Assam Requires Additional ₹30,000 Crore to Fully Upgrade Power Infrastructure: Officials

Assam is undergoing a significant upgrade of its power infrastructure to improve electricity supply, reduce voltage fluctuations, and minimize power losses. On Friday, the state commissioned 100 new distribution substations as part of a broader effort to modernize its transmission and distribution network. This marks a major milestone in addressing long-standing power supply issues in the state.

Additionally, another 96 substations are under construction as part of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)-funded System Enhancement and Loss Reduction Project. This ₹3,000 crore initiative is expected to be completed by March 2026, with most of the new substations ready by December 2025.

Over the past three years, the Assam government has made substantial progress in strengthening its electricity network. More than 20,000 new transformers have been installed under various projects, enhancing the reliability of power distribution. Furthermore, under the Centre’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), 12,000 kilometers of new high-tension (HT) lines have been laid, and 15,000 kilometers of low-tension (LT) lines have been upgraded from bare conductors to insulated cables. These upgrades aim to reduce technical losses and ensure more stable and safer power delivery to consumers.

Officials noted that the impact of these developments is already visible. There has been a significant reduction in power interruptions, and electricity consumption in the state has increased by 2,000 million units over the past three years. The per capita power availability in Assam has grown at a rate of 5.72%, which is approaching the national average of 6.55%. This indicates a strong upward trend in power accessibility for the population.

However, despite these achievements, the state’s power infrastructure still faces major challenges. According to official estimates, Assam requires an additional investment of around ₹30,000 crore to completely revamp its transmission and distribution systems. A major concern is the HT to LT line length ratio, which currently stands at an inefficient 1:3 in Assam. The ideal ratio is around 1:1.2, which helps minimize distribution losses and ensure better voltage regulation at the consumer end.

The state currently has approximately 3 lakh kilometers of LT lines, much of which is in poor condition. Officials attribute the infrastructural shortcomings to both funding constraints and difficult topography. Out of the total ₹30,000 crore needed, the state has only been able to mobilize ₹3,000 crore from AIIB and ₹2,500 crore through the RDSS, leaving a significant funding gap.

The aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses in Assam were recorded at 15.4% in the financial year ending March 2025. These losses reflect the inefficiencies in the power network and underline the urgent need for comprehensive system upgrades.

In conclusion, while Assam has made commendable progress in improving its power infrastructure through new substations, transformer installations, and line upgrades, a large-scale overhaul remains necessary. Substantial investment, strategic planning, and continued government support will be essential to build a modern, efficient, and reliable power supply system for the state.