In an effort to give state residents cheaper electricity, the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday approved the construction of two "Obra D" thermal power projects in Sonbhadra's Obra, with a combined capacity of 800 MW.

According to a statement, the Cabinet meeting chaired over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approved the "Obra D" thermal power plants.

In a 50:50 joint venture with the federal government-owned power plant NTPC, the government will carry out the projects. According to the statement, financial institutions will arrange for the remaining 70% of the funds while 30% of equity will be provided for project completion.

The 'Obra D' thermal power plants will be the first ever ultra super critical unit in the state. The plant will boast of state-of-the-art technology and high efficiency, with low consumption of coal, bringing down the cost of power generation, which will lead to slashing of electricity rates in UP, it said.

The first unit will be ready in about 50 months, it said.