PM to launch power development scheme in Varanasi tomorrow

New Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi tomorrow.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be launching IPDS on June 28, 2015 at Varanasi. IPDS is one of the flagship programmes of the Ministry of Power and will be at the core attempt to ensure 24×7 power for all,” an official statement said on Saturday.

The scheme will help in reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, establishment of IT enabled energy accounting/auditing system, improvement in billed energy based on metered consumption and improvement in collection efficiency, the statement said.

The scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2014-15, aims at strengthening sub-transmission network, metering, customer care services, IT application, provisioning of solar panels and completion of the ongoing works of Restructured Accelerated Power Development and completion of the Reforms Programme (RAPDRP), it added.

The project envisages converting overhead lines into underground cabling in the areas around the temples and ghats in the Varanasi city, it said.

Government will provide budgetary support of Rs 45,800 crore over the entire implementation period of IPDS. Out of the total amount Rs 1,067 crore has been sanctioned for Uttar Pradesh including Rs 572 crore for Varanasi.

PTI