After a decade of dormancy, the Delhi government has initiated discussions regarding the future of the Rajghat thermal power plant, deliberating options ranging from disposal of machinery to potential repurposing of the facility.
The plant, which ceased electricity generation ten years ago and was subsequently decommissioned, now stands at a crossroads as authorities explore avenues to utilize its infrastructure effectively. Sources within the power department of the Delhi government revealed that a comprehensive valuation of the machinery and equipment at the Rajghat plant has been conducted, with a view towards potential auctioning of assets as scrap through the central government’s MSTC portal. This evaluation, aimed at optimizing resource utilization, has been forwarded to the power minister for review, with the final decision expected to be made by the council of ministers.
Initially proposed in 2019, plans to transform the Rajghat site into a 5,000kW solar park were put on hold due to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. With the previous valuation rendered obsolete, a fresh assessment of the plant’s assets has been undertaken by government-appointed valuators to inform future decisions regarding its fate. Historically, the Rajghat Power House has played a significant role in Delhi’s energy landscape, dating back to its installation in 1951 with a capacity of 5MW. However, in response to environmental concerns and evolving energy needs, the plant’s operations were gradually phased out, culminating in its closure in 2014.
Over the years, various proposals for repurposing the Rajghat site have been floated, including considerations for commercial redevelopment and the establishment of an “energy museum.” However, amidst changing priorities and logistical challenges, the fate of the plant remains uncertain. Complicating matters further, the land on which the Rajghat Power Plant is situated belongs to the central government’s land and development office and was leased to the Delhi government for specific purposes. With the cessation of power generation activities, discussions have ensued regarding the restoration of possession to the central government. As the Delhi government navigates the complexities of repurposing a defunct power plant, stakeholders await a definitive course of action that aligns with both environmental imperatives and economic considerations.
