By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, January 4, 2017 : The Talcher Fertiliser Plant, which is closed since 2002 is all set to be revived by 2020 at an investment of Rs 8000 crore.

“The defunct unit will be revived at an investment of Rs 8,000 crore. Four companies will pump this amount,” Odisha Chief Secretary A P Padhi told media persons, after presiding over a coordination committee meeting.

Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Fertiliser and Chemicals, S K Lohani took part in the meeting over the revival of the Talcher Fertiliser Plant in the state.

Padhi said that the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL), Rashtriya Chemical and Fertiliser Ltd (RCF), Coal India Limited (CIL) and Fertiliser Corporation of India Limited would pump money for the revival of the plant.

Padhi said that the plant would require 5 MMT of coal per annum and after it was commissioned, it would produce 1.2 MMT of fertiliser per annum.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), after a series of deliberation, had in 2014 decided to revive the Talcher Unit.

The Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) ordered the closure of Talcher unit in 2002 as it was making consistent losses. The previous UPA government in 2012 had made the revival plans.

The fertiliser plant, after its revival, is expected to create direct employment opportunities for 550 people and indirect job to 4,000 people, officials said, adding, the state government would provide land, water and road communication for the smooth functioning of the plant.

Padhi informed that the plant would procure coal from the MCL and power from the state utility GRIDCO, instead of going for a captive mine and an independent power plant.

Lohani saud, the government has decided to revive five plants including the Talcher unit and work would begin after the tender process is finalised.