Doda, Kishtwar connected with first-ever PDD transmission line in 75 yrs

Jammu, Feb 02: In a landmark development, the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar have achieved a significant stride in electricity connectivity with the inauguration of the 132kV Ramban to Khellani Transmission Line.
This momentous achievement, marking the first-ever transmission line by the Power Development Department (PDD) in 75 years, has established a crucial link between the 220kV Grid Station at Ramban and the 132kV Grid Station at Khellani. Consequently, the region’s power transmission capacity has surged from 75 MW to an impressive 220 MW.
The aging 132kV Single Circuit Udhampur – Dul Hasti Line (UDH Tx Line), operational for over three decades, faced limitations in meeting the increasing power demands of the area. Despite playing a vital role in supplying power to the twin districts, the UDH Tx Line was prone to damages, resulting in frequent and prolonged power outages, especially during winters.
With the load requirement soaring to 200MW, upgrading the system became imperative. The newly commissioned 132kV double-circuit Transmission Line from Ramban to Khellani, boasting a power transmission capacity of 150 MW per circuit, has effectively tripled the overall power transmission capacity for Doda and Kishtwar. This development not only addresses the escalating power demands of the region but also provides a resilient alternative to the existing UDH Tx Line.
In the event of a failure or breakdown in one line, the other ensures a continuous and uninterrupted power supply. Despite facing technical challenges and delays, the construction of the 132kV double-circuit Ramban to Khellani Transmission Line was successfully completed ahead of schedule, thanks to determined efforts from the government and the involvement of the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). This efficient completion has provided much-needed relief to the residents of Doda and Kishtwar.
This recent accomplishment is part of a broader vision for the region’s power infrastructure. The government has approved a Rs. 1000 Crore project for constructing major 400kV and 220kV level Grid Stations in Jammu at Akhnoor, Rajouri, and Katra, as well as two Grid Stations in Kashmir at Wahipora and Sallar. Simultaneously, the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is underway to revolutionize the distribution sector, ensuring a comprehensive turnaround.