PM lays foundation stone for 7 EHV Sub-stations, 24 LT Sub-stations

Itanagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for 7 EHV Sub-stations and 24 LT Sub-stations in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, on Saturday. The project is being implemented by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) a 'Navratna' Company under Ministry of Power, Government of India.

On this occasion, PM said, "It'll improve state power sector, facilitate development of small scale/cottage industries/tourism in the state by enabling quality supply of power." The present per capita power consumption of state is 233 kwhr against national average of 1075 kWh.

The existing Power Transmission and Distribution system needed a major reconstruction and integration with National Grid to meet the present and future load requirement as well as to fuel faster economic growth.

The scheme comprises construction of 24 new 132/33 kV (EHV) Sub-stations with 529 MVA transformation capacity and 70 new 33/11 kV Distribution Sub-stations with 465 MVA transformation capacity apart from laying of 1917 kms of 132 kV Transmission Lines and 1923 kms of 33 kV Lines.

Contracts for construction of 18 Nos. 132/33 kV Sub-stations, 1716 Kms of 132 kV Transmission Lines and 46 Nos. 33/11 kV Sub-stations with associated 33 kV lines of 1202 kms have been awarded. The construction activities in 13 Nos. 132/33 kV Sub-stations, 21 Nos. 33/11 kV Sub-stations and associated lines under the awarded contracts have already been commenced.

It will also augment and improve the present distribution system through 33 kV & 11 kV lines to villages and towns including remote and border areas ensuring strong and reliable transmission & distribution system in the state in coming years (present load is about 138 MW, projected load as per 19th EPS is 482 MW by 2026-27).

The monetary saving due to reduction in operation of Diesel Generating Plants will lead to better life for the people of the region and also help in protection of environment. It will not only help minimize reliance on diesel, but will also save import expenditure in foreign currency incurred on crude oil, thereby benefiting the state exchequer.

The event was attended by a graceful gathering at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, in the gracious presence of Brigadier (Dr.) B D Mishra (Retd), Arunachal Pradesh Governor Tenzing Norbu Thongdok, Arunachal Pradesh Speaker, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, along with Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM Chowna Mein.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary (Power) Government of India, A K Bhalla, CMD, POWERGRID, Ravi P Singh, Director (Projects) POWERGRID, R K Chauhan, Executive Director (NERPSIP) POWERGRID, Rajiv Kumar, Anantha Sarma, ED (NERTS), T C Sarmah, ED (BDD) apart from other senior officials of state government and POWERGRID.