NTPC Ltd will “soon” start work on its downsized Katwa thermal power project in West Bengal, some 140 km from Kolkata.

The company has informed the State Government of its decision to start work shortly, State Power Minister Manish Gupta told Business Line over the phone on Monday.

He, however, did not mention any time-frame.

A meeting between Arup Roy Choudhury, NTPC Chairman, and the Minister took place on Sunday evening.

State-owned NTPC is now planning a 1,320-MW (2 x 660 MW) thermal power project in the region, reduced from the original plan of 1,600 MW (2x800) plant.

The project was downsized because of the unavailability of land of more than 1,100 acres.

NTPC is already in possession of 550 acres there. Fresh acquisition of another 150 acres is being awaited. The project configuration was revised downward to accommodate the present State Government’s land acquisition policy.

abhishek.l@thehindu.co.in