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Patna: The Bihar government has announced a comprehensive Rs 12,869 crore action plan to overhaul the state’s power transmission network over the next decade. The move aims to address rising electricity demands and ensure uninterrupted power supply across the state by 2034–35.
According to state officials, the long-term infrastructure blueprint is aligned with the ‘Resource Adequacy Planning Framework’ released by the Union Ministry of Power on June 27. The framework, prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), offers a state-wise strategy to balance future electricity supply and demand.
At present, Bihar’s peak power demand stands at 8,428 MW. However, projections suggest that figure could more than double to 18,708 MW by 2034–35. To meet this surge, the government plans to expand the state’s transformation capacity by 23,430 MVA. This will involve laying 5,422 circuit kilometres of new transmission lines and replacing over 450 circuit kilometres of ageing infrastructure.
Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav hailed the initiative as a “vision document” for providing 24×7 quality power supply to every household in the state. “This roadmap is a crucial step towards self-sufficiency in the energy sector,” he said.
Energy Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh echoed the minister’s sentiment, noting that periodic reviews of the plan will ensure timely implementation and course correction. Rahul Kumar, managing director of Bihar State Power Transmission Company Limited (BSPTCL), described the transmission network as “the backbone of the power system” and stressed that the investment would significantly strengthen it.