Cabinet approves INR 6,700 cr. for power projects in 6 NE states including Nagaland

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Dec. 16 (EMN): In a move that will enhance intra-state transmission and distribution of power in the Northeast, the cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) has approved the revised cost estimate (RCE) of North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP) at an estimated cost of INR 6,700 crore.

The scheme, which was approved in 2014, is being implemented through Powergrid, a public sector undertaking under the ministry of Power in association, with six beneficiary north-eastern states namely, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, updated PIB on Wednesday. The project is expected to be commissioned by December 2021, after which the respective north-eastern state utilities will own and maintain.

“Implementation of this scheme will create a reliable power grid and improve NER States’ connectivity to the upcoming load centres, and thus extend the benefits of the grid connected power to all categories of consumers of beneficiaries in north-eastern region,” read the update.

“The scheme shall also increase the per capita power consumption of these States, and shall contribute to the total economic development of the north-eastern region,” it added.

It said the implementing agencies will hire a considerable number of local manpower during their construction works, generating a lot of employment for skilled and unskilled manpower of the region.

“Further after completion, additional manpower will be required for operation and maintenance of these newly created assets as per standard norms, generating considerable additional employment opportunities for north eastern region states,” it stated.