Centre approves Rs 1,700 cr project for J&K power reforms

SRINAGAR: The Centre has approved Rs 1,700 crore for Jammu and Kashmir to carry out power reforms aimed at cutting transmission and distribution losses in 30 cities and towns across the state.

"For system improvements in power distribution, the Centre has approved Rs 1,700 crore for R-APDRP to cover 30 towns and cities, including Jammu and Srinagar," Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said here yesterday.

The Restructured-Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Program (R-APDRP) will be extended to other parts of the state as well in phases.

The state government had submitted a project to the Centre earlier this year for carrying out reforms in 19 towns in Kashmir and 11 towns in Jammu region with an aim of cutting the transmission and distribution losses, which are at a staggering 65 per cent.

Several measures have been initiated to cut on power bill, increase revenue collection and reduce the transmission and distribution losses.