AP Power sector to get Rs 4,000-cr assistance from World Bank

The World Bank has given an in-principle approval for providing nearly Rs 4,000-crore financial assistance to Andhra Pradesh for power sector. "The Centre is also extending support for infrastructure development in power sector for both rural and urban areas to the tune of nearly Rs 3,200 crore", a statement issued by the State Energy Conservation Mission said. "During the meeting, Ajay Jain, Secretary (Energy) apprised the Chief Minister (N Chandrababu Naidu) that World Bank has given in-principle clearance to provide Rs 3,200 crore to Andhra Pradesh power sector for infrastructure development, besides Rs 750 crore for laying underground cabling system in Visakhapatnam," it said. Quoting Jain, the release said steps have been taken by AP discoms to clear all 1,932 low tension and high tension pending applications with 500 MW load on war footing. The CM has directed officials to work out modalities for ensuring zero power interruption by constructing required new substations and laying alternate lines for the industries in addition to the dedicated feeders in a time bound manner, it added.