SRINAGAR, November 9, 2026 : With winter approaching and electricity demand expected to rise across Srinagar and its adjoining areas, Minister for Power Development Department (PDD), Revenue, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) and Elections, Ali Mohammad Sagar, on Monday reviewed the power supply situation and winter preparedness during visits to Zainkote and Bemina.
Accompanied by Hazratbal MLA Salman Sagar, Managing Directors of JKPTCL and KPDCL, Chief Engineers, Executive Engineers and other senior officials, the Minister inspected key power infrastructure and assessed measures being undertaken to strengthen the transmission network and minimise disruptions during the winter months.
Zainkote Grid Station to Get Major Capacity Upgrade
A major highlight of the visit was the proposed augmentation of the Zainkote Grid Station from 450 MVA to 780 MVA at an estimated cost of ₹89.46 crore.
The project is aimed at enhancing the capacity of the transmission network to meet Srinagar’s growing electricity requirements and improve the reliability of power supply in adjoining areas, including Shari-Khas.
Officials informed the Minister that the proposed augmentation would also strengthen power supply to the 132/33 kV Grid Station at Waganpora and GIS Khanyar, improving the supporting transmission infrastructure serving the city.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project has been approved, and the tendering process is scheduled to begin by November 10, 2026, according to the information shared during the inspection.
Once completed, the capacity enhancement is expected to provide additional support to the power network as demand rises during winter. The actual benefits will depend on the timely execution and commissioning of the project.
Bemina Grid Station Reviewed
The Minister also inspected the 132/33 kV, 200 MVA Grid Station at Bemina, an important power infrastructure facility catering to several densely populated localities of Srinagar.
The station serves areas including Bemina, Qamarwari, Karanagar, Fatehkadal, Barbar Shah, PC Depot, JVC and adjoining localities through its associated receiving stations.
During the inspection, Sagar reviewed the functioning of the existing infrastructure and emphasised the need to maintain operational efficiency, strengthen coordination among field teams and address issues that could affect electricity supply.
He directed officials to ensure that ongoing and proposed works are completed within stipulated timelines, operational bottlenecks are removed promptly and adequate arrangements are in place to minimise power disruptions during the winter season.
Overview Data Centre Also Inspected
As part of the visit, the Minister inspected the Overview Data Centre at Bemina and took stock of its functioning and associated infrastructure.
The inspection formed part of the broader review of the department’s preparedness to manage the power supply system during the challenging winter period.
Focus on Public Grievances and Uninterrupted Supply
Emphasising Srinagar’s expanding urban landscape and increasing electricity consumption, Sagar called for a proactive and coordinated approach to winter preparedness.
He stressed that reliable, uninterrupted and quality power supply must remain a priority, particularly when harsh weather conditions and increased household demand place additional pressure on the electricity network.
The Minister also directed the concerned officers to remain responsive to public grievances and ensure the prompt resolution of power-related complaints.
The review comes at a crucial time for Srinagar, where strengthening transmission capacity, maintaining grid infrastructure and improving coordination between power agencies are essential to managing seasonal demand.
KEY TAKEAWAY: The proposed ₹89.46-crore Zainkote Grid Station augmentation will raise capacity from 450 MVA to 780 MVA, while the PDD has been directed to accelerate preparedness measures and minimise winter power disruptions across Srinagar.
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