The split of the JD(U)-BJP combine would not affect residents in far-flung areas of the state owing to erratic energy supply, as the North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd would install additional transformers in nine districts.
Chief minister Nitish Kumar’s dream of providing power to all households by 2015 stands intact, as the firm would install the machines at sub-stations in nine districts of north Bihar to improve the energy supply within 15 days. Officials have also been directed to complete the transformers’ capacity augmentation.
The nine districts, where the transformers ranging from 3.15MVA to 10MVA would be installed, include Hajiyapur and Mirganj (Gopalganj), Valmikinagar (West Champaran), Purnea, Bangahradih (Begusarai), Katihar Industrial Area (Katihar), Thakurganj (Kishanganj), Forbesganj (Araria), Benipatti (Madhubani) and Bangahra (Muzaffarpur).
“We have been working on strengthening the power distribution network in north Bihar for the past three months during which the distribution company has installed additional transformers in several districts. As part of enhancement work, the company has decided to install transformers of various capacities at different sub-stations in rural and urban areas of the state,” said the distribution company’s managing director, Sanjay Agrawal.
“Officials have been directed to complete the capacity augmentation work within 15 days,” the managing director said, adding that the work would cost Rs 3 crore.
The installation of additional transformers would reduce load on existing power sub-stations minimising frequent power cuts. The capacity augmentation would strengthen the distribution network and improve supply in rural, urban, commercial and industrial areas.
Nitish, in his 2012 Independence Day speech, had promised energy supply to every nook and corner of the state. Official sources said the state would get around 4,000MW by the end of 2015.
According to the Centre’s Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme, Rs 1,155.21 crore would be spent on strengthening the distribution network in 64 towns/cities in the country, including Patna.
