SRINAGAR: The Union Territory of Ladakh is set to complete three major power transmission projects by the end of September this year, extending grid connectivity to the strategically important regions of Zanskar and Nubra up to Siachen Base Camp and significantly expanding electricity infrastructure across the region.
The projects, being implemented under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP), aim to provide uninterrupted electricity supply to remote and border areas, reducing dependence on diesel generators and advancing the government’s vision of making Ladakh carbon neutral.
With the completion of the projects, six of Ladakh’s seven districts will be connected to the power grid, leaving Changthang as the only region yet to receive grid connectivity.
The progress of the projects was reviewed recently by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, who was briefed by the REC Limited Chairman and Managing Director and the Joint Secretary (Transmission) in the Ministry of Power.
The projects include the construction of a 189-km 220 KV transmission line from Drass to Padum and a 79-km 220 KV transmission line from Phyang to Diskit. Together, the projects have been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 1,925 crore and are scheduled for completion by September 2026.
According to officials, the transmission network will enable round-the-clock electricity supply to remote areas, including Padum in Zanskar and Siachen Base Camp in Nubra, while strengthening power infrastructure in strategically significant border regions.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed the need to complete the projects within the stipulated timelines to ensure a reliable electricity supply across Ladakh, particularly in its remote and border areas.
Officials informed the meeting that several strategically important regions, including Nubra, Changthang and Zanskar, are currently not connected to the national power grid and continue to rely on limited local generation sources, resulting in intermittent electricity supply.
Under the projects, four substations will be established in Zanskar to distribute electricity across the valley. In Nubra, substations will be set up at Siachen Base Camp and Partapur.
For Changthang, eight substations have been proposed under a 66 KV transmission network at Durbuk, Phobrang, Chushul, Mudh-Nyoma, Korzok, Hanle, Koyul and Chumathang to improve electricity access across the high-altitude region.
Addressing the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor said reliable electricity was essential for education, healthcare, livelihoods, tourism, digital connectivity and economic opportunities in remote areas. He said connecting Nubra and Zanskar to the grid for the first time would mark a significant milestone in Ladakh’s development.
He also said the transmission lines and substations would strengthen infrastructure in border areas, improve living conditions and support inclusive development across the Union Territory. He directed all implementing agencies to maintain close coordination and ensure the timely completion of the projects so that residents of remote areas benefit from an uninterrupted power supply at the earliest.
