑to‑electricity conversion, and reduced emissions per unit of power generated The completion of the 660 MW Sagardighi (Steel) unit also fits into a broader trend of expansion in Bengal’s power infrastructure. The state government has indicated plans for additional supercritical and high‑capacity plants under the overall energy roadmap
Q1. What is the new Sagardighi power unit and why is it important?
The new unit is a 660 MW supercritical thermal power unit at the Sagardighi plant, constructed by WBPDCL. It’s important because it is Bengal’s largest single‑unit thermal power plant improving supply capacity, strengthening energy security, and supporting rising demand.
Q2. When will the unit start operations?
The unit is scheduled to begin operations on 10 December 2025.
Q3. How many households will benefit from this new unit?
It is expected to supply electricity to around 1.67 million (16.70 lakh) families, helping ease power shortages.
Q4. What are the job impacts of this project?
The commissioning and operation of the unit are projected to generate about 26,000 direct and indirect jobs, giving a boost to employment in the region.
Q5. Who built the plant and what was the cost?
The project was built by WBPDCL, with civil works, equipment supply and erection done by BHEL. The total cost exceeded ₹4,567 crore.
