NTPC Bongaigaon celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and a strong sense of collective achievement at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium of its 750 MW power station here on Saturday. Reflecting the spirit of “Har Ghar Tiranga” and the commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram, the celebrations brought together employees, their families, schoolchildren and members of the NTPC Bongaigaon community in a vibrant tribute to the nation. The occasion also showcased the station’s impressive operational performance, technological initiatives and commitment to excellence.

The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Arnab Maitra, Business Unit Head, NTPC Bongaigaon, followed by the inspection of the ceremonial parade comprising contingents of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), DGR Security Services and students of Notre Dame Academy.

Addressing the gathering, Maitra highlighted NTPC Bongaigaon’s sustained performance in Operations & Maintenance and its growing contribution to the power sector. He informed that, as of 13 August 2026, the station had generated 1,763.86 MUs, achieving a Plant Load Factor (PLF) of 72.59 per cent and availability of 99.34 per cent.

Highlighting key operational milestones, Maitra stated that Unit-1 achieved a record continuous run of 468 days up to 21 April 2026, the longest continuous run achieved by any unit of NTPC Bongaigaon since inception. Unit-1 has also remained free from Boiler Tube Leakage (BTL) for more than 905 days. Meanwhile, Unit-3 has crossed 250 days of continuous operation, surpassing its previous best of 190 days.

Emphasising the station’s focus on technology-driven operations and predictive maintenance, Maitra noted that Advanced Pattern Recognition (APR), an AI/ML-based early fault detection system, is being incorporated across all units of NTPC Bongaigaon. The initiative is aimed at further strengthening equipment reliability, improving operational efficiency and enabling proactive maintenance.

Recalling the station’s achievements during the previous financial year, he highlighted its healthy PLF, the 319-day continuous operation of Unit-2, uninterrupted coal supplies and record ash utilisation. During FY 2025-26, NTPC Bongaigaon achieved its highest-ever annual ash utilisation of 17.94 lakh metric tonnes, corresponding to more than 180% utilisation. The station also recorded its highest-ever single-day ash utilisation of 14,737 metric tonnes on 13 February 2026.

During the current financial year, total ash utilisation has already reached approximately 6.67 lakh metric tonnes, corresponding to 195.1 per cent utilisation, further underlining the station’s commitment to sustainable and responsible resource utilisation.

Maitra appreciated the collective efforts of employees, departments, associates and partners whose contributions have driven the station’s achievements. He called upon everyone to continue adopting best practices, embracing innovation and strengthening initiatives in CSR, environment, healthcare and safety, while contributing collectively towards NTPC’s larger vision and national development.

A major attraction of the celebrations was a colourful cultural programme presented by children from Ankur Tiny Tots, Bal Bhawan, the Welfare Wing of Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, and Notre Dame Academy, NTPC Bongaigaon. Dressed in traditional and patriotic attire, the young performers presented songs, dances and thematic performances celebrating India’s unity in diversity, drawing enthusiastic applause from the gathering.

Adding to the patriotic atmosphere, tri-colour balloons were released by Arnab Maitra along with senior officials and members of Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, filling the sky with the colours of the National Flag and symbolising the spirit of freedom, hope and national pride.

The occasion also recognised achievement and excellence across the NTPC Bongaigaon community. Maitra presented the prestigious HOP Meritorious Awards to 32 employees for their noteworthy contributions in their respective areas. Health Champion Awards 2025-26 were presented to seven employees, while more than 12 employees were recognised under the Aawahan Policy. Awards and recognitions were also presented to winners of various competitions organised by the Rajbhasha Wing and Employee Welfare Wing, meritorious students and other achievers. Contingents and personnel demonstrating excellence during the ceremonial programme were also felicitated.

The organisations and teams associated with the various cultural performances and activities were felicitated for their valuable contribution towards making the Independence Day celebrations vibrant and memorable.

The programme was attended by Anurag Gupta, GM (O&M); Ahmed Mustafa Choudhury, GM (Maintenance); Kasturi Maitra, President, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club; L. N. Meitei, Commandant, CISF; and Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of HR, along with senior NTPC officials, Heads of Departments, representatives of unions and associations, welfare bodies, employees and their family members.

Earlier in the day, Independence Day was celebrated at various establishments across the NTPC Bongaigaon township. Anurag Gupta, GM (O&M), hoisted the National Flag at the New Service Building in the presence of employees. Kasturi Maitra, President, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, hoisted the Tricolour at the Ladies Club and Ankur Tiny Tots premises, while Sister Manju Joseph, Principal, Notre Dame Academy, hoisted the National Flag at the school premises.

The celebrations across NTPC Bongaigaon reflected a shared spirit of national pride, operational excellence and collective achievement, as the station joined the nation in commemorating 80 years of Independence and reaffirming its commitment to the ideals embodied by Vande Mataram and the continued progress of the country.