2 days ago
Power Projects Gridlocked Due To Planning, Execution Failures
New Delhi: With several key schemes aimed at strengthening Delhi's power transmission network going off track due to poor execution and persistent delays, Delhi Transco has submitted a presentation to the govt, urging a review of ongoing projects and the infusion of fresh ideas and innovative strategies for efficient implementation.
According to an internal document of Delhi Transco Limited (DTL), accessed by TOI, numerous schemes planned during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2017–22) and the first two years of the 14th Plan (2022–27) have faltered due to systemic inefficiencies. The document revealed that during the 13th Plan period, only 58 out of 120 proposed schemes were executed, and merely 36% of the planned expenditure—Rs 2,091 crore out of Rs 5,728 crore—was utilised.
It added that the situation so far remained the same under the 14th plan.
DTL was established in July 2002 following the restructuring of Delhi's power sector. Carved out of the Delhi Vidyut Board, it was designated as the state transmission utility, while power distribution was handed over to three private companies.
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The document further revealed that there have been 18 instances of transformer failures since 2020, but none have been replaced with new units.
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Instead, only stop-gap arrangements were made. Of these, 11 transformers failed before completing their 25-year regulatory lifespan. While five units were temporarily borrowed from other organisations, seven were relocated from other substations.
The document added that DTL's three substations remained non-functional for several days in July–Aug 2024 due to transformer failures, with old and repurposed units being used.
A source familiar with the matter said, "This over-reliance on makeshift fixes underscores a severe lack of planning, inventory, and urgency," adding that poor coordination and ineffective decision-making led to delays in timely and appropriate action.
DTL also highlighted the tenders failing to find contractors willing to take up the works, leading to delays in executing the projects in time. The document stated that a tender to procure a 500 MVA transformer was floated four times between 2020 and 2025 but was cancelled each time.
Similarly, a tender for a 160 MVA transformer was dropped five times since 2019. "This reflects a lackadaisical approach towards the requirement of crucial power transformers that are essential to meet Delhi's future load demand.
It further indicates poor planning, lack of market study, inaccurate estimation, and inclusion of unfavourable terms and conditions in the notice inviting tender," the Delhi Transco Limited said.
To address these inefficiencies, DTL has recommended the formation of a high-level monitoring cell to closely track the progress of ongoing schemes. It also called for organisational restructuring to infuse fresh ideas and strategies for efficient project execution. The utility stressed the need to revisit the schemes under the 14th business plan to ensure realistic, need-based planning aligned with future requirements and supported by achievable timelines.
"IT-enabled platforms may be leveraged to facilitate faceless vendor interactions and streamline various approval processes, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Core projects should be centralised for focused monitoring, while routine and non-critical matters should be decentralised to reduce the excessive burden on higher management and improve overall efficiency," the document stated.
