For strengthening the transmission and distribution network of 47 towns with more than 30,000 population, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal sanctioned Rs 1,496 crore on Sunday.
Approving the ambitious Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme at a meeting of Power Department, Sukhbir said that after reaching the aim of surplus power by December this year, his focus will be on ensuring quality power supply to the consumers besides minimising the transmission and distribution losses.
“Rs 1,496 crore has been approved for setting up of reliable and automated transmission and distribution systems besides effective usage of information technology for improvement in internal efficiency and in customer services,” he said. Sukhbir asked the Power Secretary Anirudh Tiwari to focus on Sub-Transmission System and capacity addition of lines and substations at 66/33 KV level besides augmentation of new Transmission Structure.
It was informed that 47 towns have been divided into seven packages and three reputed companies — l&T, Godrej and A2Z — have been allocated the work on turnkey basis. These companies have already conducted the survey and would complete the work within one year. l&T, international infrastructure company has been given three major towns of ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar while Godrej and Boyce limited has been given responsibility of 20 towns including Nakodar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala. A2Z has been given responsibility of 16 towns.
According to Tiwari, Punjab would setup Fault Passage Indicators for quick detection of line faults and replacement of all electro magnetic energy meters with electronic meters. Stressing upon complete quality control, Sukhbir asked Punjab State Power Corporation limited (PSPCl) to upgrade the system keeping in view growth potential of next seven years. “It is imperative for the Powercom to ensure quality and reliable supply of power to all consumers and reduce breakdowns failures and voltage problems,” he added.