Jammu: Border areas of Ladakh will be connected to the National Power Grid by October 2026, with major transmission line projects currently underway.
Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik informed Parliament that regions like Nubra, Zanskar, and Changthang—currently dependent on small hydro projects, solar plants, and diesel generators—will soon be linked through new transmission lines.
The 220 kV Nubra and Zanskar transmission lines and 66 kV lines from Himya to Nyoma and Kharu to Durbuk are under construction. Out of 265 towers needed for the Phyang-Disket (Nubra) line, 90 have been erected, while work on the Drass-Padum (Zanskar) line has seen 339 of 675 towers completed. Both projects are targeted for completion by October 2026.
Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), projects worth ₹687 crore have been sanctioned, including ₹567 crore for grid connectivity in the Changthang region. “These works will improve the quality and reliability of power supply in Ladakh,” the Minister said.
Ladakh is also pushing renewable energy. A 25 MW solar power plant with a 40 MWh battery system at Taru has been awarded and work is in progress. Projects for Nubra, Zanskar, and Stakna—ranging from 1.5 MW to 7 MW solar capacity with battery storage—are in the pipeline.
On the question of winter electricity shortages, the Minister said rules mandate 24×7 supply for all consumers, though the Commission may specify lower hours for certain categories.
However, he admitted that carbon-neutral energy audits have not yet been conducted for government buildings and defence establishments in Ladakh.
