AP Approves Rs.500 Crore for Godavari Pushkaralu Power
The Andhra Pradesh government sanctioned essential projects under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to guarantee a continuous power supply during the Akhanda Godavari Maha Pushkaralu-2027, which includes Rs.521 crore initiatives planned for the pilgrimage.
Akhanda Godavari Maha Pushkaralu, a 12-day pilgrimage similar to Kumbh Mela, is anticipated to draw around one crore devotees daily to the Godavari area.
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Endorsed power infrastructure enhancement projects totaling Rs.521.58 crore put forth by APEPDCL in readiness for the Akhanda Godavari Maha Pushkaralu-2027.
The approvals were granted in a meeting of the State Distribution Reforms Committee (SDRC), led by chief secretary G Sai Prasad and also participated in by special chief secretary (energy) K Vijayanand. The chief secretary stated that the government is implementing thorough preparatory measures to guarantee a consistent and high-quality power supply throughout the 12-day religious event.
Considering the anticipated extra power demand of roughly 100 MW in Rajahmundry, the Committee sanctioned infrastructure development projects totaling Rs 345 crore that encompass Rajahmundry, Konaseema, Kakinada, and West Godavari districts. The sanctioned projects encompass the building of new 33/11 kV substations, more 33 kV and 11 kV power lines, enhancement of transformer capacity, and the establishment of other critical power infrastructure.
Prasad instructed officials to finalize all tasks prior to the start of the pilgrimage and guarantee that the entire power system is thoroughly tested and fully prepared.
Additionally, the committee discussed the advancements in agricultural feeder segregation and the division of overloaded feeders, the installation of underground power cabling in Visakhapatnam, smart meters, and plans for upgrading the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system in Visakhapatnam, along with the creation of a new SCADA system in Rajahmundry.
Prasad reiterated the state government's dedication to creating a modern, technology-oriented, and future-ready power distribution network that provides dependable, high-quality, and affordable electricity to all consumers. It assessed the advancements in loss reduction efforts carried out by Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd (APSPDCL), Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Ltd (APCPDCL), and APEPDCL under RDSS, especially focusing on the segregation of agricultural feeders and the division of overloaded feeders.
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Although the three Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) have achieved considerable advancements, some tasks have been postponed due to GIS-based surveys, alterations in project scope, right of way challenges, regulatory approvals, power shutdown limitations, bad weather conditions, supply chain issues, and other ground-level obstacles. Taking these elements into account, the committee granted approval for extending the pertinent contracts until March 31, 2027, to support the finalization of the outstanding tasks.
The chief secretary mentioned that after these projects are finished, technical losses would significantly decrease, the power distribution network would be bolstered, the quality of power supply to the agricultural sector would enhance, and consumers statewide would gain from improved services. Assessing the advancement of underground power cabling tasks undertaken under RDSS in Visakhapatnam, he instructed officials to guarantee the timely finishing of the projects while rigorously following established quality and safety regulations.
He noted that underground wiring would greatly bolster the city's electricity distribution system, reduce interruptions from natural disasters, improve public safety, and offer a strong power infrastructure to accommodate Visakhapatnam's swift development.
Additionally, the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) initiative being executed by the DISCOMs has reached approximately 81 percent completion. The committee authorized the extension of the AMISP contract until March 31, 2027, to enable the finalization of the outstanding tasks.
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In an initiative to enhance the state's power distribution framework, the committee sanctioned a proposal of Rs 176 crore to upgrade the current SCADA system in Visakhapatnam and set up a new SCADA system in Rajahmundry.
Prasad observed that sophisticated systems would allow for instantaneous oversight of the power distribution network, remote management of substations, swifter fault identification, faster recovery of power supply, and enhanced operational efficiency of the distribution network. He noted that embracing advanced technologies like SCADA would aid in creating an intelligent and future-ready power distribution network, allowing for improved power management during significant events like the Akhanda Godavari Maha Pushkaralu.