New Delhi: In a significant fillip to Arunachal Pradesh’s power landscape, a crucial 220 kV double circuit transmission line linking Kathalguri in Assam to Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh has been energised five months ahead of its projected completion date. The Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) announced on Monday that the 71-kilometre line was successfully activated late Saturday night, marking a major milestone for energy security in the frontier state.
The project, implemented under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) model, connects the NEEPCO-operated gas power plant at Kathalguri to a newly established 220 kV gas-insulated substation (GIS) in Namsai. The scope of work also included a bay extension at the Kathalguri end, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency of the system.
This new transmission artery is poised to revolutionise power flow into Arunachal Pradesh, facilitating a more stable and seamless supply from the national grid. Officials highlighted that the enhanced infrastructure will significantly improve voltage stability and bolster system backup, vital components for ensuring a consistent year-round electricity supply. This is particularly crucial for a state like Arunachal Pradesh, characterised by its challenging topography and steadily increasing energy demands.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, lauded the early completion, stating on social media, “This project is a cornerstone in our journey toward robust and reliable energy infrastructure. Kudos to PGCIL for their exemplary execution and unwavering commitment to the Northeast.” The upgraded transmission system is expected to directly support various ongoing development projects across the region, catering to the growing power needs and reducing dependence on less stable, localised power sources.
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