Srinagar, Nov 09 (HS): The capacity of the Zainkote Grid Station in Srinagar will be raised from 450 MVA to 780 MVA at an estimated cost of Rs 89.46 crore, Power Development Department (PDD) officials told Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar on Monday. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been approved and the tendering process is scheduled to begin by November 10, they said.

The Minister visited Zainkote and Bemina to review the power supply situation, assess winter preparedness and inspect key power infrastructure. He holds the PDD, Revenue, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, and Elections portfolios.

Officials said the augmentation is aimed at strengthening the transmission network and meeting the growing electricity demand of Srinagar and adjoining areas, including Shari-Khas. It will also improve power supply to the 132/33 kV Grid Station at Waganpora and the GIS Khanyar.

Sagar stressed the need for reliable, uninterrupted and quality power supply, particularly in winter, when demand rises sharply. He directed officers to complete all ongoing and proposed works on time, remove operational bottlenecks and coordinate closely to minimise power disruptions.

At Bemina, the Minister inspected the 132/33 kV, 200 MVA Grid Station, which supplies several densely populated areas of Srinagar, including Bemina, Qamarwari, Karanagar, Fatehkadal, Barbar Shah, PC Depot and JVC, through its associated receiving stations. He also visited the Overview Data Centre at Bemina and took stock of its functioning.

Calling for a proactive and coordinated approach to winter preparedness, Sagar said the transmission and distribution network must be strengthened in view of Srinagar’s expanding urban areas and rising demand. He asked officers to remain responsive to public grievances and resolve power-related complaints promptly.

Hazratbal MLA Salman Sagar, the Managing Directors of JKPTCL and KPDCL, Chief Engineers, Executive Engineers and other senior PDD officers accompanied the Minister.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat