New Delhi: In a major boost to power infrastructure development in Meghalaya and the wider North-Eastern region, REC Limited, a Maharatna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, has successfully facilitated a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) and the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI).
The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Shakeel P. Ahammed, Chief Secretary, Meghalaya; Mr. Jitendra Srivastava, CMD, REC; Dr. J. Sreedevi, DG, CPRI; Mr. Prince Dhawan, ED, REC; Mr. Subhendu Roy, CPM Guwahati, REC, along with senior officials from MePDCL, CPRI, and REC.
A Strategic Boost for Power Quality Under RDSS
The collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening quality assurance for power distribution infrastructure under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) – a flagship initiative aimed at improving the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of DISCOMs.
Key Highlights of the MoU
1. Establishment of NABL-Accredited Testing Facility in Meghalaya
A central objective of the partnership is the development of a locally available NABL-accredited testing laboratory.
This will resolve long-standing logistical challenges faced by North Eastern states that currently rely on distant laboratories for testing critical materials, often leading to delays in RDSS project execution.
2. CPRI to Lead Technical and Consultancy Support
CPRI will:
- Prepare detailed technical specifications for procurement
- Guide MePDCL through documentation procedures
- Offer expert supervision for the NABL inspection process
This ensures the facility meets national testing standards and is fully audit-ready.
3. REC’s Mediation and Commitment to Quality
As the Nodal Agency for RDSS, REC Limited played a pivotal role in enabling the collaboration.
The establishment of a local testing lab will –
- Accelerate Field Material Quality Testing and Inspection (FMQI)
- Prevent delays caused by transporting heavy equipment like Distribution Transformers (DTRs)
- Enhance compliance with strict RDSS quality norms
4. Strengthening Local Technical Capacity
MePDCL will contribute by providing advanced testing instruments such as –
- HV test benches
- Frequency meters
- Calibrated testing equipment
With continuous training and handholding from CPRI experts, Meghalaya will further build local technical expertise and reduce dependency on external facilities.
Leaders Highlight Project Significance
Chief Secretary, Meghalaya – “This initiative will bolster the pace of works under RDSS and help MePDCL build in-house testing capacity. We appreciate MePDCL’s efforts to ensure quality certification of power infrastructure being built under RDSS.”
CMD, REC Limited – “This MoU is a landmark in overcoming the geographic hurdles that slow down quality assessment in the North-East. The establishment of a local NABL-accredited facility will ensure that RDSS projects in Meghalaya meet the highest standards and are executed efficiently, ultimately benefiting consumers.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of Sh. Sanjay Goyal, CMD, MeECL and Mr. Prince Dhawan, ED, REC.
A Collaborative Push Toward Reliable Power Supply
This agreement is a testament to the collective commitment of MePDCL, CPRI, and REC Limited to improve power system reliability, enhance service delivery, and ensure the long-term sustainability of power distribution networks in Meghalaya.
About REC Limited
REC Limited (formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited) is a leading public sector financial company in India. Established in 1969, REC is one of the largest non-banking financial institutions dedicated to financing the power sector. The company’s operations extend to financing power transmission and distribution, renewable energy, and rural electrification projects, with a strong focus on sustainable development. REC has been a significant player in shaping India’s energy infrastructure and continues to support large-scale projects in the power and infrastructure sectors.
