SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has proposed increasing the capacity of Zainkote Grid Station in Srinagar from the existing 450 MVA to 780 MVA at an estimated cost of Rs 89.46 crore to strengthen the power transmission network and meet rising electricity demand in the city and adjoining areas.
Minister for Power Development Department (PDD), Revenue, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) and Elections, Ali Mohammad Sagar, reviewed the power supply situation and winter preparedness during a visit to Zainkote and Bemina on Monday.
The Minister was accompanied by MLA Hazratbal Salman Sagar, Managing Directors of Jammu and Kashmir Power Transmission Corporation Limited (JKPTCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Chief Engineers, Executive Engineers and other senior officials.
At Zainkote Grid Station, Sagar was informed that the proposed augmentation would strengthen power supply to Srinagar and its adjoining areas, including Shari-Khas. The project is also expected to improve the supply network feeding the 132/33 kV Grid Station at Waganpora and GIS Khanyar.
Officials informed him that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project had been approved and the tendering process was scheduled to begin by November 10, 2026.
The Minister also inspected the 132/33 kV, 200 MVA Grid Station at Bemina, which supplies electricity to several densely populated localities of Srinagar, including Bemina, Qamarwari, Karanagar, Fatehkadal, Barbar Shah and PC Depot, besides adjoining areas through its associated receiving stations.
He directed the officers to ensure timely completion of ongoing and proposed works, address operational bottlenecks and maintain coordination among concerned agencies to minimise power disruptions during the winter months.
Sagar also visited the Overview Data Centre at Bemina and reviewed its functioning and associated infrastructure.
Emphasising the need to strengthen the transmission and distribution network in view of Srinagar’s expanding urban landscape and increasing electricity demand, the Minister called for a coordinated approach to winter preparedness.
He further directed the officials to remain responsive to public grievances and ensure prompt resolution of electricity-related complaints.
