Andhra clears Rs 521 crore power infra plan for Godavari Pushkaralu

The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday approved power infrastructure works worth Rs 521.58 crore under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the Akhanda Godavari Maha Pushkaralu-2027.

The 12-day Akhanda Godavari Maha Pushkaralu, a Kumbh Mela-like pilgrimage, is expected to attract nearly one crore devotees every day to the Godavari region.

“Approved power infrastructure development works worth ₹521.58 crore proposed by APEPDCL in preparation for the Akhanda Godavari Maha Pushkaralu-2027,” an official press release said.

The approvals were cleared during a meeting of the State Distribution Reforms Committee (SDRC), chaired by chief secretary G Sai Prasad. The meeting was also attended by special chief secretary (energy) K Vijayanand.

According to the chief secretary, the government is making comprehensive advance arrangements to ensure uninterrupted and quality power supply during the 12-day religious event.

With an additional power demand of around 100 MW expected in Rajahmundry alone, the committee approved infrastructure development works worth Rs 345 crore covering Rajahmundry, Konaseema, Kakinada and West Godavari districts, the press release said.

The approved works include construction of new 33/11 kV substations, additional 33 kV and 11 kV power lines, augmentation of transformer capacity and development of other essential power infrastructure.

Prasad directed officials to complete all works before the pilgrimage begins and ensure the entire power system is fully tested and ready.

The committee also reviewed the progress of agricultural feeder segregation, bifurcation of overloaded feeders, underground power cabling in Visakhapatnam, smart meters, and proposals to modernise the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system in Visakhapatnam while establishing a new SCADA system in Rajahmundry.

Prasad reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building a modern, technology-driven and future-ready power distribution system that provides reliable, high-quality and affordable electricity to consumers.

The committee reviewed the progress of loss reduction works being implemented by Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd (APSPDCL), Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Ltd (APCPDCL) and APEPDCL under RDSS, particularly agricultural feeder segregation and bifurcation of overloaded feeders.

According to the press release, while the three Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) have made significant progress, some works have been delayed due to GIS-based surveys, changes in project scope, right of way issues, statutory approvals, power shutdown constraints, adverse weather conditions, supply chain disruptions and other field-level challenges.

Considering these factors, the committee approved an extension of the relevant contracts until March 31, 2027, to enable completion of the remaining works.

The chief secretary said completion of these projects would substantially reduce technical losses, strengthen the power distribution network, improve electricity supply to the agriculture sector and enhance services for consumers across the state.

Reviewing the underground power cabling works being carried out under RDSS in Visakhapatnam, Prasad directed officials to complete the projects on time while following prescribed quality and safety standards.

He said underground cabling would strengthen the city’s power distribution network, reduce disruptions caused by natural calamities, improve public safety and provide robust power infrastructure to support the rapid growth of Visakhapatnam.

The committee also reviewed the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) project being implemented by the DISCOMs, which has achieved around 81 per cent progress.

It approved an extension of the AMISP contract until March 31, 2027, to facilitate completion of the remaining works.

To further modernise the state’s power distribution system, the committee also approved a proposal worth Rs 176 crore to upgrade the existing SCADA system in Visakhapatnam and establish a new SCADA system in Rajahmundry.

Prasad said the advanced systems would enable real-time monitoring of the power distribution network, remote operation of substations, faster fault detection, quicker restoration of power supply and improved operational efficiency.

He added that the adoption of advanced technologies such as SCADA would help build a smart and future-ready power distribution system while enabling more efficient power management during large-scale events such as the Akhanda Godavari Maha Pushkaralu.