NTPC Pudimadaka project in a limbo.

NTPC's proposed super thermal power project at Pudimadaka in the district is gathering dust with the A.P. Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) yet to allocate 1,500 acres for the purpose, Group General Manager, NTPC Simhadri, A.K. Samanta, has said.

The 4,000 MW project, comprising 5 units of 800 MW, would have delivered 50 per cent of its power to the home State, he said, addressing the media.

The NTPC board had given in-principle clearance for the project in October last year, he added.

The NTPC Simhadri had maintained a plant load factor of 84 per cent during the last fiscal and the shortfall was mainly due to short supply of coal, he pointed out.

However, the station had surpassed the yearly coal receipt record of 92.63 LMT pertaining to last year on March 2 this year.

'The plant is blending imported coal with domestic supply.'

This financial year, the power plant would be generating about 14,720 MU, surpassing last year generation of 12,663 MU, and the plant availability factor would be 91 per cent, he said.

'The Simhadri station stands first among all NTPC coal operated stations in auxiliary power consumption and lowest trip in operations,' he added.

THE HINDU