PowerGrid urges locals to complete Rajarhat substation

NEW DELHI: Central transmission utility Power Grid Corp has sought cooperation from all stakeholders for completion of Rajarhat substation in West Bengal amid protests by certain section of local people.
"Considering the advantages of the Rajarhat 400/220kV substation project, Power Grid Corp solicits cooperation from all stakeholders," Power Grid Corp said in a statement today.

A senior official said that the project is almost complete and was to be inaugurated in a couple of weeks but violence erupted in certain areas to protest against it.

He also said that the land for project was acquired at market rates to adequately compensate local people.

According to statement, Rajarhat 400/220kV substation, being established by Power Grid Corp with 1000MVA capacity, is critical to supply of power in Kolkata and surrounding areas.

This substation is being connected to Farakka and Purnea so that it not only receives the power from Thermal Generating Power Stations in Frarakka and Sagardighi but also hydro power from North Eastern Hydro Stations.

This substation is created with a modern gas insulated switchgear (GIS) technology, which requires about one-fourth of the land as compared to conventional substation.

GIS technology is safe, reliable and requires less maintenance. This technology is a proven technology with more than 5000 High Voltage GIS Installations world-wide already in use; including in developed countries like Japan, UK, China, Russia, USA etc. Even in India, more than 30 High Voltage GIS Installations are working as on date, it added.

The construction works of Rajarhat 400/220 kV Substation are undergoing for the last 2-3 years and is on the verge of completion. Government of West Bengal is all along supporting Power Grid Corp in the early completion of this important project, it added.