October 13, 2017: Reaching the un-reached and ensuring uninterrupted connection in geographically typical State, like Tripura, are major problems. Electrification in far flung villages itself is a challenge while maintaining the transmission lines in forest covered hilly areas requires robust infrastructure. However, accepting the challenge, Tripura Government is committed to the cause, said Tripura Power Minister Manik Dey stated this on Thursday in Agartala.
He said, “The Tripura Government has already started implementing a project at an estimated cost of Rs 1372 crore to enhance the Power sector related infrastructure. The World Bank will provide financial assistance for implementing the project”.
Briefing media about two-day meeting of North East Regional Power Committee which concluded on Wednesday in Shillong, Manik Dey stated he had demanded release of centrally sponsored funds immediately allocated for electrification in urban and rural areas of the State.
In the meeting he stated, the Central Government allocated Rs 903 crore for rural electrification under Deen Dayal Upadhayay Grameen Jyoti Yojna, however, the central government released only Rs 74 crore 72 Lakhs so far. Similarly for urban electrification, only Rs 74 crore 24 Lakh were released whereas Rs 510 crore 16 Lakh were allocated. Dey also demanded setting up a 21-megawatt Thermal power centre combined cycle Unit and demanded Rs 200 crore for the project.