Udangudi power expansion: TN Electricity Board clears 3,200 MW PPP project with 4 units of 800 MW

Direct fact

In October 2026, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board approved a 3,200 MW expansion project at Udangudi in Thoothukudi district, replacing the earlier plan of two 660 MW stations with four 800 MW units.

Key specifics

• The original Udangudi thermal project began in 2017 with 2 units of 660 MW each, totaling 1,320 MW.
• The first unit started commercial generation on September 5, and the second unit is targeted for commissioning by the end of 2026.
• The new expansion will be implemented as a public-private partnership, with the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board proposed as project consultant.
• The project includes a dedicated coal jetty located 7 to 8 km offshore, a key maritime infrastructure feature.
• Coal will be moved through a conveyor belt system with a capacity of 2,000 tonnes per hour from the jetty to the power station.

Exam lens

TNPSC may ask a scheme-project match or infrastructure question: Udangudi, 3,200 MW, 4 x 800 MW, PPP model, offshore coal jetty. One-line framing: “Which Tamil Nadu power project is known for its dedicated sea-based coal handling facility?”