SRINAGAR: Power infrastructure in Jammu city and adjoining areas will be augmented with an additional transformation capacity of 160 MVA within six months, as the government has directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to expedite ongoing grid augmentation and transformer replacement works.
Minister for Power Development Department, Ali Mohammad Sagar, issued the directions during a tour of Jammu city on Saturday, during which he inspected the Gladni, Canal Road and Janipur Grid Stations and reviewed infrastructure requirements in other areas.
At Gladni Grid Station, which supplies a major portion of Jammu city, the Minister was informed that the station has an existing transformation capacity of 200 MVA through four 50 MVA transformers. An additional 80 MVA capacity is under execution and is expected to be commissioned within six months.
The augmentation is aimed at strengthening power supply to Gandhi Nagar, Channi Himmat, Bathindi and adjoining areas.
At Canal Road Grid Station, the Minister reviewed a proposal to increase the existing capacity of approximately 120 MVA to 150 MVA. The proposed augmentation is intended to improve electricity supply to Jewel Chowk, Subash Nagar, Canal Road, Satwari, Army and Air Force establishments, Cantonment areas and adjoining localities up to Talab Tillo. The requirement for an additional load of around 30 MW was also discussed.
At Janipur Grid Station, which presently has three 50 MVA transformers with a combined capacity of 150 MVA, the Minister reviewed plans to add 80 MVA capacity and replace an existing 50 MVA transformer. These works have also been targeted for completion within six months.
Sagar stressed the need to strengthen the transmission and distribution network to meet the growing domestic, commercial and industrial demand, with particular focus on Bari Brahmana, given its expanding industrial base.
He directed officers to undertake a comprehensive assessment of future electricity requirements in Bari Brahmana, Sidra, Jagti, Akhnoor and Kalakote to ensure adequate infrastructure ahead of rising demand.
The Minister also instructed the department to remove execution bottlenecks, maintain adequate emergency backup arrangements and closely monitor all ongoing projects.
He sought an area-wise progress report detailing existing transformation capacity, additional capacity being created, the status of ongoing works and definite commissioning timelines for regular monitoring at the highest level.
Emphasising the importance of reliable electricity supply, Sagar said strengthening power infrastructure, replacing ageing equipment and creating adequate backup arrangements remained priorities of the government.
During the tour, several delegations and local representatives also raised issues relating to electricity supply, public amenities and other public concerns. The Minister assured them that their genuine grievances would be taken up with the concerned departments for early redressal.
He was accompanied by MD JPTCL Habib Choudhary, Chief Engineers and other senior officers of the department.
