Assam Power Distribution Company Limited is set to implement the first phase of underground power cabling in Guwahati to improve power reliability, urban aesthetics and public safety.

• The project will be funded under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the Government of India.

Key Highlights of the Project

• The first phase is estimated to cost ₹200 crore.
• It will cover five major corridors in Guwahati:
  • Paltanbazar Square corridor, AT Road (Paltanbazar–Bharalumukh), MG Road corridor, GS Road including GMCH Road & AT Road (Bharalumukh–Jalukbari)
• The project targets areas with:
  • High traffic density.
  • Commercial importance.
  • Urban congestion.
  • Critical power distribution infrastructure.

What Will Be Done?

• Existing overhead electricity lines will be converted into an underground cable network.
• The project includes:
  • Conversion of 33 kilovolt, 11 kilovolt and low-tension power lines.
  • Installation of more than 100 Ring Main Units.
  • Installation of around 350 Feeder Pillar Boxes.
  • Use of flood-resilient infrastructure and protected cable crossings.

About Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme

• The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Power in 2021.
• It aims to improve operational efficiency and financial sustainability of state-owned DISCOMs, ensuring reliable 24×7 affordable power.
• Key Targets: to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to 12–15% and eliminate the Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realised (ARR) gap by 2024–25.
• RDSS follows a reform-based, results-linked model in which funding depends on meeting pre-qualification criteria and performance benchmarks.
• Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) coordinate the implementation.
• RDSS include Smart metering implemented through the TOTEX (Total Expenditure) model under Public–Private Partnership.
• It supports training, process reforms, consumer awareness, and third-party evaluation to strengthen DISCOM capabilities.
• Agricultural feeders are separated and later solarised under PM-KUSUM to provide reliable daytime power to farmers.

Expected Benefits

• It will provide uninterrupted and quality electricity supply in key urban areas.
• It will improve public safety by eliminating risks associated with overhead wires.
• It will enhance the city’s appearance and urban landscape.
• It will reduce power losses and improve voltage regulation.
• It will strengthen Guwahati’s resilience against floods and extreme weather events.

Did You Know?

• Assam has approximately:
  • 1.23 lakh kilometres of High-Tension lines
  • 3.64 lakh kilometres of Low-Tension lines
• The complete underground conversion of Guwahati’s power network is estimated to require nearly ₹2,000 crore and will be implemented in phases.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS):

1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Power.
2. It aims to improve the efficiency of power distribution companies.
3. It focuses on reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

One-Line Wrap

Guwahati’s underground power cabling project marks a significant step towards modern, resilient and efficient urban electricity infrastructure under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.