Arunachal Cabinet launches Rs 20 billion state power programme

The Cabinet of Arunachal Pradesh has approved the Arunachal Pradesh Comprehensive State Power Development Program with a budget outlay of Rs 20 billion to be implemented over four years. The programme focuses on strengthening the state’s power infrastructure, electrifying unserved areas, and preparing for a hydropower-driven future.

The scheme aims to develop sub-transmission and distribution systems in urban and high-density regions, electrify newly created districts and remote villages, and connect local mini-hydropower projects to the grid. A key goal is to bring down aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses to below 15 percent. The state will also roll out prepaid smart metering systems and modernise urban infrastructure to ensure reliability.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Power, Chowna Mein, reviewed the department’s operations at a meeting held at DK Convention Centre, Itanagar. 

Mein announced that the department will be fully revamped. Gaps in earlier schemes and the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) will be addressed through system upgrades. He called for integration of mini-hydroelectric plants into the grid and urged strict implementation of safety guidelines for line staff.

The government also reiterated its vision to make 2025–2035 the ‘Decade of Hydropower’, targeting 58,000 MW of generation capacity. Mein asked the department to submit a restructured proposal for Cabinet approval and assured each power division will be given a utility vehicle.