Three power transmission & distribution projects get nod.

The Union Cabinet recently cleared three major schemes for strengthening the country's power transmission and distribution (T&D) network. It also cleared three major co-operation projects on energy and transport of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc).

A major decision was for the Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, with a Rs. 43,000-crore investment, announced in this year's Union Budget for augmenting power supply to rural areas. This project is based on the Gujarat model of power reforms (done when Narendra Modi, now the prime minister, was head of the state government) for feeder separation of agricultural and domestic usage, and strengthening of T&D infrastructure in rural areas

Announced for strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution in urban areas, including 100 per cent metering and underground cabling, an Integrated Power Development Scheme was also given approval. It requires an investment of Rs. 32,612 crore, including budgetary support from the Centre of Rs. 25,354 crore over the implementation period.


BS