PM dedicates 220 kV Srinagar- Alusteng – Drass- Kargil – Leh Transmission Line to the Nation; Ladakh now connected to National Grid
PM in Jammu – Multiple development projects unveiled. PM Visits Leh – Lays Foundation stone of new terminal building of KBR Airport
courtesy PIB
New Delhi, February 03, 2019
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi dedicated the 220 kV Srinagar- Alusteng – Drass- Kargil – Leh Transmission System to the Nation today, a step that would ensure quality power supply to Ladakh round the year. This would give huge boost to the tourism sector and enhance socio-economic development of Ladakh.
Prime Minister had laid the foundation stone for this project on 12 August, 2014 and within 4.5 years, the project has been completed by the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID),a Navratna Company of Government of India, under Ministry of Power. While inaugurating this projects PM said, “We’ve left behind culture of delays”.
The Rs. 2266 crore project will result in minimizing the massive use of diesel generating sets during winters, and thus will help in protection of beautiful environment, of pristine Ladakh region.
About Srinagar- Alusteng – Drass- Kargil – Leh Transmission Line:
Built at a height of around 3000-4000 meters, this approx. 335 km long transmission line has been constructed by POWERGRID. In this project, the four new State-of-the-Art 220/66 kV Gas Insulated Sub-stations built at Drass, Kargil, Khaltsi and Leh will help to ensure 24×7 quality power in all weather conditions. Funding provisions have been in the ratio of 95:05 (95% Govt. of India share and 5% J&K state share).
Benefits to the region:
The implementation of this project was also aimed to supply power to the people of Ladakh in harsh winters and evacuation of surplus power of Kargil & Leh Hydel stations of NHPC in summers. It is a flagship project of Government of India, under PMRP scheme which was aimed to improve reliability & quality of power supply in Ladakh region of J&K by connecting with National Grid.
This will not only help evacuate power in summers, but will also supply power to the region in winters when temperatures dip and hydro electricity generation do not match up. The project will meet the power demand of Ladakh region at economical rates.
With quality electricity available at reasonable rates, hospitality industry in Ladakh will get a boost, as their reliance on diesel sets will reduce. This will also attract tourists looking for affordable stay in all weathers.
Challenges in execution:
This herculean task executed by POWERGRID in unforeseen weather conditions was made possible by immaculate project monitoring skills, high team spirit and strategic planning and use of modern technologies. The line remains snow covered for nearly six months with the minimum temperature going down to as low as -40 degrees at Drass. Therefore, specially designed tower foundations were constructed with assistance from Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) for spotting the tower foundations, as the work force braved the challenge of working at lesser oxygen levels. It shall also provide grid connectivity and reliable quality power supply to the strategically important Ladakh region including defence establishments in the area.
The occasion was graced by Shri Satya Pal Malik, Hon’ble Governor, J&K, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) for Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Haji Anayat Ali, Chairman, Legislative Council, J&K, Secretary (Power) Government of India, Shri A. K. Bhalla, CMD, POWERGRID, Shri Ravi P. Singh, people’s representatives from the areaand senior officials of state government and POWERGRID.
About POWERGRID:
POWERGRID is one of the World’s Largest Power Transmission Utility, and has a wide network of 150,874 circuit kilometers transmission lines, with 238 Sub-stations and transformation capacity of 351,106 MVA.
In the second leg of his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visited Jammu today. He unveiled a series of development projects to give a boost to infrastructure in the state. PM is on a day long visit to Leh, Jammu and Srinagar today.
Jammu visit was marked by the PM laying the foundation stone of AIIMS at Vijaypur, Samba. Mr. Modi said that the setting up of AIIMS will provide quality healthcare to the people and address the shortfall of healthcare professionals in the region. PM announced that another 500 seats in the state medical colleges would be added soon.
While inaugurating University Institute of Engineering & Technology, Kathua today , PM expressed his happiness that the youths from Jammu will benefit from the 10% EWS Quota.
He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of Northern Regional Centre Campus of Indian Institute of Mass Communication at Jammu. The campus Tmat Jammu was setup in the academic year 2012-13 and is working from a temporary building since then.
PM laid foundation stone for 624 MW Kiru Hydroelectric project and 850 Megawatt Ratle Hydro Electric project in Kishtwar, Jammu. He said, “New power projects in region will provide employment to youth”. PM also declared 100% electrification of households in the Jammu and Kashmir under SAUBHAGYA Scheme.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for construction of Transit accomodation for Kashmiri migrant employees in Kashmir valley. He announced that the work is afoot to employ displaced Kashmiris in 3000 posts. He said “India will not forget the circumstances in which the Pandits had to leave their homes.” The country must stand with those being persecuted in the neighbouring countries, he added.
PM laid foundation stone of the project aimed at reducing pollution of Rivers Devika & Tawi under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). This project is scheduled for completion by March 2021.
PM told that 14000 bunkers have been built along the border for the safety of our soldiers. He added that while the previous Government tried to hoodwink OROP with a grant of Rs.500 Crore, we have allotted Rs.35000 Crore. Had former rulers been proactive Kartarpur Sahib would have been part of India, he added.
Another highlight of visit to Jammu today was PM laying the foundation stone of 1640 m span double lane bridge over River Chenab at Sajwal. It will provide an alternative route for the population of Sajwal and Indri Pattian which will reduce the commuting distance from 47 kms to 5 kms between the two. During the event PM said that Rs.40000 Crore has been sanctioned to improve the connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi arrived Leh in Ladakh in the first leg of his one day visit to Leh, Jammu and Srinagar today. He inaugurated/laid foundation stones for various development projects there.
Applauding the crowd for braving a chilly winter, PM said “Those who live in difficult situations, they challenge every difficulty. Your affection gives me a great motivation to keep working hard.”
He inaugurated the University of Ladakh and said, “Young students constitute 40% of the population of Ladakh. There has been a long standing demand for a University in this region. With the launch of the University of Ladakh this demand would be fulfilled.” This University will be a cluster University comprising of degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi and will have administrative offices at Leh and Kargil for the ease of students.
PM inaugurated 9 MW Dah Hydroelectric project in Dah near Datang village and 220 KV Srinagar- Alusteng – Drass- Kargil – Leh transmission system. While inaugurating these projects PM said, “We’ve left behind culture of delays”. He added that his Government will ensure that for all the projects for which foundation stone is laid by him will be inaugurated by him.
Five New tourist and trekking routes in Ladakh were opened today as well. PM said that Life gets easier, economically as well once a city is well connected. He added that, once the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line is completed, the distance from Delhi to Leh will be reduced.
PM laid foundation stone of the new terminal building of Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport in Leh by unveiling a plaque. The new terminal will provide seamless passenger movement with all modern amenities.
These projects will he also said that with the projects will result in better availability of electricity, improved connectivity and thus result in more tourist footfalls in the region. It will also open better livelihood opportunities to many villages.
In addition, Protected Area Permit’s validity has been increased to 15 days. Now tourists will be able to enjoy their journey to Leh for a longer time.
PM said that a few changes have been made in the LAHDC Act and the Council have been given more rights concerning the expenditures. Now the Autonomous Council releases the money sent for the region’s development, he added
About the interim budget the Prime Minister told that for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes, there has been a hike in allocation by 30% and nearly 35% hike for the development of scheduled castes.
