Srinagar, April 16, 2025: The power sector in Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as the Union Territory’s second largest revenue generator, achieving a remarkable 67% revenue surge over the past four years, according to official records. Trailing only vehicle taxes, which grew by 96%, the sector’s robust performance highlights its pivotal role in fueling J&K’s economy.
As of November 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department oversees a transmission and distribution network with a capacity of 32,762.49 MVA, supported by 1,66,633.44 circuit kilometers of electric lines. This infrastructure has expanded by more than 35% in the last five years. Rising demand is evident in per capita electricity consumption, which climbed from 1,322 KWHr in 2020-21 to 1,532 KWHr in 2023-24, driven by improved access and modernization.
Challenges persist, including significant transmission and distribution losses due to outdated systems and power theft. In 2023-24, the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) collected Rs 2,347.61 crore, while the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) gathered Rs 2,614 crore. To tackle inefficiencies, authorities are rolling out smart metering, upgrading grids, and cracking down on illegal connections.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized J&K’s focus on sustainable energy, with hydropower projects like Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle poised to add 3,014 MW by 2027. These efforts support environmental goals, complementing initiatives like the 3 Easy Steps for a Cleaner J&K campaign, which encourages waste segregation and reduced plastic use to preserve the region’s natural beauty.
The power sector’s success dovetails with infrastructure advancements, such as the recent trial run of the Vande Bharat Express on the Katra-Sangaldan section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). Together, these developments signal a promising future for J&K’s economic and environmental landscape.