Government to establish transmission link between India, Sri Lanka

Oct 24, 2008 - Zeenews.com

New Delhi , Oct 24: Government on Friday said it plans to set up a transmission line under the sea to connect power distribution networks with Sri Lanka.

"A feasibility study is being proposed for establishing a transmission system of 1,000 MW capacity using overhead sub-marine cables between India and Sri Lanka," Minister of State for Power Jairam Ramesh said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

The system would have two High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) terminal stations at both sides of the link.

The study would facilitate estimation of capital cost based on route survey, benefits and would also examine the techno-economic feasibility of the interconnection.

The proposed interconnection is expected to enable both the countries to exchange electricity for mutual benefit through optimisation of resources and economy of scale.

Meanwhile, Ramesh said, the Finance Minister has proposed to provide Rs 800 crore in 2008-09 for the Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (APDRP) and also proposed to create a national fund for transmission and distribution reforms.

Bureau Report