Staff Reporter
Mapusa
Power Minister Ramkrishna Dhavalikar said that power infrastructure upgrades are underway across all constituencies in Goa, with projects worth Rs 100 crore tendered in each constituency.
“Besides, we have also taken up work on the upgrade of substations, new power lines, and the conversion of 11KV lines into underground systems,” he said, speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of an Rs 28.46 crore substation at Badem in Assagao. The full-fledged electricity substation has been a long-pending demand of the people.
The project includes a 2X20 MVA, 33/11 KV indoor-type substation at Badem, which will enhance power distribution under the infrastructure development scheme, along with the conversion of the existing overhead 11KV Assagao feeder and 11KV Sodiem feeder to an underground system, ensuring a safer and more efficient power supply.
Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo termed it a big gift to the residents of the constituency. “The Badem substation project, which will be ready in another year, will resolve the power-related issues of our constituency,” she said. “We have laid the foundation stone for three major works worth Rs 55.68 crore, which includes the Badem substation work worth Rs 28.46 crore, the conversion of the existing overhead 11KV feeder to an underground system from DMC to Bobby Junction, which is worth Rs 11.07 crore, and the work on the 11KV Sodiem feeder, which is worth Rs 16.16 crore. This will boost power infrastructure in the constituency.”
Lobo also thanked the Assagao Comunidade for providing land for public interest projects, including the Badem substation, a water treatment plant, and a playground in Assagao village.
Chief Engineer Stephen Fernandes said, “Goa has added 737 megawatts to its existing capacity, which was done in the last three to four years. This has not been done since liberation.” He said that the new substation will cater to future needs for the next 30 to 35 years.
