Power Sector Conference Held in Sikkim to Push Modernisation

29 Apr 2025 CW Team

The Regional Conference of the Power Sector was held in Gangtok on April 26, with Union Power and Housing Minister Manohar Lal and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang leading the discussions. The meet brought together ministers, senior officials, and power sector heads from across the northeastern states.

Speaking at the conference, Union Minister Manohar Lal stressed the need for a modern, financially viable, and environmentally responsible power sector to power India’s growth towards a developed economy. He called for advancing all modes of energy generation — thermal, hydro, atomic, and renewables — to meet rising demands and achieve the target of net zero emissions.

The minister highlighted that despite India bridging 99.9 per cent of its current energy needs, future readiness remains critical. Schemes like RDSS and PM-JANMAN are helping plug distribution gaps and bring last-mile electrification. He urged states to adopt cost-reflective tariffs, cut AT&C losses, prioritise smart metering—especially in government colonies—and strengthen distribution reforms.

Highlighting the hydro and pumped-storage potential of the Northeast, the minister urged states to fully tap these resources to bolster energy security.

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal underlined the urgent need for states to secure power supply till FY2030 under their resource adequacy plans. He called for timely investments in intra-state transmission networks using models like TBCB, RTM, and asset monetisation.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang welcomed the gathering and outlined Sikkim’s efforts to improve power reliability. He sought continued Union government support to address state-specific challenges.

Ministers and senior officials from Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and other northeastern states participated, expressing gratitude for the Centre’s focus on strengthening the region’s power infrastructure.

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..