Leh, Jun 26 (KNO): The Union Territory of Ladakh is all set for a massive transformation in the Power Sector, with the completion of three major power transmission projects connecting strategically significant areas like Zanskar, Nubra, and Siachen Base Camp by September-end this year, according to officials.
The key power infrastructure projects, being implemented under the Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP), will ensure an uninterrupted power supply to Zanskar and Nubra up to Siachen Base Camp, reducing dependence on diesel generators for electricity and contributing to the Prime Minister’s vision of carbon-neutral Ladakh, an official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
With this achievement, six out of the seven districts in Ladakh, barring Changthang, will be connected to the power grid.
These projects include the construction of a 189-kilometre-long 220 KV transmission line from Drass to Padum and a 79-kilometre-long 220 KV transmission line from Phyang to Disket, both targeted for completion by September 2026. The sanctioned cost of the projects stands at ₹1,925 crore. Under these projects, remote and strategic areas such as Siachen and Padum will be electrified round-the-clock, providing power connectivity in strategic border areas.
Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, who was recently briefed about the status of these projects by the Chairman and Managing Director of REC Limited and the Joint Secretary (Transmission), Ministry of Power, underscored the critical importance of completing all projects within stipulated timelines to ensure uninterrupted and reliable electricity supply to every part of Ladakh, particularly its remote and border areas.
The LG was informed that several strategically important regions, including Nubra, Changthang, and Zanskar, are presently not connected to the national power grid and continue to depend on limited local generation sources.
In Zanskar, four substations will be established to ensure electricity reaches all parts of the valley. Similarly, two substations at Siachen Base Camp and Partapur will be constructed in Nubra. In Changthang, eight substations are proposed under the 66 KV transmission network, including Durbuk, Phobrang, Chushul, Mudh-Nyoma, Korzok, Hanle, Koyul, and Chumathang, which will substantially improve power accessibility across the vast high-altitude plateau.
"Reliable and uninterrupted electricity is not merely an infrastructure necessity; it is critical for education, healthcare, livelihoods, tourism, digital connectivity, and economic opportunities. Connecting areas like Nubra and Zanskar to the grid for the first time will mark a historic milestone in Ladakh's development journey," LG Saxena said. "These projects are of immense strategic and developmental significance, which will benefit every household and every village in Ladakh from round-the-clock electricity and the opportunities it brings."
Emphasising the strategic importance of the projects, the Lieutenant Governor noted that the transmission lines and substations would significantly strengthen infrastructure in border areas, improve living conditions of local communities, and contribute to inclusive development across Ladakh's farthest regions. He directed all implementing agencies to maintain close coordination and ensure the timely execution of the projects—(KNO)