The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has approved Meghalaya’s long-term transmission plan, which would run until 2031–2022, significantly enhancing the state’s electrical infrastructure. In order to modernize the state’s electricity system, the comprehensive plan calls for building 1,090 circuit kilometers of new transmission lines and adding 760 MVA of transformation capacity. The project is expected to cost Rs 2,270 crore. Citing the state’s acute resource shortage and the pressing need to modernize its antiquated transmission network, Power Minister A.T. Mondal has urged the Union Ministry of Power to provide financial support under the ongoing North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP). The Minister of Power, Shri Mondal, has expressed concern over delays in Power System Development Fund (PSDF) approvals for northeastern states.
He called on the NPC chairman to expedite the approval process, citing persistent funding bottlenecks. Mondal also highlighted growing cybersecurity threats to the power sector and proposed the establishment of a 132/33 kV substation in Baghmara to address logistical issues. He also addressed power supply issues in the Ri-Bhoi district. The Indian minister has announced plans to upgrade transmission infrastructure in affected regions but acknowledged that large-scale models may not be feasible due to geographical challenges. He also ruled out cross-border energy trade with Bangladesh, stating that surplus power is not exportable and a power deficit is present. The state plans to build 5-10 substations annually to improve rural electrification.
