Major power upgrade initiative aims to ensure reliable electricity supply in Agartala

In a significant move to modernize urban power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) has undertaken a comprehensive capacity enhancement drive across key substations in Agartala city.

The initiative is aimed at addressing the steadily rising power demand while strengthening long-term grid reliability and consumer convenience.

As part of the first phase of the modernization project, a 16 MVA transformer was successfully commissioned on Tuesday (February 17), at the NSRCC power substation. Officials confirmed that this is the highest-capacity transformer installed in the state’s power distribution network so far. The commissioning of this transformer is expected to significantly stabilize electricity supply and reduce voltage fluctuations in several parts of the city.

According to officials from the power corporation, electricity consumption in Agartala has witnessed a substantial rise over the past few years. The growing load had been causing frequent voltage variations, transformer failures, and occasional disruptions in power supply, affecting both residential and commercial consumers. To address these persistent challenges, the corporation has adopted a structured infrastructure upgrade strategy focusing on substation-level capacity expansion.

Under this plan, the earlier 8 MVA transformer at the NSRCC substation has been replaced with the newly installed 16 MVA transformer, effectively doubling the power handling capacity at the facility. This upgrade is expected to enhance supply stability and improve overall service quality for consumers within the substation’s coverage area.

Simultaneously, the corporation has initiated preparations for installing a higher-capacity 32 MVA transformer at the Pragati Vidyabhavan adjacent substation. The installation work is scheduled to be carried out between February 19 and March 3. At present, the Pragati substation operates with a combined capacity of 15 MVA through two transformers. Following the installation of two new 16 MVA transformers, the total capacity of the substation will increase to 32 MVA, enabling it to efficiently meet future electricity demands and maintain better voltage regulation.

The modernization drive is not limited to these substations alone. The Badarghat Stadium substation is also undergoing a capacity enhancement program. Currently equipped with two 7.5 MVA transformers, the substation will soon receive an additional 16 MVA transformer. Once operational, the total capacity at this facility will rise to 23.5 MVA, further strengthening the power distribution network in the surrounding areas.

Managing Director of TSECL, Biswajit Basu, stated that Agartala has experienced an average annual power load growth of 15 to 20 percent over the last three years. Considering this steady rise in demand, the corporation has prioritized planned infrastructure upgrades to ensure that the power supply network remains resilient and future-ready. He emphasized that once the ongoing reforms are completed, the city’s electricity services are expected to witness long-term improvements in reliability and efficiency.

During the installation and up gradation period, authorities have made alternative arrangements to maintain electricity supply across affected areas. However, officials have cautioned that temporary power interruptions may occur in certain localities due to work on the primary transmission lines and load shifting processes. The corporation has appealed to electricity consumers to cooperate during this transitional phase to facilitate smooth execution of the project.

Mr Basu further added that after the successful completion of the Agartala modernization program, similar infrastructure upgrades will be implemented gradually in other district headquarters and sub-divisional towns across the state. The corporation also plans to undertake further development projects to ensure a technologically advanced, stable, and consumer-friendly electricity distribution system in the coming years.