Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a major Rs 521.58 crore power infrastructure package under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the upcoming Akhanda Godavari Maha Pushkaralu–2027.
The approvals were granted during a State Distribution Reforms Committee (SDRC) review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary G Sai Prasad at the Secretariat on Monday.
The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary (Energy) K Vijayanand and senior officials from the energy department.
Rs 345.54 Crore Sanctioned for Power Infrastructure in Godavari Region
The Akhanda Godavari Maha Pushkaralu–2027 is expected to attract nearly one crore devotees every day to the Godavari region during the 12-day religious event.
To meet the additional electricity demand, the SDRC approved Rs 345.54 crore for strengthening power infrastructure across key districts.
The works will be carried out in:
- Rajamahendravaram.
- Konaseema.
- Kakinada.
- West Godavari districts.
The infrastructure upgrade is aimed at ensuring reliable power supply and preventing disruptions during the large-scale event.
Rajamahendravaram to Receive Additional 100 MW Power Capacity Support
The committee noted that Rajamahendravaram alone is expected to witness an additional power demand of around 100 MW during the festival period.
To address this requirement, the government has planned several distribution network improvements, including:
- Construction of new 33/11 kV substations.
- Installation of additional 33 kV and 11 kV transmission lines.
- Enhancement of existing transformer capacities.
- Deployment of additional distribution transformers.
Chief Secretary G Sai Prasad directed officials to complete the projects well before the festival and conduct extensive testing to ensure system reliability.
Rs 176.04 Crore Approved for SCADA System Modernisation
Apart from festival-related power arrangements, the SDRC approved a Rs 176.04 crore technology modernisation project to improve power distribution management.
The project includes:
- Upgradation of the existing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system in Visakhapatnam.
- Development of a new SCADA system in Rajahmundry.
The modern systems will help in:
- Real-time monitoring of the power grid.
- Remote operation of substations.
- Faster identification of faults.
- Quicker restoration of electricity supply.
RDSS and Smart Meter Projects Extended Till March 2027
The committee also reviewed delays in ongoing RDSS projects due to field-level challenges.
The deadlines for all ongoing:
- RDSS loss reduction works.
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) smart meter contracts.
have been extended until March 31, 2027.
The extension will support the completion of critical electricity improvement projects being implemented by:
- Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL).
- Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL).
- Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Limited (APCPDCL).
Focus on Feeder Strengthening and Underground Cabling Projects
The extended timeline covers several important infrastructure projects aimed at improving power efficiency and reliability.
Major works include:
- Agricultural feeder segregation.
- Bifurcation of overloaded feeders.
- Advanced metering infrastructure implementation.
- High-priority underground cabling project in Visakhapatnam.
The underground cabling project in Vizag is designed to strengthen the coastal city’s electricity network and improve resilience against natural disasters.
Andhra Pradesh Prepares Power Network for Major Religious Event
With the Akhanda Godavari Maha Pushkaralu–2027 expected to bring a massive influx of devotees, the state government is focusing on advance planning and infrastructure readiness.
The Rs 521.58 crore power package is expected to improve electricity availability, strengthen distribution networks, and ensure smooth power management during the event while also supporting long-term energy infrastructure development in the region.
