RobbieS
SENIOR MEMBER
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2009
- Messages
- 2,051
- Reaction score
- 0
Just came across a full page report in the Economic Times on how India's very own Power Grid Corporation braved bombs, landmines and even avalanches to bring power to the capital city of Afghanistan. Further proof that India is playing a significant role in rebuilding the war-torn nation. As an Indian I am proud of Power Grid's efforts to light up the lives of the common Afghans.
As the original article is only available in e-paper format I am writing down a few excerpts from the paper.
Lighting up Kabul ePaper Lite - Times of India Publications
The Project: 202 km 22kV DC Pul-e-Khumri-Kabul line
220/110/20-kV Chimtala sub-station
Construction of a twonship at Kabul
Training of Afghan electricity dept. personnel
Deadline: Within 42 months
Cost: Rs. 478.72 crore (sponsored by MEA, GoI)
Significance: The project would have enabled the Afghan govt. to import power from generating stations in Uzbekistan via Pul-e-Khumri the Kabul to bridge to bridge the gap of 100-200mw between demand and supply in Kabul.
Result: The project was completed by Power Grid Corporation of India within deadline and cost estimates. The Kabul line was energized on January 20, 2009 and the power flow commenced immediately. President Karzai inaugurated the Chimtala sub-station on May 18, 2009.
Needless to say, PGCI braved enormous difficulties to complete the project. As Pakistan refused the use of its territory for transportation of essential materials, equipment was imported through Iran's Bandar Abbas port and transported through more than 2000km of war-torn country to Northern Afghanistan. The line was to pass through the Salang Pass in the Hindu Kush mountains, situated at about 4000m above sea level. The company even lost a General manager, Bhola Ram to a suicide attack on Feb 26 this year.
As the original article is only available in e-paper format I am writing down a few excerpts from the paper.
Lighting up Kabul ePaper Lite - Times of India Publications
The Project: 202 km 22kV DC Pul-e-Khumri-Kabul line
220/110/20-kV Chimtala sub-station
Construction of a twonship at Kabul
Training of Afghan electricity dept. personnel
Deadline: Within 42 months
Cost: Rs. 478.72 crore (sponsored by MEA, GoI)
Significance: The project would have enabled the Afghan govt. to import power from generating stations in Uzbekistan via Pul-e-Khumri the Kabul to bridge to bridge the gap of 100-200mw between demand and supply in Kabul.
Result: The project was completed by Power Grid Corporation of India within deadline and cost estimates. The Kabul line was energized on January 20, 2009 and the power flow commenced immediately. President Karzai inaugurated the Chimtala sub-station on May 18, 2009.
Needless to say, PGCI braved enormous difficulties to complete the project. As Pakistan refused the use of its territory for transportation of essential materials, equipment was imported through Iran's Bandar Abbas port and transported through more than 2000km of war-torn country to Northern Afghanistan. The line was to pass through the Salang Pass in the Hindu Kush mountains, situated at about 4000m above sea level. The company even lost a General manager, Bhola Ram to a suicide attack on Feb 26 this year.
