Palatana Power Plant Generates 350–400 MW Against Installed Capacity of 726.6 MW, OTPC Attributes Low Output to Gas Shortage
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, October 26, 2026
Electricity generation at Tripura’s Palatana power plant has reportedly remained in the range of 350–400 megawatts (MW), substantially below its installed capacity of approximately 726.6 MW. The reduced output has drawn attention to natural gas availability and the plant’s overall operational performance.
Sources in ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC), which operates the plant, have attributed the lower generation primarily to inadequate natural gas supplies. The company’s position highlights the importance of consistent fuel availability for the operation of the gas-based power station.
Located in Gomati district, the Palatana power project is one of Tripura’s major electricity-generation facilities and an important contributor to the power supply of the northeastern region. Its two generating units have a combined installed capacity of approximately 726.6 MW, with each unit rated at around 363.3 MW.
Generation of 350–400 MW represents roughly 48–55 per cent of the plant’s installed capacity. However, actual output can vary depending on fuel availability, unit availability, maintenance requirements and other operating conditions.
According to OTPC sources, a committee of the Tripura Legislative Assembly visited the plant and observed the impact of inadequate gas availability on electricity generation. The company’s workforce has reportedly continued efforts to maximise output despite the constraints.
The plant depends on natural gas supplied from ONGC’s fields in Tripura. Any shortfall in the quantity of gas available for generation can restrict its ability to operate at full capacity. Ensuring a reliable supply would therefore require coordination among OTPC, ONGC, the Tripura government and other relevant authorities.
The reported decline in generation has also raised questions about the plant’s annual performance and utilisation. Figures cited in discussions concerning the 2025–26 financial year indicate that the plant recorded a plant load factor of approximately 60.02 per cent and generated around 3,880 million units of electricity during the year.
Notably, OTPC is a joint-venture company promoted by ONGC, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) and the Government of Tripura. Given the state government’s stake in the company and the plant’s importance to regional electricity generation, its operational performance remains a matter of public interest.
A report containing concerns and allegations relating to the plant’s operations has reportedly reached the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, according to people familiar with the matter.
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