LEH: A high-level review meeting to evaluate the progress of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and other power sector initiatives in the Union Territory of Ladakh was held at the DC Office, Leh, on Friday. The session was chaired by Prince Dhawan, Executive Director (PMD–RDSS), REC Limited, who urged officials to expedite ongoing works to bolster the region’s power infrastructure and clean energy transition.
The meeting was attended by Rudra Goud P’T (IAS), Secretary, Power and New & Renewable Energy Department, UT Ladakh; the Chief Engineer, Power Development Department (PDD), Ladakh; SE Power Development Department; PO REC Jammu; Senior General Manager, POWERGRID Leh; and senior representatives from implementing agencies and contractors.
During the review, Dhawan conducted a comprehensive assessment of RDSS implementation, focusing on smart metering, prepaid systems, EV charging infrastructure, and the 220 kV transmission network under development across the Union Territory. He reviewed project-wise physical and financial progress, highlighting the need for timely completion to ensure reliable electricity distribution and support Ladakh’s renewable energy goals.
Officials from the Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD) presented updates on ongoing works, including projects delayed by forest and wildlife clearances in the Changthang and Nubra sanctuary zones. Dhawan also examined proposals for the construction of 66 kV and 11 kV transmission lines and the establishment of 66/11 kV substations at Chushul, Nyoma, Hanle, and Koyul.
Special focus was given to the Loss Reduction works and the Border Area Package for Nubra and Changthang, being executed by M/s GEPDEC under RDSS. The review also covered the Unified Billing System (UBS) and the installation of smart meters for the remaining 18,279 consumers under the Special Development Package (SDP), pending approval from the Ministry of Power (MoP) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Representatives from BPCL, HPCL, and IOCL briefed the meeting on the ongoing development of EV charging infrastructure across Ladakh. Discussions also centered on the disbursement of Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) and utilization plans for the 2024–25 financial year under the Tripartite System Agreement (TSA).
The LPDD further proposed the electrification of Army and ITBP border posts in the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) sector through grid connectivity. Appreciating the initiative, Dhawan underscored its strategic importance for national security and directed officials to fast-track coordination with concerned agencies for early implementation.
Later, Dhawan visited the Network Operations and Monitoring Centre (NOMC) of Ladakh PDD at Choglamsar to review smart metering operations and data transactions. He called for the formation of a dedicated IT engineering team within the department to enhance technical efficiency and real-time data management.
The review meeting concluded with directives to accelerate on-ground execution, streamline inter-departmental coordination, and ensure the timely rollout of power reforms under RDSS to strengthen Ladakh’s energy landscape.
