Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar reviewed Tripura’s power and urban development sectors in Agartala, stressing power infrastructure modernization, smart metering, rooftop solar expansion, and financial reforms for TSECL. The Centre also announced major urban infrastructure investments while outlining long-term plans for India’s growing energy demand.
Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday emphasized the urgent need for modernization of Tripura’s power infrastructure while expressing serious concern over the financial condition of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) during a high-level review meeting held at the State Guest House Sonar Tori in Agartala.
The review meeting, attended by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Urban Development Secretary Abhishek Singh and senior officials of the power department and TSECL, focused on assessing ongoing projects, strengthening electricity infrastructure, improving consumer services, and preparing long-term development strategies for the state’s energy sector.
During the extensive deliberations, Khattar reportedly stressed the need for accelerated reforms to ensure uninterrupted and reliable electricity supply across Tripura. Discussions centered on modernizing transmission and distribution systems, improving service delivery standards, reducing technical and commercial losses, and adopting advanced technologies to make the power sector more efficient and consumer-friendly.
A major concern highlighted during the meeting was the deteriorating financial condition of TSECL. According to officials, the state utility is burdened with accumulated losses of nearly Rs 800 crore and transmission and distribution losses of approximately 26 percent. The Union Minister underlined the importance of financial restructuring and discussed with the Chief Minister the possibility of a one-time financial support package to help stabilize the corporation.
Khattar emphasized that reducing power theft, identifying unauthorized electricity connections, and accelerating the installation of smart meters would be critical in improving revenue collection and enhancing the operational efficiency of the utility. He noted that smart metering remains one of the key components of the Centre’s strategy to strengthen power distribution companies and improve transparency in electricity consumption and billing.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at improving the quality and reliability of power supply through infrastructure upgrades and technological interventions. Particular focus was placed on expanding smart metering coverage and strengthening transmission networks to meet future demand.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath described the review meeting as highly productive and significant for the future of Tripura’s power sector. He stated that detailed discussions were held on power infrastructure modernization, service quality improvement, consumer-oriented initiatives, and future development plans.
According to Nath, officials and engineers from various government departments and organizations received valuable guidance on measures required to transform Tripura’s electricity sector into a stronger, more dependable, and technology-driven system capable of supporting the state’s long-term development goals.
The Union Minister also reviewed ongoing transmission infrastructure projects and indicated that fresh tenders for several key transmission lines would be floated shortly. These projects are expected to strengthen the state’s electricity network and ensure that future power requirements are met efficiently as demand continues to rise.
Renewable energy development emerged as another major topic during the discussions. Khattar observed that while Tripura has limited hydropower potential, the state possesses significant opportunities in solar energy generation. He informed that a tender has already been floated for a 200 MW solar power project, which is expected to substantially boost the state’s renewable energy capacity.
The Minister further highlighted the progress of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, under which the government aims to install between one lakh and two lakh rooftop solar systems in Tripura by March 2027. The initiative is expected to promote clean energy adoption, reduce dependence on conventional power sources, and lower electricity expenses for households.
The implementation of PM-KUSUM and rooftop solar expansion initiatives was also reviewed during the meeting. Officials discussed strategies to accelerate renewable energy adoption while strengthening supporting transmission infrastructure necessary for integrating solar power into the grid.
Beyond the power sector, Khattar reviewed urban development projects and announced that Tripura is likely to receive projects worth approximately Rs 1,200 crore within the next two months. These projects form part of a larger nationwide urban infrastructure programme involving investments of nearly Rs 4 lakh crore aimed at improving urban amenities, infrastructure, and public services across the country.
The Union Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved by Tripura in both power and urban development sectors. However, he stressed that continued reforms, infrastructure investments, and efficient implementation of government schemes would remain essential to sustaining long-term economic growth and improving public services.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Khattar also highlighted India’s rapidly increasing electricity demand. He noted that the country recorded an all-time peak electricity demand of 270.8 GW on May 21 this year. Rising industrial activity, expansion of data centres, increasing adoption of electric vehicles, and growing household consumption are driving energy demand across the country.
To meet future requirements, the Centre plans to expand India’s power generation capacity from the current 283 GW to nearly 300 GW next year. Khattar stated that a comprehensive power adequacy plan has already been prepared up to 2029-30, taking into account projected demand and contributions from thermal, hydro, solar, nuclear, and other renewable energy sources.
Nuclear energy, he said, will play a crucial role in India’s long-term energy security strategy. While the country currently generates approximately 8 GW of nuclear power and has another 9 GW under construction, the government has set an ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear generation capacity by 2047 through policy reforms and increased private sector participation.
Following the review meeting, Khattar shared details of the discussions through his official social media platform, stating that key issues concerning the Swachh Bharat Mission and the state’s power sector were discussed in detail. He reiterated that special emphasis had been placed on improving distribution company efficiency, reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, strengthening transmission planning, expanding smart metering, and accelerating rooftop solar adoption.
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Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha also described the meeting as an important exercise in reviewing ongoing projects and discussing future plans aimed at improving infrastructure and public services in the state. The Chief Minister said the discussions would contribute significantly to enhancing Tripura’s development trajectory and improving the quality of services delivered to citizens.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath echoed similar sentiments, stating that the meeting would help accelerate the progress of the power sector and strengthen its contribution to the overall welfare and development of Tripura.
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As the state moves forward with infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy expansion, financial reforms, and smart technology adoption, the review meeting is being seen as a significant step toward building a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable power sector capable of supporting Tripura’s future economic growth and development aspirations.
