Bihar to invest Rs 28,000 cr on T&D

State's Energy Secretary says private players are also quite inquisitive and enthusiastic about these new opportunities in the state

The state government has decided to put big money in expanding its transmission and distribution (T&D) network.

State's Energy Department has chalked out a plan to invest Rs 28,000 crore in revamping its T&D network. It has also urged private investors to lap up huge business opportunity in this sector. "We are committed to provide electricity to every village in the state by 2015," said Energy Secretary Sanjeev Poundrik, "for this we are working to revamp our T&D network. Over the next few years, we have planned to invest Rs 28,000 crore under various plan heads on this segment alone. This provides a blooming opportunity for private investors."

The money would come various schemes such as Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF), Rajeev Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna (RGGVY) and Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (APDRP) besides funding from various other multilateral organisations and state's own plans. Besides, the state government is also planning to seek financial assistance from multinational organisations.

According to Poundrik, private players are also quite inquisitive and enthusiastic about these new opportunities in the state.

He said, "The business environment in the state is changing. Today Bihar has sprawling roads and improved law and order situation. There is a perfect environment here for private sector. With the state government now committed to provide electricity to every village in the state by 2015, there are enormous business opportunities beckoning on the private investors."