Jammu, March 18, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today announced a comprehensive and well-coordinated plan aimed at modernizing the transmission and distribution systems across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure a reliable 24×7 power supply for all consumers in the Union Territory. The announcement, made during a session of the Legislative Assembly, underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the region’s long-standing power challenges and improving the quality of life for its residents.
In a detailed written reply to a question posed by BJP MLA Rajiv Jasrotia, Abdullah, who also oversees the Power Department, outlined the multi-faceted strategy. The plan focuses on upgrading infrastructure, enhancing capacity, and integrating modern technology to meet the growing energy demands of Jammu and Kashmir. “The department is dedicated to providing 24/7 reliable, affordable, and high-quality power supply to every household,” the Chief Minister emphasized, highlighting the transformative potential of the initiative.
A cornerstone of the plan involves significant enhancements to the transmission and distribution network. In the Jammu region, the Power Development Department (PDD) aims to add approximately 2,406 MVA of capacity at 220 kV and 132 kV levels by establishing new grid substations and augmenting existing ones. Similarly, in the Kashmir region, an additional 2,500 MVA capacity is targeted, alongside the phased renovation and modernization of several grid stations. These upgrades are designed to facilitate the evacuation of power from upcoming projects, boost peak load handling capacity, and support the region’s increasing energy needs.
The modernization efforts are being executed under schemes such as the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB), with a target completion date of 2027-28. Abdullah noted that the integration of smart metering has already shown promising results, with 100% smart metering completed on 45 feeders in Kashmir and 50 in Jammu, leading to noticeable improvements in power supply reliability in those areas. “As metering progresses and reaches more consumers, we expect significant enhancements, including no power cuts in low-loss areas,” he added.
To complement the infrastructure upgrades, the government is promoting a balanced energy mix, incorporating hydro, thermal, and renewable sources. Abdullah highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s vast solar energy potential, with initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana encouraging the adoption of solar rooftops. Major hydroelectric projects, including Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle, are also advancing rapidly, expected to collectively add over 3,000 MW of installed capacity by 2027. Additional projects such as Kirthai-I (390 MW), Dulhasti-II (258 MW), and Sawalkote (1,856 MW) are planned for completion within the next decade.
Addressing long-term planning, the Chief Minister revealed that a resource adequacy plan has been formulated with assistance from the central government, projecting load demands and peak requirements for the next 10 years. This proactive approach aims to ensure sustainable power availability as the region develops.
However, challenges remain. Abdullah acknowledged that progress on the Kudanali-Laburi coal block in Odisha, allocated to the J&K State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) in 2013, has stalled. Despite a joint venture with NTPC, the project faced setbacks after NTPC withdrew in 2018 due to environmental clearance delays and local resistance. A subsequent request for an alternative coal block was declined by the Ministry of Coal, citing legal constraints under the MMDR Act, 1957.
The Chief Minister’s announcement has been met with optimism from residents and stakeholders eager for a resolution to frequent power outages, particularly during harsh winters. With a clear timeline and a focus on modernization, the plan signals a bold step toward energy security and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir, reinforcing the government’s pledge to deliver tangible improvements to its people.