Exemplary work Culture :

West Bengal is often criticised for poor "work culture". The allegation proved baseless with the best possible harmonic industrial relations facilitating commissioning of the plant, well ahead of schedule. Not a single man-hour was wasted, rather tremendous enthusiasm from all quarters of work force - workers, supervisors, technicians, engineers, managerial staff, administration were observed. The state-of-the-art methodology of project management was adopted using updated software coupled with best of co-ordination from design engineering, manufacturing, delivery of materials from India & abroad, construction and erection. Implementation process of Bakreswar project was so appreciated by OECF, that they termed it as a "show-case" project and the flow of fund continued to this project, despite economic sanction imposed on India after the incident of "Pokhran" nuclear test.

Peoples’ Participation

The present concept of development speaks for sustainability through peoples’ participation. Bakreswar project has set up role model by ensuring peoples’ participation at all level. At the time of conceptualisation, it was a question of self-esteem for the people of the state. The project suffered from uncertainity because of non-cooperation and discriminatory treatment by the then Ministry of Power, Government of India. But the people of the state took it as challenge - they contributed through blood donation, voluntary service and even little school children saved their tiffin-money and donated for the cause of Bakreswar. Critics made circustic remarks, media went against. It is not "the amount of money" thus collected, rather the spontaneous support, mental involvement of the people at large generated a state wide euphoria - that "we would build our Bakreswar on our own". The dream came true. First time, in Indian scenario, a Power Project, instead of totally depending on turn-key contract, utilised local administration and panchayet system by entrusting a part of construction activities e.g. township development, construction of ash pond, administration building, roads, site office etc.

Quality Control :

The speed of project execution and peoples’ participation never compromised with quality. Quality norms were formulated by WBPDCL and are being adhered to. In fact, a few organisation of national and international repute are working together in this project. The main package was awarded to ITOCHU - BHEL consortium, through international competitive bidding. While the turbine was delivered by the Fuji Corporation of Japan, BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited) - a Public Sector Unit) manufactured Boiler and Generator - both indegenously. Contrary to the present day Indian practice of preferential treatment to the foreign equipment suppliers followed by Central Government and various State Government - this project provided equal level playing field for national companies and the Indian capability proved to be competitive in world market. The associated transmission project is being commissioned by KEC International, and the water package was executed by SPL. Main consultants for the project is DCL. India and EPDCI of Japan. Project management consultant is NTPC, India. The control and operation of the plant will be automatic with the help of Distributed Digital Control System. Moreover, since inception it was emphasised to maintain ecological balance through plantation, installation of up-to-date equipment for effluent treatment, increasing the chimney height and zero discharge concept has been envisaged and is under implementation for the ash-water system.

Project Cost :

The Contract price and order value of this project is much lower than that of the similar projects in India. Orders valued Rupees 2300 crore were placed for Boiler, Turbine, Transmission system, Water Management system and Coal Handling Plant. Usually cost of transmission system is not included in the project cost of Power Station. The order value of transmission system included in the cost of Bakreswar Project is Rs. 210 crore. The project is being setup at an exemplary low cost well below Rs. 4 crore per MW. This has attracted appreciation of Power Circles in India. Various articles have been published highlighting the project economy of Bakreswar with the terminology ‘Bakreswar Model’.