PM launches Rs 45K-cr IPDS scheme to strengthen power distribution

VARANASI, September 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched here the Rs 45,000-crore Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) which will strengthen distribution networks and ensure 24X7 power supply to all by 2022. "In the entire country, about Rs 45,000 crore will be spent under IPDS. This scheme will address many issues, including fraud, related to the power sector especially in the urban areas," Modi said after launching the scheme. He further said that one of the important tasks of the government is to provide 24X7 power supply to all by 2022 and this scheme is an effort in that direction. The IPDS will cover works relating to strengthening sub-transmission and distribution system, including provisioning of solar panels, metering of distribution transformers/feeders/consumer in urban areas and IT enablement of distribution sector. Modi said, "Power supply is available for four to six hours in some remote areas of the country. It is our target to provide 24X7 power supply to all by 2022, even in remote areas. This is a tall order but there is no other ways but to strengthen power distribution networks." The Prime Minister said he used to see dangling electricity wires everywhere in the city during his earlier visits to Varanasi. This scheme will be one of the efforts to make Kashi a smart city. "Now I am happy that (the spending of) Rs 572 crore (under the scheme) will bring new energy to the city," he said. The Prime Minister also announced that two sub-stations will be set up in Varanasi to help improve power distribution infrastructure in the city. He also said, "There were power outages, faulty transmission lines, dangling old wires and nobody had time to fix those issues. Things were moving at own pace and there was patch work approach to these issues." Modi also appealed to the people of Varanasi to replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient LED lamps saying this would bring revolution in the country. "Kashi street lights will be converted into LED lights. There will be savings to the tune of thousands of crores to the exchequer that will be utilised for cleanliness drive," he added.