The 1320MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project, popularly known as Rampal power plant near the Sundarbans, achieved about 31.96 per cent physical progress until the date.

The government has so far spent about Tk 38.24 billion (Tk 3824 crore) or 24 per cent of the total expenditure of Tk 160 billion (Tk 16000 crore) for construction of one of the country’s top priority based fast track project jointly being implemented by Bangladesh and India.

The first unit of the project will come into commission in February 2021 and the second one in August of the same year.

According to official sources, the initial infrastructure works of the project has already been completed. Besides, the test pilling works of major areas have also been completed along with trial and testing.

Construction of water system and power commissioning for implementing the power project have also been completed while construction of road and drainage systems are in progress.

The power plant authorities are now constructing the unit-1 boiler and cooling station for implementing the project in 2021.             

Meanwhile, the Rampal coal-based plant authorities have sought 2-3 years VISA for foreign experts instead of current practice of one year for gearing up the power plant construction work.

He added that the financial progress of the project is about 22.80 percent. “We have so far spent Tk 3647 crore in January while the amount is Tk 3824 crore in February,” the official said on the condition of anonymity. Besides, the physical progress of the project is 31.96 per cent, he added.

Local and international environmentalists raised their voice against implementation of the project because of its closeness to the Sundarbans. According to them, the project will hamper ecological imbalance at Sundarbans, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The government, however, said that they did everything to protect the Sundarbans from any adverse impact due to implementation of the project.