The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Systems (CSST&DS) in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim at an estimated cost of Rs.4754.42 crore. The scheme is to be taken up under a new Central Sector Plan Scheme of Ministry of Power (MoP).
As the intra-state T&D systems in the North-Eastern states have remained very weak, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) developed the CSST&DS for the North East Region (NER) in consultation with the Power Grid Corporation of the India Limited (PGCIL) and State Governments concerned.
Presently, only 5 out of 20 districts of Arunachal Pradesh are connected to transmission network at 132/220 KV. The 33 KV system is the backbone of power distribution system in the State. Due to low population density spread over its geographical area of 84,000 sq.km, power demand in Arunachal Pradesh is scattered over large distances. Hence it is necessary to provide 132 KV connectivity in the state for proper voltage management and lower distribution losses. Similarly, the distribution system in Sikkim mainly relies on 66 KV network, which needs to be strengthened substantially.
In view of this, it is proposed to take up projects for strengthening intra-state T&D systems of the two States through 31 new 132 KV sub-stations, 14 substations of 66/11 KV, 2035 km of transmission lines (132 & 220 KV) and 2204 km of transmission lines (33 & 66 KV). The project would be implemented through PGCIL with its consultancy fee of 1.2 percent of the execution cost. After commissioning, the projects would be owned and maintained by the State Governments. Initially the project was proposed to be funded under Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resource (NLCPR - Central) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER). But DONER has conveyed its inability due to budgetary constraints. Hence it is proposed to take it up through a new Central Sector Scheme under the MoP`s budget. The project is to be implemented within 48 months from the first fund release to PGCIL.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This was the first meeting between the two leaders. On arrival at the Bayan Palace, he was given a ceremonial welcome and received by His Highness Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait.
The leaders recalled the strong historical and friendly ties between the two countries and re-affirmed their full commitment to further expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation. In this context, they agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership’.
Prime Minister thanked His Highness the Amir for ensuring the well-being of over one million strong Indian community in Kuwait. His Highness the Amir expressed appreciation for the contribution of the large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait’s development.
Prime Minister appreciated the new initiatives being undertaken by Kuwait to fulfill its Vision 2035 and congratulated His Highness the Amir for successful holding of the GCC Summit earlier this month. Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude for inviting him yesterday as a ‘Guest of Honour’ at the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup. His Highness the Amir reciprocated Prime Minister’s sentiments and expressed appreciation for India's role as a valued partner in Kuwait and the Gulf region. His Highness the Amir looked forward to greater role and contribution of India towards realisation of Kuwait Vision 2035.
Prime Minister invited His Highness the Amir to visit India.
Excellent meeting with His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 22, 2024
We discussed cooperation in key sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, FinTech, Infrastructure and security.
In line with the close ties between our nations, we have elevated our… pic.twitter.com/yjBXjZk7gd
لقاء ممتاز مع صاحب السمو أمير دولة الكويت الشيخ مشعل الأحمد الجابر الصباح.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 22, 2024
ناقشنا التعاون في قطاعات رئيسية مثل الصناعات الدوائية وتكنولوجيا المعلومات والتكنولوجيا المالية والبنية الأساسية والأمن.
تماشياً مع العلاقات الوثيقة بين بلدينا، رفعنا شراكتنا إلى مستوى استراتيجي وأنا… pic.twitter.com/WrF07cvQQa