The Centrally-sponsored “Comprehensive Scheme of Transmission & Distribution System in Arunachal Pradesh & Sikkim,” is over 60 per cent complete, albeit with long time overruns.
According to latest data released by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the project, approved in October 2014, is over 60 per cent complete in terms of number of project elements involved. The project is being implemented by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) and is entirely funded by the Central government.
As of end-March 2025, out of the total 294 project elements sanctioned, 183 were completed. In Sikkim, 41 out of the total 55 elements were completed whereas Arunachal Pradesh has seen 142 elements completed out of a total of 239.
Project rationale
Currently, only five out of 20 districts of Arunachal Pradesh are connected to transmission network at 132/220kV with the 33kV system forming the backbone of the state’s power distribution system.
Compounding the situation is the northeastern state’s low population (13.84 lakh as of 2021) that is distributed over an expansive area of 84,000 sqkm. This has caused power demand to be scattered over long distances. This project aims to strengthen the 132kV network so as to ensure proper voltage management and lower distribution losses.
In Sikkim too, much of the power distribution network is at the 66kV level and the project targets to substantially strengthen the same.
T&D infrastructure
Across the two states, the project aims to build 4,241 ckm of transmission lines across voltage classes 33V, 66kV, 132kV and 220kV. On the transformation side, a total of 156 substations (new and augmentation) with total transformation capacity of 1,910 MVA have been envisaged.
As of March 31, 2025, a total of 1,029 ckm lines were completed, leaving a balance of 3,212 ckm. Progress on the 132kV voltage front was quite poor. Out of the 2,269 ckm of such lines, only 322 ckm stood completed.
On the transformation side, the progress has been relatively better. As of given date, a total of 1,270 MVA of transformation capacity was set up through new substations and augmentation works, representing two-thirds of the total 1,910 MVA envisaged.
Project cost
The “Comprehensive Scheme of Transmission & Distribution System in Arunachal Pradesh & Sikkim” was originally supposed to cost Rs.4,754 crore that escalated to Rs.9,129 crore. As of March 31, 2025, the latest revised cost was under approval. A total amount of Rs.7,355 crore was received from the Central government as of given date, and the cumulative amount spent stood at Rs.7,321 crore, as of March 31, 2025.
Featured photograph (source: tntprojects.in) is for representation only
