An additional 650 MW electricity for the state in 22 months.

The State will get additional 650 MW with the completion of the Kawas combined cycle power project - Stage II in 22 months. The expansion project of the National Thermal Power Corporation project will also benefit Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman, Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Speaking at the foundation lying ceremony of the project, Union Power Minister P R Kumaramangalam said that in the next six years, the NTPC would generate 8000 MW in the State. The NTPC also planned to go in for Stage III as part of its plans for four mega projects in the country. NTPC, which was the ninth largest and third most efficient public undertaking in the world, was set to expand to make itself a profitable venture. It is likely to undertake contracts for power generation, renovation, modernisation and consultancy in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

On the other hand Union Textiles Minister, Kashiram Rana confirmed that there was a shortage of at least 1200 MW in the State. Several industries have been permitted to set up units in the State but they cannot unless the power shortage is made up. Also, because of high tariff, there was resentment among industrialists. On this the Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel clarified that the tariff was high because of a high duty on fuel. " We have coal-based thermal plants. To run these, we have to buy coal from Bihar, Orissa and pay more transport charge. This is one reason why electricity rates are high in Gujarat compared to those in other states". He urged Kumaramanglam to look into the shortage and allocate more gas to the State in view of Gujarat’s potential and growing economy. Gujarat supplies gas to Uttar Pradesh and Delhi and other parts of North India. Why then Gujarat can't have gas-based thermal plants.

NTPC chairman Rajendra Singh assured the power minister that Stage II project would be completed within 22 month. "This is my commitment", the chairman said. 

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