Question : SETTING UP OF POWER PROJECTS ABROAD



(a) whether the Government is investing in power projects abroad ;

(b) if so, the details thereof, country-wise ;

(c) the present status of each project; and

(d) the manner in which it would be useful for the country ?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER (SHRI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE)

(a) : Yes, Sir.

(b) to (d) : The Government if funding the project of construction of 220 KV Double Circuit Transmission Line of 202 kms from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul and a 220/110/20 KV Sub-station at Kabul in Afghanistan at an estimated cost of Rs.478 crores. It involves the construction of over 600 transmission towers. This project will supply power to Kabul from Uzbekistan and is expected to improve Afghanistan`s industry and economy. The project will be completed by February, 2009.

India is also reconstructing the Salma Dam Power Project (42 MW) in Herat province in Afghanistan at an estimated cost of Rs.498 crores.This project also involves erection of 110 KV power transmission lines from Salma Dam to Herat city, a distance of 143 kms, thereby providing electricity in the western provinces of Afghanistan.The project is likely to be completed by January, 2009.

India also supplied equipment for 110 KV transmission line of 130 kms and 20 KV transmission line for 150 kms along with 20/0.4 KV substation along with 110 KV and 20 KV transmission line material in Faryab province, in northern Afghanistan at an estimated expenditure of Rs.39.2 crores.

India has financially and technically assisted the Government of Bhutan in constructing Chukha Hydro Power Project (336 MW), Kurichhu Hydro Power Project

(60 MW) and Tala Hydro Power Project (1020 MW). The three projects in Bhutan are supplying power to India at mutually agreed rates.The energy imported from Bhutan is assisting India in meeting the demand supply gap.

India had also provided assistance to Nepal for the development of its Hydro Power potential. Four HE Schemes, namely, Pokhra (1 MW), Trisuli (21 MW), Western Gandak

(15 MW) Devighat (14.1 MW) have been implemented with Indian assistance.