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Andhra Launches ₹6,000 Cr Power Grid Upgrade to Fuel Industrial Boom

The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated power infrastructure projects worth ₹6,000 crore to address rising electricity consumption, which is expected to increase from 263 to 280 million units daily. Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar announced plans to construct over 200 new substations in high-demand areas to support growing industrial, commercial, and domestic needs. Specific projects include the Venugopalapuram substation in Vizianagaram, slated for completion by March 2027, and already finished 220 kV and 132 kV line works. The minister assured the Assembly that the government's primary goal is to prevent future power shortages across the state.

Key Points: Andhra's ₹6,000 Cr Power Infrastructure Push for Rising Demand

  • ₹6,000 crore infrastructure works
  • 200+ new 33/11 kV substations
  • Daily power demand to hit 280M units
  • Focus on industrial & agricultural growth
2 min read

Andhra launches ₹6,000 crore power infrastructure works to meet rising demand

AP govt launches ₹6,000 crore power works, building 200+ substations to meet surging industrial & domestic electricity demand up to 280M units daily.

"The primary objective... is to ensure that there will be no shortage of electricity anywhere in the state - Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar"

Amaravati, March 5

The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated power infrastructure works worth ₹6,000 crore to meet the rising electricity demand.

Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar informed the Assembly on Thursday that new substations are being built in areas experiencing high electricity load.

Responding to questions raised by MLAs Aditi Vijayalakshmi Gajapathiraju, Kolla Lalitha Kumari, and Muttumula Ashok Reddy during the Question Hour, the minister stated that the government has identified the need for more than 200 new 33/11 kV substations in regions with heavy power demand and has taken steps to construct them accordingly.

The minister explained that after the coalition government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu assumed office, the establishment of industries in the state has increased. As a result, daily power consumption is expected to rise from 263 million units to around 280 million units.

Keeping the rising demand in view, the government is taking steps to increase power generation and is constructing 400 kV, 220 kV, and 132 kV substations across the state. He also noted that a large number of agricultural electricity connections have been provided to farmers. Power consumption has increased due to growing commercial, industrial, and domestic requirements.

The minister emphasised that the primary objective of the state government is to ensure that there will be no shortage of electricity anywhere in the state in the coming years. Considering future demand and load growth, the government is continuing the construction of 33/11 kV substations and power lines in all required areas across the state.

He said the construction of the Venugopalapuram substation in Vizianagaram district is currently under the re-tendering process and assured that the works will be completed by March 2027. The minister also informed the House that works related to 220 kV and 132 kV lines worth ₹46 crore in Vizianagaram district have already been completed and are ready to be charged. In addition, works for the Venugopalapuram substation are progressing with an Amount of ₹77 crore.

MLA Aditi Gajapathi Raju requested the government to implement an underground cabling system in Vizianagaram on the lines of Visakhapatnam. Responding to this, the minister said underground cabling is an expensive system and clarified that the proposal would be considered depending on the availability of funds and necessity.

MLA Muttumula Ashok Reddy also requested the establishment of a 220 kV substation in the Giddalur constituency. The minister stated that appropriate steps would be taken based on the feasibility report prepared by the Energy department officials.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see planning for future demand. But I hope this also means fewer power cuts in rural areas and for farmers. The agricultural connections are mentioned, but quality of supply matters more than just connections.
R
Rohit P
March 2027 for completion? That's a long timeline. While infrastructure takes time, hope the government monitors progress closely. Industries won't wait forever if the power situation is unstable.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Vizag for work, the power fluctuations are noticeable. Glad to hear about the completed lines in Vizianagaram. Underground cabling would be fantastic for city aesthetics and storm resilience, even if expensive.
K
Karthik V
The focus should be on renewable energy integration as well. Building substations is fine, but how much of the new power will be from solar or wind? AP has great potential. Hope the plan is green.
M
Meera T
It's reassuring to see MLAs raising specific local demands like Giddalur constituency. That's how democracy should work - planning at the macro level, but also addressing micro needs. Hope the feasibility reports are done fairly and quickly.

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