Gujarat's Coastal Power Enhancement: ₹2,534 Crore Investment to Mitigate Cyclone Impact
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Synopsis
The Gujarat government is investing ₹2,534 crore to transform overhead power lines into underground cables, enhancing electricity supply for vulnerable communities, particularly farmers. This initiative, part of the Sagar Khedu Integrated Development Scheme, aims to fortify power infrastructure in cyclone-prone areas and boost rural electrification.
Key Takeaways
- Investment of ₹2,534 crore for new substations.
- Transitioning to underground cables for enhanced resilience.
- Significant progress in Junagadh district.
- New agricultural electricity connections to support farmers.
- Ongoing efforts to improve power infrastructure in cyclone-prone regions.
Gandhinagar, March 25 (NationPress) The Gujarat government has launched a progressive effort to transition from overhead electricity lines to underground cables, aiming to provide a continuous power supply, especially for farmers and residents in at-risk areas.
As part of the Sagar Khedu Integrated Development Scheme, noteworthy advancements have been achieved in Junagadh district, where 16.97 km of power lines are being transitioned to underground cables at an expense surpassing ₹2.74 crore.
In response to an inquiry in the Legislative Assembly, Energy Minister Kanubhai Desai confirmed these developments, emphasizing the state's dedication to enhancing power infrastructure in regions susceptible to cyclones.
Minister Desai elaborated on the scheme, revealing that by December 31, 2024, investments in power infrastructure enhancements have reached ₹4,964.29 lakh in Junagadh district and ₹9,256.04 lakh in Jamnagar district.
Following Cyclone 'Biparjoy', Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel urged accelerated initiatives under the Sagar Khedu Development Plan to establish underground power lines, construct new substations, and replace old power lines to improve electricity supply in coastal regions.
To bolster power infrastructure, the government has initiated a ₹2,534 crore project to build 236 new substations and a ₹198 crore initiative to offer around 1.30 lakh new agricultural electricity connections.
The Sagar Khedu Integrated Development Scheme, which commenced in 2007-08, has consistently aided infrastructure development in coastal areas.
By December 2024, the scheme is expected to facilitate the replacement of 73,762 km of outdated power lines and 1.74 lakh poles, enhancing resilience against natural calamities.
Furthermore, the government has earmarked ₹2,534.69 crore for the establishment of new substations and ₹1,998 crore to enable over 1.32 lakh new agricultural electricity connections, further reinforcing rural electrification. Historically, Gujarat's power sector has experienced rapid growth since independence, with substantial investments in thermal, hydro, and nuclear power plants.
The establishment of the Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB) in 1960 was pivotal in expanding electricity access throughout the state.
In 2005, Gujarat executed significant reforms in the power sector by unbundling GEB into distinct entities for generation, transmission, and distribution, resulting in enhanced efficiency and improved service quality.
As of 2024, Gujarat boasts an installed power capacity exceeding 44,000 MW, with a diverse energy portfolio. Thermal power contributes approximately 15,000 MW, primarily from coal and gas-based facilities.
Renewable energy sources, especially solar and wind power, have seen remarkable growth, now representing about 20,000 MW.
The state also has 5,000 MW sourced from hydropower and nuclear energy. Gujarat has made substantial advancements in renewable energy, with initiatives like the Kutch Wind Park and the Dholera Solar Park, which rank among the largest in India.
