In a landmark development, the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir celebrate a significant leap forward in power infrastructure. After 75 years, the Power Development Department (PDD) successfully energized the 132 kV Ramban to Khellani Transmission Line, marking a crucial connectivity milestone for the region.
The newly commissioned transmission line establishes a robust link between the 220 kV Grid Station at Ramban and the 132 kV Grid Station at Khellani. Notably, this marks the first-ever Transmission Line by PDD for these districts, providing an alternative power source to the existing 132 kV Single Circuit Udhampur – Dul Hasti Line owned by NHPC.
The Udhampur – Dul Hasti Line, operational for over three decades, had been catering to the power requirements of the twin districts with a rated transmission capacity of approximately 75 MW. However, the load demand had surged to 200 MW, leading to curtailments, particularly during winters. Susceptible to weather-related damages, the UDH Tx Line caused frequent and prolonged power outages.
The new 132 kV double-circuit Transmission Line, commissioned on February 1, 2024, boasts a power transmission capacity of 150 MW per circuit, tripling the overall power transmission capacity for Doda and Kishtwar. In case of any breakdown, the line provides a failsafe, ensuring uninterrupted power supply from the alternate source.
Despite facing technical delays, the construction of the Ramban to Khellani Transmission Line was expedited by the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) under the Government of India. The line’s completion ahead of schedule brings relief to the public by significantly enhancing Transmission Capacity.
Furthermore, plans are underway to augment the feeding Grids, Khellani and Katersamna, making Doda and Kishtwar Districts self-sufficient in power. The government’s approval for a Rs. 1000 Cr Transmission System in the coming financial year underscores its commitment to strengthening the region’s power infrastructure.
Residents can also anticipate improvements with the augmentation of Grid Stations and ongoing initiatives such as the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The region’s power sector is set for a complete turnaround, with doubled Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) capacity ensuring a substantial share of renewables in the generation mix.
This collective effort signifies a substantial stride toward enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the power infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, ultimately contributing to the sustained development of the region.
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