Agartala, Oct 17: Tripura may soon begin supplying electricity to Nepal, pending approval from the Central Government, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced on Friday.
Speaking after inaugurating the newly built 132 KV Gokulnagar Sub-Station under the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project, the Minister said the proposal was discussed at a meeting in New Delhi.
“The State Government has expressed readiness to export surplus power to Nepal, but the final call will be taken by the Centre,” Nath stated.
Highlighting the state’s progress in the power sector, Nath said the ₹43.98 crore Gokulnagar sub-station will ensure uninterrupted and quality electricity for around 48,740 families across Bishalgarh, Office Tilla, Central Jail, Madhupur, Kamalasagar, and nearby areas.
“In 2018, Tripura had 7.21 lakh power consumers; today, the number stands at 10.38 lakh. With modernization, the demand for power continues to rise. Our government is committed to ensuring reliable power supply to support that growth,” the Minister said.
He noted that the number of 132 KV sub-stations has grown from 12 to 21 under the present government, with two more under construction. Similarly, 33 KV sub-stations increased from 44 to 75, with 18 more in progress. The length of 132 KV lines has nearly doubled from 485 km to 986 km, while underground cabling expanded from 95 km to 571 km.
Addressing the challenge of dwindling gas supply, Nath said, “Rokhia Power Plant, which should generate 63 MW, is currently producing only 19 MW. However, with World Bank assistance, ₹935 crore is being invested to install combined cycle gas turbine technology to double generation capacity using the same gas.”
He further announced plans to set up an 800 MW pump storage project in Chawmanu, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) under preparation, and a 400 KV sub-station at Suryamani Nagar to strengthen interconnection as Tripura already supplies electricity to Bangladesh.
“All government offices will soon be brought under rooftop solar systems,” Nath added, emphasizing the state’s push towards renewable energy and technological advancement in the power sector.
The inauguration event was also attended by Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Datta, MLA Antara Sarkar Deb, Bishalgarh Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Atashi Das, and Ranjan Debbarma, General Manager of TPTL, among others.
