MAPUSA
Siolim constituency has received a significant boost in power infrastructure with the launch of a Rs 55-crore upgrade project.
The foundation stone for the initiative, which includes the construction of a full-fledged electricity sub-station at Badem in Assagao, was laid recently, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the region.
The project features a state-of-the-art 2x20MVA, 33/11KV indoor-type sub-station at Badem, aimed at enhancing power distribution under the infrastructure development scheme.
Additionally, the upgrade includes the conversion of the existing overhead 11KV Assagao feeder and 11KV sodium feeder into an underground system, ensuring a safer and more efficient power supply.
Power Minister Ramkrishna (Sudhin) Dhavalikar, along with Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo, presided over the foundation stone-laying ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Dhavalikar highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening power infrastructure across Goa.
“Upgrades are being carried out in every constituency, with projects worth nearly Rs 100 crore being tendered in each region,” Dhavalikar said.
“We are also working on the modernisation of sub-stations, laying new power lines, and converting 11KV overhead lines into underground systems to improve reliability,” he added.
Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo emphasised that the Badem sub-station project will resolve long-standing power issues in the constituency and is expected to be completed within a year.
“We have initiated three major projects worth Rs 55.68 crore. These include the Badem sub-station, which costs Rs 28.46 crore, the conversion of the overhead 11KV feeder to an underground system from DMC to Bobby Junction, worth Rs 11.07 crore, and the underground 11KV Sodiem feeder project, costing Rs 16.16 crore. This will significantly strengthen power infrastructure in the constituency,” Lobo stated.
She also expressed gratitude to the Assagao comunidade for providing land for essential public projects, including the Badem sub-station, a water treatment plant, and a playground in Assagao.
Chief Engineer Stephen Fernandes underscored the rapid expansion of Goa’s power infrastructure, noting that the state has added 737 megawatts to its capacity in the past three to four years “ an achievement not seen since liberation.
He assured that the new sub-station will meet the region’s power demands for the next 30 to 35 years.
The event was also attended by Anjuna Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar, Assagao Sarpanch Hanumant Goevkar, Oxel Sarpanch Reshal Arolkar, Siolim-Marna Sarpanch Sandesh Hadfakar, Siolim-Sodiem Sarpanch Deepa Pednekar, ZP member Niharika Mandrekar, and other local leaders.
