VIJAYAWADA: Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Wednesday said Andhra Pradesh is fast-tracking a Rs 14,962 crore transmission network expansion to meet the State’s rising power demand.
At a review meeting with APTRANSCO officials at the Secretariat, the minister emphasised quality, timely execution, and strict monitoring of projects at 400 kV, 220 kV, and 132 kV levels. Gottipati set a target to complete projects worth Rs 6,000 crore by 2027 and asked for regular reviews with contractors to resolve hurdles. He said priority would be given to port-linked projects, industrial zones, and the capital region, while also supporting aqua farmers and addressing statewide tripping issues.
The minister reviewed power needs for proposed metro projects in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, and called for substations to back data centers and industries in Visakhapatnam. He also urged modernisation of aging substations and integration of underground cabling in the CRDA region, citing long-term savings.
Discussions also focused on supplying 132 kV power to Machilipatnam Port and an extra-high tension supply to Ramayapatnam Port.
Gottipati underground cabling, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). APTRANSCO has already initiated tariff-based bidding for a 2,000 MWh BESS sanctioned by the Ministry of Power, which he said will make Andhra Pradesh a leader in large-scale storage.
To meet Amaravati’s growing demand, APTRANSCO is building two 220 kV GIS substations at Nelapadu and Lingayapalem, while upgrading the Tadepalli substation to a 220/132/33 kV facility.
The minister also assured renewable energy investors of single-window clearances and skill training for local youth. Companies including Reliance, Axis Energy, and Suzlon presented investment plans.
Axis Energy outlined a Rs 30,500 crore, 3,000 MW solar project with Brookfield, creating 3,500 jobs. Suzlon highlighted Rs 12,000 crore in wind projects, upgrading its Anantapur unit to employ 1,700 workers.
Reliance announced plans for 500 compressed biogas (CBG) plants across five districts, investing Rs 65,000 crore and creating 2.5 lakh jobs.