The process of awarding the six remaining packages of the “Comprehensive Scheme of Transmission & Distribution System in Arunachal Pradesh & Sikkim” is underway, according to a recent report by Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
According to the CEA report, out of the total 42 packages of the project, spread over Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, 36 have been awarded while the process of awarding the remaining six packages is underway. While all the 10 packages in Sikkim have been awarded, the remaining six packages relate entirely to Arunachal Pradesh where there are a total of 32 packages. (See Table) The packages relate transmission lines, substations and distribution management systems (DMS).
Project Cost
Approved in 2014, the “Comprehensive Scheme of Transmission & Distribution System in Arunachal Pradesh & Sikkim” project is being implemented by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), and is completely financed by the Central government. When approved, the project was estimated to cost Rs.4,754.42 crore but the revised cost estimate, approved in March 2021, stands at Rs.9,129.32 crore.
As of March 31, 2021, a total of Rs.2,664.24 crore was received for the project, out of which Rs.2,163.30 crore was spent, as of given date.
Completion Schedule
All the awarded packages are targeted to complete progressively by December 2021 while those packages that are in the process of being awarded will be commissioned by March 2024. Several packages have already been commissioned, across both Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Project Rationale
The project broadly aims to strengthen the power T&D network within Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. In Arunachal Pradesh, only five out of the total 20 districts are connected to the transmission network at 132/220kV. The 33kV system forms the backbone of the power distribution system in this northeastern state. The state has a vast geographical area of around 84,000 sqkm but houses a small population. This low density of population, coupled with thinly spread out habitations, have caused the power demand to be scattered over large distances. The project thus aims at strengthening the 132kV network to enable proper voltage management and lower distribution losses. In Sikkim too, the distribution network relies on the 66kV network, which needs to be strengthened substantially.
Under the project, the intrastate T&D systems of these two states will be fortified with the addition of 31 new 132kV substations, 12 substations of 66/11kV, 2,153 km of transmission lines (including 66kV, 132kV and 220kV), and 1,923 km of 33kV lines.
Centrally Funded Schemes
The “Comprehensive Scheme of Transmission & Distribution System in Arunachal Pradesh & Sikkim” is amongst the five major power T&D schemes being implemented entirely through Central funding. The other four are:
- North-Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP)
- 220kV Transmission System from Alusteng (Srinagar) to Leh (via Drass, Kargil, Khalsti and Leh substation) in Jammu & Kashmir
- Prime Minister Development Package-2015
- Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan- 2004
Out of these, the J&K project was completed in 2019 but Jammu & Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD) has yet to take over the assets, according to a CEA report.
(Featured photograph showing village in Arunachal Pradesh is for illustration only)
