By DIKSHA BENIPURI | Kashmir Ahead
Srinagar , October 28,2026- Jammu and Kashmir has so far installed 17.76 lakh smart consumer meters against the target of 20.52 lakh under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), and has achieved the target of approximately 86.55 per cent, according to the figures provided for the ongoing power distribution modernisation programme.
The Union Territory has set March 2027 as the target for completing all sanctioned RDSS smart-meter installations, while infrastructure works under the scheme are scheduled to continue until March 2028.
The programme is being implemented by Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), with the objective of reducing electricity distribution losses, improving billing efficiency and strengthening the power network.
KPDCL, JPDCL Report Progress in Smart Metering
In Kashmir, KPDCL has installed 5,70,432 consumer meters against a target of 6,85,700, achieving around 83 per cent progress. It has also installed 21,742 distribution transformer (DT) meters against a target of 40,670. Feeder metering has reached 1,477 out of 1,485 feeders, or 99.46 per cent.
In the Jammu division, JPDCL has installed 5,73,806 consumer meters against a target of 7,21,346, representing 79.55 per cent progress. The corporation has installed 17,178 DT meters against a target of 41,526, while all 661 sanctioned feeder/HT meters have been installed.
The figures indicate that feeder metering is nearing completion, while consumer and distribution transformer installations remain key priorities.
PMDP Phase I and II Completed
The earlier PMDP Phase I and II programmes have been completed, providing a foundation for the ongoing smart-grid transformation.
According to the supplied figures, 6,45,738 smart meters were installed under these phases, including 6,32,338 consumer meters and 13,400 distribution transformer meters. The reported targets for these categories have been achieved.
The completed deployment is expected to support further improvements in electricity consumption monitoring and distribution network management.
RDSS Infrastructure Works at 78% Progress
Alongside smart metering, infrastructure development under RDSS has achieved 78 per cent overall physical progress. KPDCL has reported 85 per cent progress, while JPDCL has achieved 67 per cent.
The revised sanctioned cost of the scheme stands at Rs 5,842.78 crore, including Rs 2,960.18 crore for JPDCL and Rs 2,882.60 crore for KPDCL.
Cumulative expenditure reached Rs 2,453.52 crore as of September 30, 2026, accounting for approximately 42 per cent of the revised sanctioned cost.
The works include pole installation, aerial-bunched cabling, conductor upgrades, 11 kV cabling and distribution transformer-related improvements.
Over 18,700 Kilometres of AB Cable Laid
The supplied progress report records the installation of 3,66,700 poles, laying of 18,723 kilometres of aerial-bunched cable and completion of 3,817 circuit kilometres of ACSR conductor works.
It also records 390 kilometres of 11 kV aerial-bunched cabling and work involving 11,780 distribution transformers.
Component-wise progress stands at 80.36 per cent for poles, 70.06 per cent for aerial-bunched cabling, 40.30 per cent for ACSR conductors, 39.37 per cent for 11 kV cabling and 57.71 per cent for distribution transformer works.
The infrastructure upgrades are intended to reduce technical losses, improve supply reliability and strengthen the distribution network.
RDSS Phase III to Expand Meter Coverage
A further 14.95 lakh smart meters have been approved under RDSS Phase III, according to the supplied information. RECPDCL has been designated as the Project Implementation Agency, and tenders have been floated.
Letters of Award have reportedly been issued to Genius for Jammu and Techno for Kashmir.
The next phase is expected to expand smart-meter coverage and strengthen monitoring of electricity consumption across the Union Territory.
Focus on Timely Completion
The immediate priorities include accelerating the remaining consumer and distribution transformer meter installations, resolving field-level bottlenecks and expediting infrastructure upgrades.
The distribution corporations are also expected to strengthen operational efficiency and improve network performance as part of the broader reforms.
With feeder metering nearing completion and infrastructure works continuing, the pace of implementation over the coming months will be crucial to achieving the March 2027 smart-metering target and completing the wider RDSS programme within its revised timeline.
Note for publication: The supplied figures contain inconsistencies between some consolidated and division-wise meter totals. These should be verified with the relevant department before publication.
