Works of Rs 3816 crore approved to improve quality & reliability of power supply: Harbhajan Singh ETO

Chandigarh News: Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Wednesday said that Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will carry out intensive system improvement works for loss reduction under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and works of Rs 3816 crore have been approved under the detailed project report (DPR) for Loss reduction, which shall improve the quality & reliability of power supply to the consumers of Punjab through system strengthening works.

      Revealing further, the Power Minister said that segregation of 227 Kandi mixed feeders, Bifurcation of 1146 feeders, New Distribution Transformers with HT/LT line on 1614 feeders, Reconductoring of HT/LT line on 1799 feeders will be done under Infrastructure works for loss reduction and 40 Nos. new 66 kV Substations including compact GIS Substations, Addition of 35 new 66 kV Power Transformers, Augmentation of 105 existing 66 kV Power Transformers, Unified Billing Solution and various other IT works will be carried out under the approved scheme. Out of the total project amount of Rs. 3816 crores as per the Action Plan, grant of Rs. 2290 Cr. will be provided by the Govt. of India as gross budgetary support.

      The Power Minister informed that tendering for the HT/LT works, IT works and 66 kV works, is under process and the same are expected to be awarded in a month. He said that the works have been divided in a number of packages for ensuring efficient execution and monitoring.

     Power Minister said that the RDSS is an ambitious flagship scheme aimed at improving the operational efficiencies and financial sustainability of the Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) through a robust and sustainable distribution network. He said that the Action Plan for implementation of the Scheme in Punjab has been approved by the State Cabinet and the Government of India. He further added that the DPR for modernization works amounting to around Rs. 6000 Cr. is expected to be approved by the Government of India in a couple of months.

     Meanwhile the Power Minister reviewed the progress of the RDSS. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Power Tejveer Singh, CMD PSPCL Baldev Singh Sran, Director Distribution DPS Grewal, Director Generation Paramjeet Singh and Chief Engineers of PSPCL.

     The meeting was concluded with the Power Minister expressing satisfaction with the preparations made by the PSPCL for implementation of the RDSS scheme in the state. He said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is confident that the people of the state will benefit from the works being carried out under the scheme to ensure reliable power supply and first-rate consumer services.