Bhubaneswar: After a span of almost 65 years, both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have decided to renovate the Machkund hydro-electric project. The renovation cost will be equally borne by both the states and is expected to take around three years for completion.
"Odisha and AP will provide Rs 250 crore each for the renovation. Already both the governments have agreed for the same and now, we are preparing the tender specifications," said Nageswar Rao, superintendent engineer at the hydroelectric project.
The capacity of the Machkund power unit is expected to increase by 25 percent after renovation. The total hydel power generation from the project, which had begun in 1955, is 120 MW from the six turbines at the unit.
Aditya Samantray, the additional executive engineer of Jalaput Division, said that the focus will also be on the expansion of the availability of the plant and also the maintenance of some critical things of the dam which have not been properly maintained for the last several years.
"We are happy that the renovation work will be taken up soon. As per the concerned authorities of the unit, there will be a 25 percent increase in power generation at the plant after renovation. We hope that it will create more employment opportunities for our youths," said Jagannath Hantal, sarpanch of Ankadelli.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Machkund hydroelectric project is a joint collaboration of the Odisha and the Andhra Pradesh government and managed by Odisha Hydropower Generation Corporation and Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation.