The state-owned lenders, with NTPC Ltd as the technical partner, had earlier given expression of interest for the 1,800 MW coal-based power project in the Champa district of Chhattisgarh along with companies like Vedanta Ltd, Adani Power Ltd, and Jindal Power Ltd. While the PFC-REC duo had submitted its bid for the project, it was later clarified that they needed DIPAM's approval to participate in the resolution process, three people in the know said.