Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 21 Aug: The Central government has approved a financial grant of Rs 547.73 crores to Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), towards laying underground the high-tension and low-tension (HT/LT) power lines and implementing SCADA automation in Rishikesh. The sanction comes after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami urged the Centre for Central aid for the project. Dhami has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for their support to the project.
The project, sanctioned by the Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC), entails a total cost of Rs 547.73 crores, which includes a parallel Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) component of Rs 493.05 crores. Additionally, a Project Management Agency (PMA) fee amounting to 1.5 percent of the total cost, standing at Rs 8.22 crores, including GBS of Rs 7.39 crores, has been allocated to ensure efficient execution and oversight.
Under the scheme, HT/LT power lines in critical zones of Rishikesh will be laid underground, in order to significantly enhance the reliability and aesthetics of the city’s power infrastructure. The deployment of the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system will facilitate real-time monitoring, improve transparency in electricity distribution, and enable swift corrective measures in case of disruptions.
The CM reiterated his gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Union Power Minister for approving the Rs 547.73 crores investment, which he stated is a transformative step for the Ganga Corridor region of Rishikesh. He also emphasised that the project holds strategic importance for Rishikesh, a city renowned for its spiritual heritage, tourism appeal, and its role in hosting the Kumbh Mela. Dhami observed that the undergrounding and automation of power lines will not only fortify the electricity network but also contribute to the city’s beautification, public safety, and ecological balance. He also affirmed the Uttarakhand government’s commitment to executing the project within a defined timeframe, ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality, and secure power supply to residents.
