SRINAGAR: The capacity of the Zainakote Grid Station in Srinagar will be augmented from the existing 450 MVA to 780 MVA at an estimated cost of Rs 89.46 crore to strengthen power supply in Srinagar and adjoining areas.
Minister for Power Development Department (PDD), Ali Mohammad Sagar, was informed about the proposed project during a visit to Zainakote and Bemina on Monday to review winter power preparedness and assess the functioning of key power infrastructure.
Officials informed the Minister that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the augmentation had been approved and the tendering process was scheduled to begin by November 10, 2026.
The project is expected to strengthen the transmission network and meet the growing electricity demand in Srinagar, including Shari-Khas. It will also improve power supply to the 132/33 kV Grid Station at Waganpora and the Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) at Khanyar.
During the visit, Sagar also inspected the 132/33 kV, 200 MVA Grid Station at Bemina, which supplies power to several densely populated areas, including Bemina, Qamarwari, Karanagar, Fatehkadal, Barbar Shah, PC Depot, JVC and adjoining localities through its associated receiving stations.
He directed officials to ensure timely completion of ongoing and proposed works, remove operational bottlenecks and maintain coordination to minimise power disruptions during winter.
The Minister also visited the Overview Data Centre at Bemina and reviewed its functioning and related infrastructure.
Emphasising the need to strengthen the transmission and distribution network in view of Srinagar’s expanding urban areas and rising electricity demand, Sagar asked officials to adopt a proactive approach to winter preparedness and ensure prompt redressal of public grievances related to power supply.
MLA Hazratbal Salman Sagar, Managing Directors of Jammu and Kashmir Power Transmission Corporation Limited (JKPTCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Chief Engineers, Executive Engineers and other senior officers accompanied the Minister.
