In a significant step toward advancing sustainable development, industrial growth, and energy security, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth over ₹13,000 crore in Bihar. On this occasion, he virtually dedicated the first unit (1×660 MW) of SJVN’s 1320 MW Buxar Thermal Power Project to the nation.
The event was attended by Hon’ble Governor of Bihar Arif Mohammed Khan, Hon’ble Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, senior leaders, and dignitaries. Also present were Pankaj Aggarwal, Secretary (Power), Ministry of Power; Bhupender Gupta, CMD, SJVN; Ajay Kumar Sharma, Director (Personnel), SJVN; Vikas Sharma, CEO of STPL; and other senior officials. Employees of SJVN and its subsidiaries across India and Nepal joined the historic ceremony through live streaming.
The 1320 MW (2×660 MW) supercritical technology-based Buxar Thermal Power Project, located at Chausa in Buxar district, is being executed by SJVN Thermal Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJVN. The foundation stone was laid by the Prime Minister on 9th March 2019.
With an investment of ₹13,756.56 crore, the project is designed to generate 9,828.72 million units of electricity annually, with 85% of the power earmarked for Bihar under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement. This will significantly improve electricity availability in Bihar and the Eastern Region, reducing peak-hour shortages and strengthening the state’s power infrastructure.
The project has utilized around 2,54,932 MT of steel and 2,80,362 tonnes of cement, providing a major fillip to domestic industries in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. During the construction phase, nearly 5,000 workers were employed annually, with local residents as primary beneficiaries. The operational phase will continue to support direct and indirect employment while boosting allied sectors such as local markets, transport, and hospitality services.
Alongside its infrastructure and energy benefits, the project has contributed to socio-economic progress in the region. SJVN has undertaken initiatives in education, healthcare, sanitation, safe drinking water, and women empowerment, ensuring holistic development of local communities.
SJVN Limited, a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh, is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power. Since its inception with the 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station in Himachal Pradesh, SJVN has expanded into a diversified portfolio covering Hydro, Thermal, Wind, Solar, Power Transmission, and Power Trading, with the Buxar project standing as a new milestone in its growth journey.
