Udupi Power Corporation's Regulatory Journey

Udupi Power Corporation's journey is a masterclass in perseverance through regulatory chaos.

In 1991, Karnataka High Court rejected challenges to a 2420 MW thermal project,

opening doors for private players. By 1994, a 360 MW plant was approved,

scaling to 1000 MW by 1995 with environmental clearance granted in 1997 without public hearings.

Land acquisition finalized in 1998, construction started in 2003 with site offices and access

roads. Plot twist in 2004 when Ministry cancelled clearance claiming inaction,

but inspections proved otherwise and reinstated it. Legal battles erupted in 2005,

delayed 3000 days but dismissed as time-barred. Units became operational by 2011 at 1200