NRPC clears survey for 400 kV Sgr-Leh power corridor

Srinagar, Nov 07: In a move towards strengthening electricity transmission infrastructure between Kashmir and Ladakh, the Northern Regional Power Committee (NRPC) has agreed to a proposal for conducting a survey and soil investigation for a new 400 kV double-circuit transmission line from Alusteng in Srinagar to Leh, paving the way for examining a higher-capacity power corridor between the two regions. The decision was taken at the 248th meeting of the NRPC's Operation Coordination Sub-Committee, according to the official minutes of the meeting accessed by Rising Kashmir. The proposal, submitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Power Transmission Corporation Limited (JKPTCL), marks a shift from the originally envisaged 220 kV double-circuit transmission line to a proposed 400 kV design, taking into account future electricity transfer requirements, upcoming renewable energy projects in Ladakh and the need to strengthen the transmission network. According to the minutes, JKPTCL had initially proposed a new 220 kV double-circuit Srinagar-Leh transmission line connecting the 320 MVA, 220/132/33 kV Grid Substation at Alusteng with the 100 MVA, 220/66 kV Grid Substation at Leh. The proposed link was intended to strengthen the existing network and improve the reliability of electricity supply in Kashmir and Ladakh. However, considering future requirements, including the development of renewable energy generation in Ladakh and the proposed evacuation of electricity at the 400 kV level, JKPTCL sought to undertake the survey and soil investigation on the basis of a higher-voltage design. The corporation argued that planning the corridor for a 400 kV double-circuit transmission line would help optimise the limited transmission corridor while accommodating future power transfer requirements. The matter had earlier figured in the 240th OCC meeting, where JKPTCL sought consideration of an alternative 220 kV transmission line between Alusteng and Leh, along with associated system-strengthening measures. At that meeting, the committee had suggested that JKPTCL and Ladakh authorities jointly assess the feasibility of a separate transmission corridor and submit their findings to the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) for transmission planning. The latest minutes show that the proposal has now advanced to the survey stage, with the committee agreeing to examine the feasibility of a 400 kV double-circuit corridor instead of restricting the assessment to the original 220 kV design. During the October 22 meeting, a representative of Ladakh informed the committee that discussions had been held with JKPTCL regarding the proposed survey and soil investigation, particularly in view of the solar generation capacity planned in the region. The Ladakh representative supported taking forward the proposal for examining the 400 kV double-circuit transmission line from Alusteng to Leh. CTUIL, meanwhile, clarified that its consent was not required for conducting the survey. It further stated that the feasibility of the proposed 400 kV double-circuit line would be considered during future transmission planning. Following the deliberations, the OCC agreed to JKPTCL's proposal to conduct the survey and soil investigation for the higher-capacity transmission corridor. The committee also asked JKPTCL to share the survey findings with CTUIL for further consideration. The decision assumes significance as electricity transmission between Kashmir and Ladakh requires infrastructure capable of meeting changing power requirements, including the integration and evacuation of renewable energy generation proposed in Ladakh. The proposed 400 kV design would allow planners to examine whether a higher-voltage corridor could accommodate future requirements without the need to restrict the project to the originally proposed 220 kV configuration. With the NRPC committee agreeing to the survey proposal, the next stage will involve JKPTCL undertaking the feasibility assessment and sharing its findings with CTUIL, which will consider the proposed 400 kV corridor in future transmission planning.