In a concerning industrial incident, twelve workers sustained injuries at an under-construction facility of the Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL) power plant in Ramgarh on Saturday. The accident occurred during an erection trial at the upcoming 800 MW-capacity Unit-2 of the project, which is scheduled for commissioning next month.
Details of the Incident
The workers were injured when a dust-end seal unexpectedly snapped during the trial. This critical component failure led to the immediate injury of the personnel involved in the operation. The site was quickly secured, and emergency protocols were activated to assist the affected workers.
Worker Composition and Condition
Ziaur Rehman, PVUNL’s head of human resources, provided clarity on the injured individuals. He confirmed that three of the workers are employees of Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL), while the remaining nine are affiliated with a private agency contracted for the project. Rehman assured that all twelve workers are now out of danger and are receiving appropriate medical care. Their stable condition has brought some relief to the families and project stakeholders.
Project Background and Phases
PVUNL is undertaking a significant power generation initiative, setting up a 4,000 MW power plant in two distinct phases. The first phase involves the establishment of three units, each with an 800 MW capacity.
- Unit 1: Already operational, contributing to the regional power grid.
- Unit 2: The site of the recent incident, expected to be commissioned by March 2026, pending safety reviews and regulatory approvals.
- Unit 3: Part of the ongoing construction efforts under Phase 1.
A PVUNL official emphasized that the project is crucial for enhancing power infrastructure in the region. The commissioning of Unit 2 is a key milestone, and the company is committed to ensuring all safety measures are rigorously followed to prevent future incidents.
Safety and Future Steps
Following the accident, PVUNL has initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the dust-end seal failure. The company is likely to review and reinforce safety protocols across all construction sites. This incident underscores the inherent risks in large-scale industrial projects and highlights the importance of stringent safety standards to protect workers.
The local authorities and labor unions are expected to monitor the situation closely, advocating for enhanced worker safety measures. As the project progresses, all eyes will be on PVUNL to ensure a safe working environment while meeting its commissioning deadlines.
