KD NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Feb 3: In a significant development, the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar have achieved a major milestone with the inauguration of the 132 kV Ramban to Khellani Transmission Line, marking the first-ever transmission line from the Power Development Department (PDD) in 75 years.
The newly commissioned transmission line establishes a crucial connectivity link between the 220 kV Grid Station at Ramban and the 132 kV Grid Station at Khellani. Notably, it serves not only as an additional power source for the districts but also acts as a vital alternative to the existing 132 kV Single Circuit Udhampur – Dul Hasti Line (UDH Tx Line) owned by NHPC.
The UDH Tx Line, established over three decades ago, has been catering to the power requirements of the region with a rated transmission capacity of 75 MW. However, with the increasing demand for power, especially during winters, the line faced challenges, leading to frequent and prolonged power outages in Doda and Kishtwar. The susceptibility to weather-related damages further exacerbated the situation.
The new 132 kV double-circuit Transmission Line, commissioned on February 1, 2024, brings relief by offering a power transmission capacity of 150 MW (each circuit ~ 75 MW), tripling the overall power transmission capacity for the twin districts. This ensures a more reliable power supply and acts as a safeguard in case of failures in either line, allowing seamless power transfer between the two.
The project, initiated years ago, encountered technical delays, but recent efforts by the government, particularly the intervention of the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), led to the successful completion of the transmission line ahead of schedule. This timely commissioning has significantly benefited the residents of Doda and Kishtwar, enhancing their access to electricity.
Furthermore, plans are underway to augment the feeding grids at Khellani and Katersamna, making the districts self-sufficient in power supply. The government of Jammu and Kashmir has approved a Rs. 1000 Cr project in the coming financial year, including the construction of major grid stations in Jammu and Kashmir regions, signifying a substantial step towards enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the power infrastructure in the region. The ongoing implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and the doubling of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) capacity further underscore the commitment to sustainable development in the area.
