Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath has laid the foundation stone for a ₹126.33 crore transmission infrastructure upgrade aimed at ensuring uninterrupted 24×7 electricity supply across the state. The project, launched at Bodhjung Nagar near Agartala on August 25, 2025, marks a significant milestone in Tripura’s journey toward energy self-reliance and modernization of its power grid.
The initiative involves reconductoring nine critical 132 kV transmission lines with High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) conductors, a technology known for enhancing load capacity and reducing transmission losses. The project is being executed by Tripura Power Transmission Limited (TPTL) with financial support from the Special Infrastructure Development Project under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
🧭 Timeline of Tripura’s Power Sector Modernization
| Year | Milestone Event | Impact on Power Infrastructure |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 12 operational 132 kV substations | Limited grid coverage |
| 2025 | 20 substations with 2 more under construction | Expanded transmission capacity |
| 2025 | Launch of ₹126 crore HTLS reconductoring project | Boosts reliability and efficiency |
| 2031–32 | Projected demand of 700 MW | Strategic planning underway |
Minister Nath emphasized that the project is part of a broader vision to meet Tripura’s projected electricity demand of 700 MW by FY 2031–32, up from the current 400 MW.
📊 Transmission Project Overview and Technical Scope
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | ₹126.33 crore |
| Number of Transmission Lines | 9 |
| Voltage Level | 132 kV |
| Technology Used | HTLS (High-Temperature Low-Sag) Conductors |
| Executing Agency | Tripura Power Transmission Limited (TPTL) |
| Funding Source | DoNER Ministry’s Special Infrastructure Scheme |
HTLS conductors are designed to carry higher current loads without sagging, making them ideal for regions with challenging terrain and growing energy needs.
🔍 Minister’s Vision: From 23-Hour Supply to 24×7 Power
Speaking at the foundation ceremony, Minister Nath acknowledged that Tripura currently delivers 23 hours of electricity on average, with outages caused by power theft, overloading, and storm damage. He stressed that the new transmission lines will help eliminate these bottlenecks and ensure a stable supply.
| Challenge Area | Current Status | Expected Improvement Post-Project |
|---|---|---|
| Power Theft | High in urban clusters | Reduced via smart metering |
| Overloading | Frequent in peak hours | Balanced load distribution |
| Storm Damage | Seasonal disruptions | Resilient HTLS infrastructure |
| Grid Efficiency | Moderate | Enhanced with modern conductors |
The minister also highlighted the importance of electricity in daily life, stating, “If schools shut down for three days, it’s manageable. But if electricity is cut for three days, everything collapses.”
🧠 Tripura’s Broader Energy Strategy
Tripura is simultaneously working on multiple fronts to strengthen its energy ecosystem. These include:
- Electrification of railway lines, with Agartala Railway Station set to launch electric trains on August 27
- Promotion of electric vehicles to phase out diesel and gas-based transport
- Expansion of solar energy adoption under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
- Installation of smart meters to improve billing transparency and reduce losses
| Initiative | Status Update | Strategic Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Railway Electrification | Launch on August 27, 2025 | Reduce carbon footprint |
| EV Transition | Policy push underway | Eliminate fossil fuel dependency |
| PM Surya Ghar Scheme | Active promotion in rural areas | Decentralized solar generation |
| Smart Meter Rollout | Pilot phase completed | Improve billing and consumption tracking |
Minister Nath urged citizens to embrace self-reliance and modern technology, invoking Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy of progress through empowerment.
📉 Power Infrastructure Growth Since 2018
Tripura’s power infrastructure has seen significant expansion over the past seven years:
| Infrastructure Type | 2018 Count | 2025 Count | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 132 kV Substations | 12 | 20 (+2 under construction) | 66.7% |
| 33 kV Substations | 44 | 75 | 70.5% |
| Transmission Line Length | ~1,200 km | ~1,800 km | 50% |
| Electrified Villages | 98% | 100% | Full coverage achieved |
TPTL, which began operations in January 2023, has played a pivotal role in this transformation. It is the first State Transmission Utility (STU) in India to operate up to the 33 kV level and has received ISO/IEC 27001:2023 certification for its information security management systems.
📌 Conclusion
The ₹126 crore transmission upgrade launched by Tripura’s Power Minister marks a decisive step toward achieving 24×7 electricity for all. With HTLS technology, expanded substations, and a forward-looking energy strategy, Tripura is positioning itself as a model for sustainable and resilient power infrastructure in the Northeast.
As the state prepares for rising demand and transitions to electric mobility and smart energy solutions, the foundation laid today will illuminate Tripura’s path to energy independence and inclusive development.
—
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 25, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, technical, or policy advice.
