In line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047: Plans to strengthen electricity and water supply in the NDMC area in the New Year — Kuljeet Singh Chahal

New Delhi : In line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and with the objective of strengthen electricity and water supply in the New Delhi area more efficient, reliable, and seamless, the Vice Chairperson of New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Shri Kuljeet Singh Chahal, today shared detailed information about important upcoming proposals related to power and water supply during a press briefing held at Palika Kendra today. These proposals will be placed before the forthcoming Council meeting.

Strengthening Electricity Supply under RDSS
Shri Chahal informed that to strengthen electricity supply in the NDMC area, the Government of India’s RDSS (Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme) is being implemented. Under this scheme, four major components are being undertaken in NDMC, including the appointment of a Project Management Agency (PMA), replacement of 11 kV panels under loss reduction measures, installation of the SCADA/DMS system, and Smart/System Metering through AMISP.

He stated that the existing power distribution system in NDMC is quite old. Several HT and LT panels have exceeded their prescribed service life, some of which date back to the pre-Independence era. In addition, three major transformers of 30 MVA capacity have also become old, placing excessive stress on the overall system. If these assets are not replaced in time, there is a risk of prolonged power outages.

Shri Chahal emphasized that the NDMC area is a VIP zone, housing offices related to the President and the Prime Minister, Central Ministries, foreign embassies, and other key institutions. Therefore, uninterrupted and reliable power supply in this area is of utmost importance. He further informed that under the RDSS scheme, NDMC is receiving substantial financial assistance from the Ministry of Power and PFC, and the Council had approved the appointment of M/s Rodic Consultants Pvt. Ltd. as the Project Management Agency on 12.12.2024.

Replacement of 11 kV Panels and Strengthening of Distribution Infrastructure
Shri Chahal stated that there are approximately 4,400 HT panels installed in the NDMC area, most of which are based on outdated Bulk Oil Circuit Breaker (BOCB) technology. These panels have become technologically obsolete and unsafe. Currently, modern and secure Gas Insulated Technology (State-of-the-Art Technology) is being adopted, which occupies less space, is environmentally friendly, and helps reduce pollution. He added that many of the existing panels are nearly 45 years old, whereas their normal service life is only 25–30 years.

Under Phase-I, a proposal has been made to replace 829 old 11 kV panels on a priority basis, which will significantly enhance the safety, reliability, and operational efficiency of the power system. Under this project, 60% of the funding will be provided by the Ministry of Power and 40% by NDMC, and the work will be awarded to the L-1 bidder. This proposal will be placed before the upcoming Council meeting.

SCADA/DMS and System Metering Project
Shri Chahal further informed that another important project related to SCADA/DMS and system metering will also be brought before the forthcoming Council meeting to further strengthen the electricity infrastructure. Under this project as well, 60% funding will be provided by the Ministry of Power and 40% by NDMC, and approval has been received from the Ministry of Power. The project will be awarded to the L-1 bidder.

Strengthening Water Supply System
Regarding water supply, Shri Chahal stated that to strengthen water distribution in the NDMC area, a 24×7 Water Supply Control Room will be constructed at a newly allotted plot located at Old R.K. Ashram Marg. The control room will be a single-storey RCC structure and will include an underground water tank of 1 lakh litre capacity. The total cost of this project will be ₹5.24 crore, and the proposal will be placed before the upcoming Council meeting. He added that the control room will function round-the-clock, leading to a significant reduction in water-related complaints, and even in cases of reduced supply from DJB, NDMC will be able to ensure water availability across the area.

Shri Chahal also informed that NDMC currently has 23 water trolleys. In addition, 12 new water tankers of 9 KL capacity are being procured through the GeM portal, and at present, 8 water tankers of 10 KL capacity are being operated on a rental basis for a period of 9 months.

Replacement of Water Pipelines in Pandara Road Area
He further stated that a proposal to replace the old C.I. pipelines with D.I. pipelines in the Pandara Road area will also be brought before the upcoming Council meeting. The area has been facing repeated complaints of contaminated water, frequent pipe bursts, leakages, and interruptions in water supply. The total cost of this project is ₹8.01 crore. Upon completion, the entire water supply system in the Pandara Road area will be modernized, ensuring continuous and clean water supply, reduced leakages, prevention of water wastage, and relief from issues related to polluted water.

Shri Chahal concluded by stating that all these major proposals will be presented in the forthcoming Council meeting and passed with consensus. The objective of these initiatives is to provide better, modern, and reliable civic services to the residents and visitors of the New Delhi area, in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.