Odisha cabinet okays energy proposals

The state Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik cleared the proposal to install 520 new 33/11 KV sub-stations in the state over a period of three years at a cost of Rs 2,600 crore. These new sub-stations will be over and above the existing 573 sub-stations.

The distribution companies have not been able to upgrade the distribution infrastructure, resulting in high aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses.

The Cabinet also gave its nod for installation of separate feeders for agriculture and fisheries sectors. The scheme envisages investment of Rs 1,000 crore to be spent in four years from 2013-14 to 2017-18.

The new substations will help overcome the problem of low voltage and separate feeders for agriculture will ensure uninterrupted power for the farmers", said chief secretary J K Mohapatra.

Out of Rs 2,600 crore needed for installation of the new substations, Rs 200 crore has been set aside in the Budget for 2013-14.