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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a $148.5 million loan aimed at modernising and bolstering the reliability, quality, and resilience of the electricity supply in Sikkim. This initiative aligns with Sikkim’s Power for All program, ensuring continuous, high-quality electricity access for households, industries, businesses, and the public, according to an ADB statement released on Thursday.
The project involves a comprehensive upgrade of Sikkim’s power distribution system. It will encompass the installation of approximately 770 kilometers of climate-resilient medium-voltage underground or covered conductors. Additionally, the initiative will replace 580 kilometers of outdated and low-capacity bare conductors to enhance the distribution network’s capacity.
Furthermore, the project includes the modernization of 26 existing power substations. This will involve the integration of a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. The plan also calls for the installation of 15,000 units of public street lighting in remote areas and the implementation of electricity conservation and safety awareness programs in 28 villages.
The ADB project is set to positively impact the livelihoods of at least 1,100 women, including self-help groups, producer groups, and individual businesses, through the deployment of customized renewable energy systems and vocational skills enhancement.
Additionally, the project will support rural healthcare by equipping 24 primary healthcare subcenters with solar energy systems and energy-efficient electrical equipment. This upgrade aims to improve the capacity of these facilities to provide in-patient treatments, particularly during the winter months.
Overall, this initiative is poised to significantly improve Sikkim’s power infrastructure and support various community and healthcare initiatives, thereby contributing to the region’s socio-economic development. |
