Kishtwar : : In a significant step towards ensuring reliable and quality electricity supply to the remote and hitherto grid-isolated areas of Kishtwar district, the Managing Director Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) Gurpal Singh Friday undertook an extensive tour of the Marwah and Warwan valleys to review the on-ground progress of the Grid Connectivity Project and the electrification of left-out unelectrified households being executed under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
During the visit, the MD inspected various project sites, including Kawyard, Dasbal and Inshan in Warwan Block, besides Astan Gam, Qaderna and Yourdoo in Marwah Block, where he reviewed the progress of the ongoing works and interacted with field engineers, executing agencies and local residents.
The Managing Director was accompanied by Chief Engineer (Distribution), Er. Arshad Hussain Reshi, Chief Engineer (Projects), Er. Ravi Kant Kalsotra and other senior officers of JPDCL along with representatives of the executing agencies.
Reviewing the progress of material mobilization, transportation and line construction works, the Managing Director observed that the project is of immense significance for the socio-economic development of these remote regions, as it will connect Marwah and Warwan to the main power grid for the first time, replacing the existing dependence on standalone power systems and ensuring reliable, quality and uninterrupted power supply to the people.
The works are being executed by the Projects Wing of JPDCL under RDSS through executing agency M/s Pir Panchal Constructions (P) Ltd, JV at a total awarded cost of ₹78.16 crore for establishment of receiving stations, construction of transmission infrastructure and electrification of left-out unelectrified households. As part of the Grid Connectivity Project, JPDCL is establishing a 33/11 kV, 2×6.3 MVA Receiving Station at Marwah, a 33/11 kV, 1×6.3 MVA Receiving Station at Warwan, besides laying approximately 95 Circuit Kms of 33 kV transmission line on steel tubular poles to integrate these remote valleys with the existing electricity grid.
The Managing Director also reviewed the progress of the household electrification component under RDSS, which envisages providing grid-based electricity connectivity to 6,175 left-out households spread across 56 unelectrified habitations in 22 villages of Marwah and Warwan blocks. The project includes installation of 134 Distribution Transformers of 63 kVA, 67 Distribution Transformers of 100 kVA, construction of 178.37 kms of new 11 kV lines, 19.40 kilometres of LT ABC 70 sq.mm line and 101.90 kms of LT ABC 120 sq.mm line, thereby ensuring last-mile electricity connectivity to every eligible household.
The Managing Director was informed that substantial progress has already been achieved in mobilization of project materials despite the extremely difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions and limited accessibility. Around 1,000 steel tubular poles of 9-metre length and 500 steel tubular poles of 8-metre length have already reached the Marwah and Warwan areas for household electrification works. Similarly, 500 steel tubular poles of 11-metre length required for the 33 kV transmission line have also been received, out of which 248 poles have already been erected on the Dangdaroo–Suid stretch, while the remaining material is being transported to various work fronts through the challenging mountainous terrain.
Interacting with the executing agencies and field engineers, the Managing Director directed them to maintain the highest standards of quality while ensuring timely completion of the works. He stressed that all construction activities should be meticulously planned in view of the limited working season and the difficult geographical and climatic conditions prevailing in the region. He further instructed the officers to ensure uninterrupted availability of construction material, close coordination among all stakeholders and continuous monitoring of progress so that the projects are completed within the stipulated timelines.
Addressing the locals, the Managing Director said that the grid connectivity project would be a milestone in the development of the remote Marwah and Warwan regions by ensuring reliable electricity for households and public institutions, thereby improving education, healthcare, livelihoods and overall quality of life. He reiterated JPDCL’s commitment to completing the project at the earliest despite the challenging terrain, so that the benefits of dependable grid power reach every household in the region.
