Agartala: Nov 25. The foundation ceremony (bhoomi puja) for a 120 MW thermal power project set to become Tripura’s largest power-generation initiative was held at Rukia, Boxanagar in Sepahijala district. Power & Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath inaugurated the event with a traditional yajna that began around 2 PM.
The project, estimated at over Rs 1,200 crore, will be completed in three to three-and-a-half years, officials said. Once operational, it is expected to significantly reduce Tripura’s electricity shortages and strengthen the state’s long-term power security.
Speaking at the event, Minister Ratan Lal Nath noted that Tripura has the capacity for higher electricity production but is unable to utilise it fully due to several old and defunct units. Between 1990 and 2025, the Rukia plant originally had nine turbines, but turbines 1-6 gradually became non-functional, sharply reducing output. Even the remaining units struggled after gas supply issues emerged.
Local MLA Tafajjal Hossain welcomed the project, saying the people of Boxanagar are delighted and expect it to solve long-standing electricity shortages. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Ratan Lal Nath for enabling development in the constituency.
In his address, TSECL Director Bishwajit Basu said Tripura is poised to become a frontrunner in power generation. He added that work must begin with devotion to the divine, expressing faith that the new unit will bring major progress to the state.
The government will now install advanced, high-grade Japanese machinery to revive the plant through this new 120 MW project, officials confirmed.
The event featured the traditional coconut offering following the yajna. Guests were honoured with uttoriyo and mementos by local Panchayat Samiti leaders.
Dignitaries Present including Sepahijala Zilla Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Dutta, Block Chairperson Sapna Nama Das, Vice Chairperson Selina Akhtar, Secretary Power, Dept, Abhishek Singh, Social workers Uttam Das, Anil Das and Manikyanagar Gram Pradhan Nandita Das.
