Megastructures
Mission Kashmir: Powering the Valley
Overcoming extreme challenges of terrain and weather in Jammu & Kashmir, Sterlite Power commissioned one of the largest and toughest transmission projects in India ahead of schedule. This project was dedicated to the nation by the Honourable Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi.
Sterlite Power executed this project of national importance in Jammu & Kashmir with innovative use of technology, synergistic partnerships and deeper engagement with local communities.
The Project: NRSS-29
NRSS-29 now delivers over 1,000 MW of electricity from Punjab to the Kashmir Valley. The project has strengthened the National Grid and augmented J&K's power transmission capacity by at least 33%. Since its commissioning, this 414 km long key project, now plays a vital role in addressing the power deficit in the region, especially during winter months when it traditionally suffered blackouts.
Until now, power supply to Kashmir valley was mainly routed through Udhampur–Batote–Banihal–Pir Panjal pass. The common corridor of the transmission lines is highly prone to snow storms, landslides and other natural calamities, making power supply to the Valley vulnerable. With the objective of mitigating these constraints, the new transmission line project was proposed through the alternate route of Samba-Akhnoor-Rajouri-Pir Ki Gali to Amargarh.
The Execution
The route of the new line traverses through dense forests and avalanche-prone Himalayan ranges that are covered with snow for seven months in a year, and execution of the project demanded a dynamic approach. Work at every stage was conducted in a systematic, time-bound manner using state-of-the-art technology. The 100-member team of Sterlite Power, supported by 2,000+ staff from our partners and local communities, were pressed into service for execution of this mammoth project. The teams worked in unison to ensure timely implementation in the face of stiff challenges posed by weather and terrain.
Sterlite Power deployed heli-cranes for material movement and tower construction in the Pir Panjal range at altitudes as high as 8,000ft to 12,000ft. Also, drones were used for stringing conductors across deep valleys to further reduce the execution time-frame. Use of such innovations allowed us to overcome logistical challenges involved with the conventional methods and saved significant amount of time. In addition, this approach ensured minimal damage to environment and the fragile eco-systems along the route of the transmission lines.
The Impact
The project ensures more than 1,000 MW of power exchange between J&K & Northern Grid, hence increasing the overall power transmission capacity in the Valley by 33%. This project plays a pivotal role in enabling access to reliable power for the Valley even during the harsh winter months. The multiplier effect of assured power supply will give a major boost to J&K's economy by creating employment for the community, promoting business and attracting new growth opportunities.
Getting Global Recognitions of the Highest Order (IPMA & S&P Global Platts)
Sterlite Power was conferred with the coveted 'Gold' award in the mega-sized projects category at the prestigious IPMA Global Project Excellence Award 2019 for our NRSS-29 project in Jammu & Kashmir.
The project has also been selected as the finalist under 'Construction Project of the Year' category in S&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards 2019. The global recognition is a testament to our best-in-class project management practices and exceptional execution capabilities.
PM dedicates project to the people of India
Dedicating the Sterlite Power project NRSS-29 to the nation in February 2019, Prime Minister Modi said that the prestigious transmission project furthers the Government's commitment to ensure 100 per cent electrification of households in Jammu & Kashmir under the Saubhagya scheme. Incidentally, the foundation stone for the project was laid during the tenure of Prime Minister Modi’s government in August 2014.
The project - the largest private sector transmission project awarded in the country till date - stands testimony to Sterlite Power's conviction in its core purpose of empowering humanity by solving the toughest challenges of energy delivery. "We have surmounted numerous challenges to finish this project ahead of schedule and feel very proud of the social impact it'll have in the Valley," says Pratik Agarwal, Group CEO, Sterlite Power.