New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of two key energy projects in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana, on Monday. “Boosting power infrastructure in the region along with the vision of electricity reaching the last mile, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 800 MW modern thermal power unit of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant at YamunaNagar,” said a statement. This unit, spread across 233 acres, worth around Rs 8,470 crore, is expected to boost Haryana’s energy self-sufficiency and provide uninterrupted power supply across the state.
Underscoring the importance of uninterrupted power supply to achieve these goals and highlighting the significance of today’s event, he announced the commencement of work on the third unit of the Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant, which will benefit Yamunanagar and Haryana. The Prime Minister noted that Yamunanagar produces half of India’s plywood and is a hub for manufacturing aluminum, copper, and brass utensils. He added that petrochemical plant equipment from Yamunanagar is exported to several countries. He emphasized that increased power production will benefit these industries and support ‘Mission Manufacturing.’
Stressing on the critical role of electricity in building a developed India, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance power availability, including initiatives like One Nation-One Grid, new coal power plants, solar energy projects, and the expansion of the nuclear sector. “Increasing electricity production is essential to ensure that power shortages do not hinder nation-building,” he said, recalling the frequent blackouts before 2014 under the previous dispensation’s rule, stating that such crises would have persisted if Congress had remained in power. He noted that during those times, factories, railways, and irrigation systems were severely affected. He shared that over the past decade, India has nearly doubled its electricity production capacity and now exports power to neighboring countries. He highlighted the benefits of their government’s focus on electricity production for Haryana, which currently generates 16,000 MW of power. He also announced the goal of increasing this capacity to 24,000 MW in the coming years.
Highlighting the government’s dual approach of investing in thermal power plants while empowering citizens to become power generators themselves, Modi mentioned the launch of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, a scheme which has enabled individuals to install solar panels on their rooftops, eliminate electricity bills, and even earn by selling surplus power. He noted that over 1.25 crore people across the country have registered under this scheme, with lakhs from Haryana applying to join. He expressed satisfaction with the scheme’s expansion, which is fostering a growing service ecosystem. He emphasised that the solar sector is creating new skills, generating opportunities for MSMEs, and opening numerous avenues for youth employment.
“Taking forward the vision of GOBARDhan, i.e. Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan, Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of a Compressed Biogas Plant in Mukarabpur, in YamunaNagar. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 2,600 metric tonnes and will help in effective organic waste management, while contributing to clean energy production and environmental conservation,” said the statement.
Modi also inaugurated the 14.4-km Rewari Bypass project, worth around Rs 1,070 crore under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. It will decongest Rewari city, reduce Delhi–Narnaul travel time by around one hour, and boost economic and social activity in the region.
