WB to assist Tk 3,642 crore in power sector

Staff Correspondent: The government has taken a major initiative for the development of electricity with assistance of the World Bank (WB).

The 'Eastern zone grid network extension and capacity strengthening' project will cost of Tk 5,803.94 crore in a bid to ensure reliable power supply to greater Comilla, Noakhali and Chittagong Region.

Of the estimated amount of cost, WB will assist Tk 3,642.48 crore for the project.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the project among 15 worth Tk 17,987 crore on Tuesday.

Briefing the reporters after the meeting, Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited under the Power Division will implement the Eastern Zone Grid Network Extension and Capacity Strengthening Project by December 2021 with Taka 3,642.48 crore loan assistance from the World Bank.

The project, which also aims to meet the growing power demand of the region alongside reducing wastage, will be implemented at 35 upazilas under 9 districts of Dhaka and Chittagong divisions.

According to the Power System Master Plan 2016, there is a need to establish such power transmission system across the country which will be capable of transmitting around 40,000 MW of power by 2030.

Under the circumstances, the project has been approved to boost the capacity of the Eastern Zone Grid Network.

The main project operations include erection of some 12.63 kilometre 400 KV transmission lines, setting up 175.91 kilometer 230 KV Transmission lines as well as 256.3 kilometre 132 KV Transmission lines, construction of some 14 Power sub stations, six bay extensions and some 86 acres of land acquisition.

risingbd/Dhaka/February 27, 2018/Hasibul/A K Azad