Meghalaya Requests ₹2,270 Crore from Centre for Key Power Infrastructure Projects

Meghalaya Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal has formally sought ₹2,270 crore in financial support from the Union Ministry of Power to implement several critical transmission projects across the state. The request was placed during the 16th National Power Committee (NPC) meeting held under the aegis of the North Eastern Regional Power Committee (NERPC), which was attended by Ghanshyam Prasad, the chairperson of both the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and NPC.

Mondal, who also chairs the NERPC, said that the proposed transmission projects, already approved by the CEA, aim to add 760 MVA of electricity transmission capacity and extend the transmission network by 190 circuit kilometers (ckt km). He mentioned that although part of the funding had been arranged by the state government and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the state is currently facing severe financial constraints, hence the appeal to the central government.

He urged the CEA to escalate the matter to the Ministry of Power to relieve the state’s financial burden and facilitate timely execution of the infrastructure upgrades. One of the key components of the project includes a dedicated 132 kV transmission line to Baghmara and other towns located along the India-Bangladesh border. According to Mondal, these areas not only face erratic power supply but also hold strategic importance. The current transmission lines run through reserved forests and elephant corridors, making maintenance work challenging due to environmental clearances and accessibility issues.

The minister also emphasized the need to enhance the 132 kV transmission infrastructure in South Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, and South West Khasi Hills districts to improve electricity access and system reliability. Additionally, he announced that land acquisition for a dedicated 132 kV substation in Nongpoh is underway, a step that would help address persistent transmission problems in the Ri Bhoi district.

Mondal expressed concern over the delay in approvals under the Power System Development Fund (PSDF), which has hindered progress in upgrading the SCADA EMS (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition – Energy Management System) in the region. These upgrades are critical for efficient and real-time monitoring and control of the power grid.

He also raised an alarm about the increasing threat of cyberattacks targeting the power grid and underscored the urgent need for system enhancements to protect the infrastructure. As a preventive measure, he suggested that the NPC introduce a uniform accounting software across all power regions to improve operational efficiency, accountability, and transparency.

Mondal concluded by expressing hope that the CEA and NPC chairperson had responded positively to Meghalaya’s requests. He reported that the chairperson assured that the proposals would be taken up with the Union Ministry of Power for necessary consideration and financial backing, signaling a potentially supportive response from the central authorities.