Manohar Lal reviews power and urban development progress in J&K

13 Jun 2025 CW Team

Key issues concerning the power sector in the UT were discussed during the meeting, including the UT’s progress, challenges, and future requirements. The administration presented achievements and concerns in both the power and urban development sectors, and explored potential solutions to address future demand.

The UT acknowledged the significant role of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in strengthening power distribution infrastructure, particularly in remote areas. Appreciation was expressed for the approval of the revised cost for RDSS works. The UT also sought additional support from the Centre for upgrading transmission and distribution infrastructure, and committed to continuing efforts for sectoral improvements.

The Union Minister highlighted that the visit aimed to facilitate the resolution of key issues and the identification of new initiatives to enhance citizen services. He urged the UT to plan capacity enhancement in line with the Resource Adequacy plan and commended ongoing efforts to reduce power purchase costs and improve financial sustainability of power utilities.

The UT was advised to swiftly implement sanctioned RDSS projects and to roll out prepaid smart metering in a phased manner—beginning with government establishments and extending to commercial and industrial users. The Minister recommended completing prepaid meter installations for all government departments and colonies by August 2025 and stressed the need to clear pending departmental dues.

Recognising the UT’s considerable hydroelectric potential, the Union Minister encouraged its optimal utilisation. He suggested coordination with the central government for workforce skill development in the hydro sector and called for resolution of pending issues related to National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) projects to ensure timely completion. The UT was also urged to consider waiving the water cess on hydro projects to reduce power costs and tariffs for consumers.

The Government of India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the overall development of Jammu & Kashmir and expressed good wishes for the welfare of its people.

News source: PIB

Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, conducted a comprehensive review of the power and urban development sectors for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in Srinagar. The review meeting was attended by Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, the Chief Secretary of the UT, senior officials from the Government of India and the UT administration, as well as representatives from state power utilities and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).Key issues concerning the power sector in the UT were discussed during the meeting, including the UT’s progress, challenges, and future requirements. The administration presented achievements and concerns in both the power and urban development sectors, and explored potential solutions to address future demand.The UT acknowledged the significant role of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in strengthening power distribution infrastructure, particularly in remote areas. Appreciation was expressed for the approval of the revised cost for RDSS works. The UT also sought additional support from the Centre for upgrading transmission and distribution infrastructure, and committed to continuing efforts for sectoral improvements.The Union Minister highlighted that the visit aimed to facilitate the resolution of key issues and the identification of new initiatives to enhance citizen services. He urged the UT to plan capacity enhancement in line with the Resource Adequacy plan and commended ongoing efforts to reduce power purchase costs and improve financial sustainability of power utilities.The UT was advised to swiftly implement sanctioned RDSS projects and to roll out prepaid smart metering in a phased manner—beginning with government establishments and extending to commercial and industrial users. The Minister recommended completing prepaid meter installations for all government departments and colonies by August 2025 and stressed the need to clear pending departmental dues.Recognising the UT’s considerable hydroelectric potential, the Union Minister encouraged its optimal utilisation. He suggested coordination with the central government for workforce skill development in the hydro sector and called for resolution of pending issues related to National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) projects to ensure timely completion. The UT was also urged to consider waiving the water cess on hydro projects to reduce power costs and tariffs for consumers.The Government of India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the overall development of Jammu & Kashmir and expressed good wishes for the welfare of its people.News source: PIB

Infrastructure Transport

06 Aug 2026

Surya Roshni delivers customised lighting for NCRTC RRTS stations

Surya Roshni has supplied customised indoor lighting solutions for 18 elevated stations on the National Capital Region Transport Corporation's (NCRTC) Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), strengthening its presence in India's infrastructure lighting segment.The project involved the design and deployment of lighting systems for platforms, concourses, foot overbridges (FOBs) and back-of-house (BOH) areas. According to the company, the luminaires were developed specifically to meet NCRTC's design, operational and performance requirements rather than using standard products.Surya introduced two custo..

Real Estate

06 Aug 2026

Hilton debuts Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam

Hilton has opened NHAAN Resort & Spa Hoi An, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking the debut of the Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam and expanding its lifestyle hospitality portfolio in Southeast Asia.Located along the Co Co River in Cam Thanh village, the 174-key resort provides access to Hoi An Ancient Town, Cua Dai Beach and the Cam Thanh Nipa Forest. The property has been designed by Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, incorporating biophilic architecture, locally sourced materials and riverfront landscapes.The resort offers a mix of guest rooms and suites, including family-frien..

Building Material

06 Aug 2026

Electrent expands lithium energy storage system portfolio

Electrent Energy has expanded its lithium-based energy storage portfolio with the launch of the ESS 850 and ESS 1050, targeting compact and maintenance-free power backup solutions for Indian homes.The new systems integrate a Home UPS and a LiFePO4 lithium battery into a single unit, extending the company's product range following the launch of its ESS 1350 and ESS 2500 models.Designed for apartments and smaller homes, the ESS 850 provides up to 1 hour 15 minutes of backup, while the ESS 1050 offers up to 1 hour 45 minutes on a typical 400 W household load. The systems can power essential appli..