Obra — Uttar Pradesh’s historic Obra Thermal Power Project, once a symbol of the state’s energy self-reliance, has staged a powerful comeback, reclaiming its reputation as the ‘Power King’ with a total generation capacity of 2,320 megawatts.
Established in the 1960s with its first set of 50 MW units, Obra quickly became a backbone of electricity supply in the state. The project expanded through the 1970s and 1980s with additional 100 MW and 200 MW units, cementing its place among the country’s largest thermal power plants. Many of the early 50 MW and 100 MW units were later phased out after exceeding their operational lifespan, but the 200 MW units have continued steady production.
The real revival came with the launch of the Obra ‘C’ Thermal Power Project (2×660 MW). Construction began in December 2016, and the first unit was successfully commissioned on February 9, 2024. The second unit achieved its Commercial Operation Date (COD) on June 16, 2025, just 16 months later, boosting the project’s overall capacity.
With these new additions, Obra now contributes 2,320 MW of electricity to the state grid, reaffirming its crucial role in meeting the rising power demand of Uttar Pradesh.

The project’s location, adjacent to the Obra Dam, remains strategically ideal, with abundant coal and water availability ensuring sustainable operations. Officials noted that while eight older units (five of 50 MW and three of 100 MW) have been dismantled, the legacy of Obra continues through modern expansion.
Energy experts describe this resurgence as a milestone for Uttar Pradesh’s power sector, highlighting Obra’s transformation from a legacy project of the 1960s into a modern energy hub that continues to light up millions of homes across the state.
