Synchronisation of a 210 MW coal-based thermal power project this week has some embarrassing features for a section of the opinion making people in the country. The project has been completed in 37.5 months against the target of 42 months (The target of 42 month has also been achieved in very few projects in India.). The total project cost in terms of Rupee/MW has been 37 million against present national average cost of Rupees 45 million in most of the ongoing coal-based projects including the much publicised fast track private power projects. One of the major features of the project has been the active participation of all sections of the people.

The event did not get the media coverage it deserved. Obviously to avoid acute embarrassment to those, who day in day out had been proclaiming from the roof top that there is no work culture in West Bengal and time and cost over-run are synonymous with public sector because of poor work culture etc. Because the project, which has created so many milestones for others to emulate, is located in West Bengal, at Bakreswar in Birbhum District. The project has been executed by State Public Sector Undertaking - West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd. The main plant and equipment were supplied, erected and commissioned by a Central Public Sector Undertaking - Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd. (BHEL). Some people have reasons to feel uneasy if not embarrassed.

^{19th July 1999.}