Meghalaya seeks Rs 2,270 crore boost for power transmission overhaul

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: In a major boost to Meghalaya’s power infrastructure, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has approved the state’s long-term transmission plan extending up to 2031–32. The comprehensive plan, aimed at modernising the state’s power grid, includes the addition of 760 MVA of transformation capacity and the construction of 1,090 circuit kilometers of new transmission lines. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 2,270 crore.

Power Minister A.T. Mondal has urged the Union Ministry of Power to extend financial assistance under the ongoing North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP), citing the state’s severe resource crunch and the urgent need to upgrade its outdated transmission network.

“Some funding has come through the State Government and the Ministry of DoNER, but due to financial constraints, we’ve requested the Ministry of Power to provide additional support under the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP), which is still ongoing,” Mondal said.

Speaking to the media after the 16th National Power Committee (NPC) meeting held recently in Shillong, the Minister also expressed concern over delays in Power System Development Fund (PSDF) approvals.

“The 21st Monitoring Committee had approved PSDF for northeastern states as a special case, subject to techno-economic evaluation. But final approvals are still pending, affecting upgrades to our SCADA EMS system,” he stated.

Urging immediate intervention, Mondal called on the NPC Chairman, who also heads the CEA, to expedite the approval process. He noted that while other regions are progressing technologically, the Northeast continues to lag behind due to persistent funding bottlenecks.

The Minister also highlighted growing cybersecurity threats to the power sector. “With increasing cyber threats to power systems, we urgently need firewall installations and technological upgrades,” he said, pointing out the vulnerability of the current digital infrastructure.

Mondal specifically proposed the establishment of a 132/33 kV substation in Baghmara, a strategic border town facing serious logistical issues. “The existing 33 kV lines pass through forests and elephant corridors, which makes maintenance extremely difficult. A 132 kV line will help address these problems,” he explained.

Addressing persistent power supply issues in Ri-Bhoi district, Mondal acknowledged that despite the region generating significant power, distribution remains inadequate. “Though Ri-Bhoi generates substantial electricity, supply has been poor. We’ve secured land and are in the process of setting up a 132 kV substation in Nongpoh to resolve the issue,” he said.

The Minister also outlined plans to upgrade transmission infrastructure in South Garo Hills, South West Khasi Hills, and West Khasi Hills—regions frequently affected by blackouts. However, he admitted that certain large-scale transmission models may not be feasible in the region.

“Such mega transmission upgrades may not be feasible in the Northeast due to geographical challenges and corridor width limitations,” Mondal noted.

On the issue of cross-border energy trade, the Minister ruled out any possibility of power exchange with Bangladesh. “We don’t have surplus power to export, and Bangladesh is also facing a power deficit. So, import is not viable either,” he clarified.

To improve rural electrification, the state plans to build 5 to 10 substations annually to reduce line lengths and enhance localized power supply. “We’ve submitted the proposal to the Chief Minister, who has assured phased support,” Mondal added.

Responding to complaints from industries in Byrnihat over high power tariffs, the Minister said, “Tariffs are determined by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission, not by MeECL. If industries have concerns, they are free to approach the Commission. So far, no formal representation has been received.”

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