Assam expands power infrastructure; eyes energy surplus status: Himanta Sarma
Guwahati, June 19
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the government is intensifying investments in the power sector to transform the state into an energy-surplus state, while strengthening transmission and distribution infrastructure to ensure reliable electricity supply.
In a post on the social media platform X, CM Sarma highlighted progress made in Assam's power sector and outlined several ongoing projects aimed at enhancing the state's electricity network.
"We are striving to build Assam as an energy surplus State through accelerated investments in the power sector. We are adding more stations, more capacity and more lines to take reliable power right to your home," the Chief Minister said.
According to figures shared by CM Sarma, Assam currently has 82 operational substations with a total grid capacity of 10,000 MVA. The state's transmission network has expanded to 5,300 circuit kilometres (CKM), significantly improving power evacuation and distribution capabilities.
The Chief Minister also detailed future expansion plans under the state's power infrastructure development programme.
As part of the upcoming projects, 16 new substations are being planned across Assam. These facilities are expected to add an additional 6,340 MVA of grid capacity, substantially strengthening the state's electricity transmission system.
In addition, the government is preparing to commission 957 CKM of new transmission lines, which will help improve connectivity between generation sources and demand centres while reducing transmission bottlenecks.
The state government has been focusing on modernising power infrastructure to meet rising electricity demand driven by industrial growth, urbanisation and expanding rural electrification.
Officials have maintained that improved transmission capacity and enhanced grid reliability are essential to supporting Assam's long-term economic development goals.
The latest announcement comes amid the government's broader push to attract industrial investments and position Assam as a key economic hub in the Northeast, supported by robust infrastructure and uninterrupted power supply.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the ongoing projects are aimed at delivering reliable and quality electricity services to households, businesses and industries across the state.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Impressive numbers—10,000 MVA capacity and plans for 6,340 MVA more. But I'd like to see the execution timeline. Infrastructure projects in India often face delays. Still, it's a step in the right direction for the Northeast's economic growth.
Good initiative, but I hope they focus on rural areas too. Even now, many villages in upper Assam don't get 24-hour power. Grid capacity increase is useless if last-mile connectivity isn't fixed. 🙏
This is much needed for industrial growth. I run a small tea processing unit and power shortages really hit production. If Assam becomes energy-surplus, it could attract more investment and create jobs. But let's see the ground reality.
CM Sarma's push for infrastructure is commendable. But I wish they'd also invest in renewable energy sources like solar. Adding more thermal capacity isn't sustainable in the long run. Hope the new stations use cleaner tech. 🍃
Finally! As a resident of Jorhat, we've been crying for better power supply for years. These new lines might actually help reduce the frequent tripping during storms. Government should also focus on underground cabling in flood-prone areas.
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