India approves $428.4m for power grid upgrade

This will be covered by the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.

Following the review made by Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, the government has approved projects worth $428.4m (INR3,600 crore) for the modernisation and upgrade of power distribution infrastructure in Gurugram and Faridabad districts.

In a statement, the Ministry of Power said this allocation will ensure reliable electricity in the districts where demand is growing at 8% to 10% annually. 

“The projects will be covered under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, a flagship scheme of Government of India. The projects would benefit consumers of Manesar and Badshahpur in Gurugram District and Old Faridabad, NIT, Ballabhgarh and Greater Faridabad in Faridabad District,” the ministry said.

The project covers works for around 500 feeders with latest technology which includes setting up of 20 new gas insulated substations, 12 in Faridabad and 8 in Gurugram; 3,500 kilometres of underground cabling, commissioning of around 5,000 new distribution transformers/ compact substations, bifurcating 486 feeders into 821 feeders. 

In addition, automation of the network has also been taken up which would contribute significantly for prompt fault detection and restoration of power.

$1 = $83.96