Tripura is set to witness a major transformation in its electricity infrastructure with the upcoming construction of a 400 KV substation in Suryamaninagar, located in the West District. The project, announced by the state’s Power, Agriculture, and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath, aims to bolster the internal grid of Tripura and cater to the future electricity requirements of the state.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of two significant power projects in Unakoti District. These projects included the upgradation of the 132 KV Kailashahar Substation and the establishment of a new 132 KV double-circuit transmission line connecting Dharmanagar to Kailashahar Substation in Gournagar.
With a total cost of Rs 59.82 crore, the project is being funded jointly by the Central government and the World Bank. It is expected to ensure uninterrupted power supply to 46,351 consumers in the region. The upgraded Kailashahar substation is projected to meet the local electricity demand for the next ten years.
Minister Nath emphasized the significance of a reliable power supply across all sectors. He highlighted that only 36 per cent of consumers in Kailashahar currently pay their electricity bills, and electricity theft continues to pose a challenge. The state government is also focusing on expanding solar power generation and utilizing Emergency Restoration System technology to quickly restore damaged power lines.
In the agricultural sector, Minister Nath discussed the expansion of Krishak Bandhu Kendras, which are service hubs designed to provide farmers with technical guidance and modern farming solutions under the ‘Lab to Land’ program. The 33rd center was recently inaugurated at Chantail in Chandipur RD Block at a cost of Rs 82.28 lakh under the RIDF project. Additionally, ten more centers are slated to be completed this fiscal year, with a total of 43 centers expected to be operational by 2025–26.
During the event, the government distributed agricultural machinery to 20 farmers, fruit seedlings to 30 farmers, and 100 seed minikits to beneficiaries, showcasing their commitment to modernizing agriculture. This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a global “grain bank” and emphasizes the government’s efforts to support farmers and enhance agricultural productivity in Tripura.
