The construction work for a 1,600 MW thermal power facility in Chhattisgarh to be established by the Karnataka Power Corp Ltd (KPCL) will start by the end of current year (2010).

The Karnataka administration had entered into the agreement with Chhattisgarh in September 2008 to set up two units, each of 800 MW, at Godhna in Janjgir-Champa region.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regulates both states.

The KPCL project is said to aid Karnataka overcome a widening power shortage.

"The KPCL has begun the process of taking over 1,260 acres land for the plant and we expect that acquisition process to be over within six months. The construction will begin by year-end," the industry department official said.

The official said over 50% work force for this facility will be engaged from Chhattisgarh and thus help create employment chances for people in the state. (With Input from Agencies)