Adani Power Wins Bhagalpur 2,400 MW Project with Lowest Tariff Bid at ₹6.075 per Unit

Adani Power Ltd has won the 2,400 MW Bhagalpur (Pirpainti) power project tender in Bihar, quoting the lowest electricity tariff of ₹6.075 per kWh (per unit) in a competitive bidding process that saw participation from major energy players, including Torrent Power, JSW Energy, and Lalitpur Power Generation Co. Ltd, according to sources familiar with the development.

The Bihar government, which aims to double the state’s electricity demand to over 17,000 MW by 2034-35, launched the open tender to secure a reliable power supply for its growing industrial and residential sectors. Adani Power’s winning bid includes a fixed charge of ₹4.165 and a fuel charge of ₹1.91 per unit, making it one of the most competitive tariffs among recent state-level tenders.

Officials noted that the tariff is notably lower than those discovered in similar projects elsewhere. For comparison, Madhya Pradesh’s recent 3,200 MW bid had higher fixed charges ranging from ₹4.22 to ₹4.30 per unit. Torrent Power followed Adani closely with a quote of ₹6.145, while JSW Energy’s bid stood at ₹6.205 per unit.

Transparency and Economic Impact

The bidding was conducted through an e-tendering process, ensuring full transparency and fair competition among all participants. Sources added that the process adhered strictly to standard government protocols, which helped maintain accountability at every stage.

Adani Power plans to invest approximately ₹30,000 crore in developing the project, which is expected to become a cornerstone of Bihar’s industrial growth strategy. The plant will significantly enhance local power availability, boost regional manufacturing, and generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Officials said the project will be established on state-owned land previously acquired for the same purpose in 2012 by the Bihar State Power Generation Company Ltd (BSPGCL). Under the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Policy 2025, the land has been leased to the developer at a nominal rent — a standard incentive applicable to all major investors. Ownership of the land will revert to the state after the project’s operational tenure ends.

Political Reactions and Clarifications

The award has sparked a political row in Bihar, currently in the midst of election campaigning. Opposition leaders, including Congress’s KC Venugopal, criticized the project’s cost, alleging “red-carpet treatment” for the Adani Group and calling the power purchase price “inflated.”

However, government officials dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the discovered tariff is highly competitive given the recent rise in fuel and generation costs. They clarified that Adani Power received no special concessions and must adhere to strict performance and delivery standards.

Broader Economic Significance

The Bhagalpur project represents one of the largest private sector investments in Bihar in decades, addressing the state’s chronic power shortages and underdeveloped industrial base. With nearly 50% of Bihar’s workforce still dependent on agriculture, the state has long struggled to attract large-scale industrial investment.

Experts suggest that infrastructure projects like this are crucial to reversing Bihar’s economic stagnation. Every ₹1 crore invested in infrastructure creates an estimated 200–250 man-years of employment, directly stimulating related industries and local businesses.

By investing across multiple sectors — including power, cement, logistics, and airports — the Adani Group’s growing footprint in Bihar is expected to play a pivotal role in modernizing the state’s industrial landscape and reducing migration by generating local job opportunities.