Sterlite Grid, a subsidiary of Sterlite Technologies Ltd, has commissioned India’s first ultra mega transmission project, on November 13, 2014. The first line in this project connecting Purnea and Bihar Sharif was commissioned in September 2013, which was the first 400kV line to cross the river Ganges since independence. The second line which is about 225km long connects Bongaigaon in Assam to Siliguri in West Bengal. The 400kV double-circuit quad transmission line was commissioned on November 13, 2014 making the East-North Interconnection Company Ltd (ENICL) fully operational.
ENICL project transmission lines were identified as one of the highest priority lines by Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO) as they provide critical connectivity for transfer of power from the power plants in the north eastern region. Also, this project will address the critical issue of power shortfall during non-monsoon months bringing significant relief to the residents of Assam.
Transmission lines in this project pass through some of the most difficult terrains in Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. The construction of these lines were completed by overcoming several challenges including natural calamities like floods & earthquakes, crossing of large rivers such as Ganges, Teesta, Kosi, etc riots in Kokrajhar and right-of-way hurdles.
