PM dedicates 220kV Srinagar-Alusteng-Drass-Kargil-Leh transmission line to nation

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 3, 2019, dedicated the 220 kV Srinagar- Alusteng – Drass- Kargil – Leh Transmission System to the nation, a step that would ensure quality power supply to Ladakh round the year. This would give huge boost to the tourism sector and enhance socio-economic development of Ladakh.

The Prime Minister had laid the foundation stone for this project on August 12, 2014, and within 4.5 years, the project has been completed by the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Navratna Company of Government of India, under Ministry of Power. Inaugurating this project, the PM said, “We’ve left behind culture of delays.” The Rs 2,266 crore project will result in minimising the massive use of diesel generating sets during winters and will help in protection of beautiful environment of pristine Ladakh region.

Srinagar- Alusteng – Drass- Kargil – Leh Transmission Line: Built at a height of around 3,000-4,000 meters, this approx. 335 km long transmission line has been constructed by POWERGRID. In this project, four new State-of-the-Art 220/66 kV Gas Insulated Sub-stations built at Drass, Kargil, Khaltsi and Leh will ensure 24×7 quality power in all weather conditions. Funding provisions have been in the ratio of 95:05 (95% Government of India’s share and 5% J&K state share).

Benefits to the region: The implementation of this project was also aimed at supplying power to the people of Ladakh in harsh winters and evacuation of surplus power of Kargil & Leh Hydel stations of NHPC in summers. This will not only help evacuate power in summers, but will also supply power to the region in winters when temperatures dip and hydro electricity generation do not match up. The project will meet the power demand of Ladakh region at economical rates. With quality electricity available at reasonable rates, hospitality industry in Ladakh will get a boost, as their reliance on diesel sets will reduce. This will also attract tourists looking for affordable stay in all weathers.

Challenges in execution: This herculean task executed by POWERGRID in unforeseen weather conditions was made possible by immaculate project monitoring skills, high team spirit and strategic planning and use of modern technologies. The line remains snow covered for nearly six months with the minimum temperature going down to as low as -40 degrees at Drass. Therefore, specially designed tower foundations were constructed with assistance from Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) for spotting the tower foundations, as the work force braved the challenge of working at lesser oxygen levels. It shall also provide grid connectivity and reliable quality power supply to the strategically important Ladakh region including defence establishments in the area.

The occasion was graced by Satya Pal Malik, Governor, J&K, Dr  Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) for Development of North Eastern Region, Haji Anayat Ali, Chairman, Legislative Council, J&K, Secretary (Power), Government of India, A K Bhalla, CMD, POWERGRID, Ravi P Singh, people’s representatives from the area and senior officials of state government and POWERGRID, according to a PIB release.