Srinagar, July 6,2026- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Power Development Department (PDD), reaffirming his government’s commitment to modernising Jammu and Kashmir’s power sector through infrastructure upgrades, consumer-centric reforms, and improved financial sustainability.
The meeting reviewed the overall performance of the power sector, including revenue realisation, implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, ongoing transmission projects, and the roadmap for future reforms.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department Ashwini Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Managing Director JPDCL Gurpal Singh, Managing Director KPDCL Mehmood Ahmad Shah, Chief Electrical Inspector Sanjay Sharma, senior officials of JKTPCL, engineers, and other concerned officers.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that power sector reforms under the RDSS are progressing steadily, with projects worth more than ₹5,700 crore currently under execution across Jammu and Kashmir. Of these, works valued at nearly ₹4,700 crore aimed at reducing power losses have largely been awarded.
The meeting also reviewed major infrastructure works, including the installation of Aerial Bunched (AB) cables, feeder segregation, augmentation of distribution transformers, underground cabling, and strengthening of the electricity distribution network. Several districts have reported significant progress, with many projects nearing completion.
Reviewing the financial performance of the sector, Omar Abdullah noted encouraging improvements in revenue collection and billing efficiency. Officials informed the meeting that billing efficiency has increased from 56 percent in FY 2021-22 to 77 percent in FY 2025-26, while AT&C losses have declined substantially. The gap between power purchase costs and revenue generation has also narrowed, reflecting improved financial sustainability.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the impact of reduced hydropower generation caused by low water availability during the current summer, which has increased dependence on power purchases from the energy exchange during peak demand. Officials briefed him on measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply despite seasonal challenges.
Directing the department to maintain the momentum of reforms beyond the ongoing RDSS programme, the Chief Minister stressed the need for timely completion of all sanctioned projects, close monitoring of implementation, removal of bottlenecks, and greater accountability at every level.
He also emphasised expanding the AB cable network, strengthening the transmission infrastructure, adopting advanced technologies, and improving consumer services while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the power sector.
The meeting further reviewed proposals for additional infrastructure investments, including expanded AB cable coverage, critical transmission projects, battery energy storage systems, rooftop solar initiatives, electrification of uncovered habitations, feeder-wise power curtailment, and tariff proceedings for FY 2026–27.
Reiterating that reliable and affordable electricity remains central to the government’s development agenda, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directed the department to adopt a results-oriented approach to deliver quality power supply, improve consumer satisfaction, and build a modern, efficient, and financially sustainable power sector across Jammu and Kashmir.
