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DINAJPUR, May 2, 2026 (BSS) - Power generation has resumed at the Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant after a six-day shutdown, officials confirmed on Friday night.

Chief Engineer Md. Abu Bakkar Siddique said the plant’s first unit, with a capacity of 125 megawatts, was brought back into operation on a trial basis Friday night. Electricity generation began around 8:30 pm and is now being supplied to the national grid.

According to plant sources, the unit is currently generating between 60 and 65 megawatts of electricity.

The first unit had gone offline on April 25 following a boiler pipe burst, prompting an immediate shutdown for repairs.

The 525 MW coal-fired power plant, established in 2006 to utilize coal from the nearby Barapukuria Coal Mine, initially began operations with two 125 MW units. A third unit with a capacity of 275 MW was added in 2017. However, recurring mechanical issues have prevented the plant from consistently operating at full capacity.

Assistant Chief Engineer Mohsinul Firoz said repair work on the remaining two units is ongoing. Overhauling of the third unit is currently underway, with a Chinese contractor engaged for the job. Authorities expect the third unit to resume generation by May 15, which could significantly improve the overall power supply situation.

The plant has faced multiple disruptions in the past due to mechanical faults and issues such as foreign materials entering the boiler system. These incidents have previously affected electricity supply across at least eight northern districts, including Dinajpur.