Delay in power project: Defaulter contractors to face penalties

Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 3

With the implementation of the Restructured Accelerated Power Development & Reforms Programme (RAPDRP) running behind schedule, the government has directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to impose penalties on defaulter contractors.

The Centrally sponsored project was supposed to be completed by the end of 2015-16 but it is still incomplete with allegations of use of poor quality material and equipment being levelled against the contractors hired by IRCON International Limited which was awarded the contract in 2014. The project has seen long delays ever since it was announced during the NC-Congress government in 2013.

Officials said there was pressure from the Union Power Ministry which took note of the slow pace of work being conducted under the RAPDRP across the state. About three extensions have been given to the contractors to complete the work but several important works are still pending.

“I have directed officials to devise a mechanism to ensure early completion of the works. There should be strong action against the contractors who are not pursuing the projects with sincerity,” said Minister of State (MoS) Power, Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi.

Under the RAPDRP, special power cables having plastic covering are being laid by private companies to lower transmission and distribution losses. Under the bunch cable technology, the existing wires are being replaced with heavy-duty plastic-covered wires, which will prevent hooking by consumers.

The power infrastructure in 30 towns of the state is being upgraded at a sanctioned cost of Rs 1,665 crore under the RAPDRP, of which Rs 889.56 crore is being spent in the Kashmir division while Rs 775.71 crore is being incurred in Jammu.