A new chapter is about to begin for Durgapur Projects Limited (DPL), one of West Bengal’s oldest thermal power plants. According to reliable sources at Nabanna, the state secretariat, the state government has initiated plans to build a new Unit No. 9 at DPL.
The news has brought a wave of joy among the employees, many of whom believe this marks the beginning of DPL’s long-awaited revival.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had promised to rejuvenate DPL during her campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Speaking from DPL’s Kalpataru Maidan at that time, she had announced, "The state government is going to spend ₹800 crore to revive the DPL factory. Out of that, we have already spent ₹400 crore.”
With assembly elections approaching, the state’s renewed focus on DPL has reignited optimism in the industrial town of Durgapur.
The new unit’s construction is also expected to generate fresh employment opportunities. Ashish Kumar Mitra, a DPL employee, expressed hope that the project would bring back many workers who were transferred elsewhere. “It is great news that a new Unit No. 9 will be built. This will create jobs for the unemployed and help Durgapur rise again. With the new unit, nearby industrial areas will also flourish,” he said.
Established in 1961 during the tenure of Bidhan Chandra Roy, DPL was the first major industrial project in Durgapur. Over the years, especially during the Left regime, the factory witnessed a steady decline despite several revival promises. Notably, Units 7 and 8, built during that period, continue to generate 600 MW and 650 MW of power respectively. The proposed Unit No. 9 is expected to produce 660 MW, significantly boosting the plant’s capacity and manpower.
Sources indicate that the idea to expand DPL gained traction after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, attended by ministers Arup Biswas, Malay Ghatak, and Pradeep Majumdar. The state government subsequently drew up a plan to save the struggling power unit.
However, the timeline for the construction remains uncertain. When contacted, a spokesperson of DPL, stated, “I have heard about the possibility of building Unit No. 9 in the new DPL factory. However, it has not been officially announced yet.”
For now, Durgapur’s residents and DPL employees alike wait eagerly for an official green signal — one that could power not just the plant, but the entire region’s industrial revival.
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