Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 03 December 2024
In a significant step towards resolving the persistent power crisis in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the 50 MW RLNG-based power plant project has been revived following the intervention of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The move comes in response to a detailed request made by Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, who has been advocating for a permanent solution to the region’s electricity issues.
Fulfilling his election-time commitment, Mr. Ray submitted a comprehensive letter to the Prime Minister, highlighting the challenges faced by the Islands. He pointed out the underperformance of grid-connected solar power projects in Sri Vijaya Puram, as a contributing factor to the power crisis. Despite the failures of these solar initiatives, proposals for additional grid-linked solar projects were being considered, a matter Mr. Ray flagged as concerning in his letter.
The MP also reminded the Prime Minister of his 2018 announcement during a visit to the Islands, where he committed to establishing a 50 MW RLNG-based power plant to address the Islands’ energy needs. However, the project was inexplicably shelved, leaving the region grappling with its electricity challenges.
In his appeal, Mr. Ray urged the Prime Minister to intervene and ensure the RLNG project received the necessary approvals. Acting on this request, the Prime Minister directed the Power Minister to re-initiate the process. This led to the Ministry granting approval for the RLNG project, as confirmed by Mr. Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Minister of State for Power, New & Renewable Energy, in a communication to the MP dated November 26, 2024.
Mr. Ray expressed his gratitude for the government’s decision, emphasising that the RLNG power plant would be instrumental in alleviating the longstanding power shortages in the Islands. This development is expected to bring much-needed relief to residents and pave the way for improved energy infrastructure in the region.