New Delhi, Apr 03: National Thermal Power Corporation failed to evoke any response for its Rs 6,500 crore project in Sipat in Chhattisgarh even as it virtually turned down the plea of domestic power equipment supplier, BHEL, seeking extension beyond March 28 for submitting its bid. "We did not get any bid till the last date on March 28 despite giving a clear 90 day notice for the plant package for the Sipat project... There is no question of extending the date," said NTPC officials when asked about the request of BHEL seeking more time.

The issue would now be considered afresh as to how to "reissue bid for ensuring competition," the officials said while ruling out tendering the project on negotiated basis. When contacted, BHEL spokesperson said that the company had written to NTPC seeking more time and "we are awaiting for their response."

It is for the first time that global equipment and plant package suppliers have given a go by to NTPC's mega power project for building 1980 MW capacity through three units of 660 MW each, which analysts attribute to the purchase preference scheme for PSUs. As part of the scheme, a PSU gets a chance to match the lowest bidder if the differential between the two is upto 15 per cent and this has put off the global companies, they added.

NTPC chairman and managing director, C P Jain could not be contacted for comments on the future course of action for execution of the project, which the company officials asserted would be completed in its present shape. Bureau Report