Is Meghalaya Planning to Invest Rs 900 Crore for Power Infrastructure Revamp?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Investment: Rs 900 crore allocated for infrastructure.
- Outages: Temporary shutdowns for system upgrades.
- Transformers: 2,600 new units to be installed.
- Wiring: 3,800 km of old lines to be replaced.
- New Lines: 4,300 km of new distribution lines to be laid.
Guwahati, Dec 11 (NationPress) Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced on Thursday that the current regulated power outages in Shillong and Tura are an essential element of one of the state's most significant upgrades to its power infrastructure in recent history.
Through the Rs 900-crore Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the government intends to modernize, enhance, and stabilize the electricity distribution framework to tackle longstanding deficiencies and guarantee a consistent supply throughout urban and rural regions.
CM Sangma noted that the RDSS initiative embodies a transformative advancement for Meghalaya, which has faced challenges including load management problems, outdated transmission infrastructure, and frequent power interruptions.
“This initiative encompasses the installation of approximately 2,600 new transformers, the replacement of around 3,800 km of obsolete wiring, and the laying down of 4,300 km of new distribution lines—an intervention scale unprecedented in the state. Upon completion, this overhaul is anticipated to considerably diminish transmission losses and improve power quality for homes, businesses, and critical services,” he stated.
The Chief Minister elaborated that the temporary outages are necessary, as sections of the grid must be powered down to safely install and swap out vital components.
He assured that every effort is being made to keep disruptions to a minimum and well-organized.
“We recognize that this shutdown may lead to some inconvenience, but it is a crucial step towards achieving our objective of enhancing power infrastructure for the citizens of Meghalaya,” the Chief Minister emphasized, adding that the government is collaborating closely with MeECL and the Power Department to ensure timely updates for the public.
The government has directed relevant departments to provide advance notifications, streamline restoration times, and boost on-ground responsiveness.
It has also asked citizens for their cooperation as engineers and field teams work tirelessly to implement the upgrades.
Reiterating that the advantages of RDSS will soon be apparent, the government stated that Meghalaya is poised to construct a robust and future-ready power distribution system, ensuring more stable, efficient, and reliable electricity for all consumers in the state.