Cabinet nod for Rs 32,612 cr power scheme

The government today approved Rs 32,612-crore scheme for strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution network in the urban areas.
"The Cabinet today gave its approval to Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) with the objective of strengthening sub-transmission and distribution network in the urban areas, metering of distribution transformers in those areas," Union Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters here after the Cabinet meeting.
The government also approved IT enablement of the distribution sector and strengthening of distribution network for completion of targets laid down under Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) till 2022 by carrying forward the approved outlay for R-APDRP to IPDS.

The IPDS will help in reduction in AT&C losses, establishment of IT enabled energy accounting or auditing system, improvement in billed energy based on metered consumption and improvement in collection efficiency.
The estimated cost of the scheme with the components of strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks, including metering of consumers in the urban areas is Rs 32,612 crore which includes the requirement of budgetary support from the government of Rs 25,354 crore over the entire implementation period.
The government approved scheme outlay of Rs 44,011 crore including a budgetary support of Rs 22,727 crore will be carried over to the new scheme of IPDS.

The process of sanction of projects shall commence immediately. After sanction of projects, contracts for execution of projects are to be awarded by states discoms or power departments. The projects shall be completed within 24 months from date of award.