Tripura government has signed an agreement for ADB-assisted power project of Rs 2,275 crore (US$275 Million)
Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma said the state government signed the project agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Rs 2,275 crore (US$ 275 Million)`Tripura Power Distribution Strengthening and Generation Efficiency Improvement Project’
Addressing a press conference at the civil secretariat on Saturday, Dev Varma, who holds the portfolio of Power, said “It is a historic moment for Tripura and its people. This power project is the highest investment package in the power sector of Tripura so far. It is also the biggest single project in the history of Tripura in any infrastructure sector.”
The project would have a Rs 1820 crore ($220 million) loan from ADB and Rs 455 crore ($55 million) of direct investment by the State Government in the power Sector. The Project would improve energy security, quality of supply, efficiency, and resilience of the power sector in Tripura, he said.
On behalf of the state government, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Union Minister of Finance- Nirmala Sitharaman the Asian Development Bank for making this possible and approving and giving such a huge gift to the people of Tripura at the beginning of New Year.
The Project agreement was signed between Brijesh Pandey, Secretary of Power Department on behalf of Government of Tripura and Nilaya Mitash, Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission.
The project would support the Government of Tripura’s efforts to strengthen its power sector by replacing inefficient power plants and strengthening the distribution by reduced network losses and to meet increasing demand of electricity to boost the state’s economy.
Dev Varma said, the project would benefit 5 to 6 lakh consumers and create around 6000 employment opportunities. The central government would bear the major part of the ADB loan.
Secretary of Power department- Brijesh Pandey and MD TSECL Debashish Sarkar were present in the press conference.
Under this project, Rokhia’s existing 63 MW (3X21 MW) Open Cycle power project with a 120 MW Combined Cycle power project which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions through fuel saving.
This project would increase the efficiency of the Gumti Hydel Power Project through its renovation and modernization.
Renovation of 27 numbers of 33/11 KV sub-stations would be undertaken. The project also includes installation of 1,50,000 smart meters, 582 16 KVA and 547 25-KVA distribution transformers.
The project would cover construction./ augmentation of 143.46 Km UG Cable, 1650 Km Cover Conductor, 900 Km AB Conductor, 1262 Ken 11 KV lines, o Project will build institutional capacity and overall business process of the state’s D1SCOM and GENCO.
Besides, the project would promote gender equality through pilot testing of gender and socially inclusive workplace practices. It would support at least 15 selected women self-help groups (SHGs).
It would have economic and social benefits for rural energy consumers. A reliable electricity supply will lead to social and economic benefits and improved conditions for schools, hospitals and other social services.
The Power minister said, the State Government has not increased electricity rates for the last 5 years to ensure affordable and reliable power to all. All the increase in the cost of electricity has been borne by the State Government.
A total investment of above Rs. 2000 crore has been made in last five years to strengthen the Power Sector Transmission and Distribution network in the State, he added.
Meanwhile, the State Government is implementing result-based reform linked RDSS Scheme to improve operational and financial viability of the Corporation at an investment of Rs. 800 crore. Under this Scheme, 5.47 lakh Smart and Prepaid Meters would be installed in Consumer premises. In addition, 8720 km LT Aerial Bunched (AB) Cable and 830 Distribution Transformers (DTs) would also be installed.
The Deputy Chief Minister said, the State Government would invest over Rs. 3000 crore in the next three to five years to further strengthen the power generation and distribution network in Tripura to ensure 24X7 power supply to all. (Courtesy: Tripura Times)