Advertisement
The Meghalaya government has sought financial backing of INR 2,270 crore from the Union Ministry of Power to fund critical power transmission projects, as confirmed by state Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal during the 16th National Power Committee meeting. The proposed plan, already approved by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), aims to increase transmission capacity by 760 MVA and extend the network by 190 circuit kilometres. Mondal emphasised the strategic need for new infrastructure, particularly in areas near the Bangladesh border, while also highlighting funding hurdles and cyber threat concerns.
The Meghalaya state government has sought financial support from the Union Ministry of Power to implement key transmission infrastructure projects valued at INR 2,270 crore. Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal presented the request during the 16th National Power Committee (NPC) meeting convened under the North Eastern Regional Power Committee (NERPC). The plan, already cleared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), is expected to add 760 MVA to the state's capacity and extend its transmission network by 190 circuit kilometres. Advertisement
Mondal, who also chairs the NERPC, stated that the transmission expansion plan had received CEA's technical approval. While partial funding was arranged through the state government and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), he noted that acute financial constraints remain. He conveyed to the committee that the CEA had been urged to liaise with the Ministry of Power for additional assistance.
The minister stressed the necessity of a dedicated 132 kV transmission line to Baghmara and several border towns near Bangladesh. He said that the proposed line would not only improve supply reliability but also serve a strategic role in bolstering the region's connectivity. Existing lines currently run through reserved forests and elephant corridors, posing both environmental and operational challenges during maintenance and clearance activities.
Further, Mondal underlined the need for expanding the 132 kV infrastructure in South Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, and South West Khasi Hills. He also announced that land acquisition for a dedicated 132 kV substation at Nongpoh was already underway. This substation is intended to mitigate transmission reliability issues in Ri Bhoi district.
Raising broader concerns, Mondal pointed to delays in approvals under the Power System Development Fund (PSDF), which have stalled the upgrade of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Energy Management System (EMS) installations in the region. He also warned of growing cyber threats to the power grid and called for immediate modernisation to address vulnerabilities.
In a related proposal, the minister advocated for the implementation of a uniform accounting software system across all regions, citing its potential to streamline operations and enhance transparency.
Mondal conveyed that the chairperson of the CEA and NPC had responded positively to the state's submissions and assured that the issues would be taken up with the Ministry of Power to explore options for necessary financial and logistical support.
The state's appeal to the Centre underscores the persistent funding challenges faced by smaller states in scaling up essential utilities. While technical approvals are in place, the execution now depends on central cooperation and timely fund allocation. The emphasis on cybersecurity and digital standardisation also signals a shift towards more resilient and transparent energy management in the region.
Source - PTI
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
