Srinagar, Feb 6: The Jammu and Kashmir government has accorded administrative approval for the augmentation of the 132/33 KV Grid Substation at the Lower Jhelum Hydel Power Project (LJHP) in Chehla area of Boniyar, enhancing its capacity from 40 MVA to 70 MVA at an estimated cost of ₹12.16 crore.
As per government order no. 43 JK (PDD) of 2026, dated February 4, the project has been sanctioned on the proposal of Jammu and Kashmir Power Transmission Corporation Limited (JKPTCL). The upgrade includes installation of new control and relay (C&R) panels and other allied equipment at the LJHP grid substation.
The approval has been granted subject to strict adherence to codal formalities and procedural norms, including compliance with BIS and CPWD standards, GFR-2017, and other applicable technical codes. The government has directed that the project be executed within the sanctioned cost, with no provision for cost escalation under any circumstances.
According to the order, sufficient budgetary provision must be ensured under the approved Capex Budget 2025–26, and funds are to be arranged from earmarked resources. The executing agency has been instructed not to exceed the approved cost without prior permission of the competent authority.
The project will be awarded through the e-tendering mode to ensure transparency and competitiveness. The department has also been asked to set definite timelines for completion and ensure that the work is completed without any time or cost overruns.
The order further mandates that the project site must be free of legal, environmental, or land-related encumbrances, and that all required no-objection certificates (NOCs) from concerned departments or agencies be obtained before execution.
Physical and financial progress reports are to be submitted to the administrative department well within the stipulated timelines. The implementation of the project will remain strictly aligned with both the technical sanction and administrative approval, the order states.
The approval has been issued with the concurrence of the Director Finance, Power Development Department, and has been signed by Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Power Development Department, Shailendra Kumar, IAS.
However, locals have expressed gratitude to MLA Uri, Dr Sajjad Shafi, for his consistent efforts in getting the grid substation approved for the LJHP on a fast-track basis, which is expected to bring significant relief to the power crisis in Uri and Boniyar areas.
