Work in progress at the Karbi-Langpi project site. Picture by Eastern Projections

Jorhat, Feb. 1: Power-starved Assam’s first hydel project went on stream yesterday, ending speculation about its fate and holding out hope for industry and a less tormenting summer than last year for residents of the state.

Launched in 1979 at Amsoi in Karbi Anglong, the 100-MW Karbi-Langpi hydroelectric power project has had to surmount a series of hurdles. Militancy in the hilly district is one of the reasons for the delay in executing the project.

“Finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel,” power and industry minister Pradyut Bordoloi told the media today.

However, the project will be formally inaugurated only in April. “The chief minister will dedicate it to the people of Assam on Rongali Bihu,” Bordoloi said.

The immediate beneficiary of the first unit of the project becoming operational will be the 33rd National Games, beginning in Guwahati on February 9.

The power minister said the additional 27 MW of power required to light up the Games facilities will come from the Karbi-Langpi plant.

In the long term, the commissioning of the project is expected to instil confidence in companies to look at Assam as an investment destination.

Apart from dodgy law and order, inadequate availability of power has always been cited as a reason for investors shying away from the state.

Bordoloi said the state would save crores of rupees once the project becomes fully operational.

“During peak hours (5 pm to 11 pm), we require about 800 MW, as against production of a mere 100 MW by the Lakwa and Namrup thermal plants. We have been buying approximately Rs 8 crore worth of power every month from various sources.”

The 50-MW first unit produced 15 MW last evening and routed it entirely to consumers through the Assam State Electricity Board grid. The unit is expected to produce 40 MW this evening. The second 50-MW unit is expected to start production by the end of this month.

Originally budgeted at Rs 63 crore, the project cost escalated to Rs 360 crore over the years.

Bordoloi said the Congress deserved all the credit for getting the project off the ground. “Our government took the initiative to complete the project in 2004 and here we are, ready to dedicate it to the people of Assam.”

The minister said the government would now focus on upgrading old transmission lines. “The capacity of the transmission network will be upgraded by 2008.”