NHPC commissions pre-feasibility report for power pump storage project in Tripura

The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has commissioned a pre-feasibility report for a power pump storage project in Tripura’s Longtharai Valley Sub-division, located in the Dhalai District. This initiative aims to address the growing power demand in the state. Managing Director of Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL), Biswajit Basu, shared the news with reporters on Wednesday. He highlighted that Tripura’s peak hour power demand has surged to around 300 MW, with projections indicating an increase to over 750 MW in the near future. “We have limited resources, lacking significant hydro potential aside from the Dumboor Hydro Power Plant. NHPC has pinpointed some locations for a power pump storage project, with one likely to be established in the Longtharai Valley Sub-division. NHPC has commissioned Tata Consulting Engineers to prepare a pre-feasibility report. If viable, this project could be transformative for Tripura,” said Basu.

In addition, TSECL is preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the underground installation of power cables in Agartala city. This project will be executed in two phases: one under the Smart City project and another by TSECL, covering both 11 kV and Low Tension lines. “Work on laying cables underground in Agartala has commenced. The DPR preparation is underway, and financial arrangements are in progress,” Basu added. Basu also mentioned that TSECL has deployed power officials and linemen across the state’s 67 power sub-divisions to ensure round-the-clock service.

“More than 20,000 distribution transformers have been installed, with some scheduled for replacement soon. From the first week of August, Durga Puja maintenance work will start, and transformers will be changed as needed. We are also enhancing the capacity of call centres and providing mobile numbers at the sub-divisional level for better complaint management,” he said.