Nitish launches energy projects worth Rs 3,241 Cr in Bihar

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today laid foundation stones and launched work of power projects worth Rs 3,241 crore on the occasion of 103rd 'Bihar Diwas' and asserted that the state government was "determined" to improve the power scenario in the state.
He also unveiled electricity projects worth Rs 106 crore, spread across the state, saying that all the schemes launched and inaugurated today were meant to improve the electricity transmission system.
Speaking on the occasion, Kumar said, "We have taken a pledge to improve power scenario in the state, and we are working continuously to fulfil it. Electricity is being supplied to wherever the distribution system has reached".

"Urban areas are getting electricity for 22 to 24 hours, while rural areas are getting power supply for 16 to 20 hours," he said.
The chief minister added that he had announced the determination of the state government about providing electricity across the state on August 15, 2012, and work is continuously going on for it.
Kumar pointed out that when he took charge as chief minister in 2005, there were just 45 grid sub-stations in Bihar, while there was no network to provide electricity.
"At that time, the length of transmission lines was just 5,033 kilometres, which could supply just 1,000 MW. We were even unable to use whatever electricity we were given by the Centre. The number of electrified villages was just 12,565 and power was available for only 10 to 12 hours," he said.

Kumar added that the state government paid much attention on the energy sector and work on every aspect of power, right from generation to transmission and distribution was done.