Centre sanctions 1.3k crore for power infra upgrade in Noida

Noida: The Union power ministry has cleared a budget of over Rs 1,313 crore for upgrade of infrastructure in the city between 2025 and 2027 under the Central govt's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Of the amount sanctioned, the Centre will bear 60% while the state govt will cover the rest. Revamp work done under this scheme will include system augmentation, SCADA work, and smart technology integration.
A SCADA system's function in the power distribution network is to monitor and control distribution sectors, optimise overall network efficiency, and provide greater system reliability and sustainability. SCADA does this by collecting data from the distribution system, mostly originating from substations.
As reported by TOI on Aug 29, the Noida power department had sent the ministry a proposal for Rs 1,633 crore for revamp work under RDSS.
According to Rahul Dwivedi, executive director of REC Power Distribution Company Limited, on Aug 31, the Union ministry of power took note of the detailed project report (DPR), submitted by PVVNL, for the modernisation of the distribution network in Noida. At a meeting held on Sept 9, the monitoring committee for RDSS approved the Rs 1,313.50 crore amount for Noida, which now awaits state cabinet approval.
"We have received the letter from the Central power ministry clearing the budget of Rs 1,313.50 crore for work to be carried out under the RDSS," said Harish Bansal, PVVNL's chief zonal engineer, Noida power department.
Of the total sanctioned amount, Rs 892.28 crore will be spent on system augmentation work, Rs 396.38 crore will be used for SCADA work, and Rs 24.84 crore will go towards smart technology integration.
Bansal told TOI that the tender process for these projects will begin soon, and it will take around three to four months. "We expect tenders to be finalised by Jan-Feb next year (2025) and work will commence after that," he said.
The work planned under these three categories will be undertaken keeping in mind the expected increase in the city's power demand over the coming years as well as the poor power infrastructure. Some projects set to be undertaken are new substations, installing distribution networks, transformers, laying underground cables, and strengthening power infrastructure in the city. Most of the work will focus on newer sectors, including those along the Noida expressway, while part of it will involve revamping dilapidated power infrastructure in older sectors.