Considering the rise in energy demand by the year 2035, Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) has set a target to generate 5000 MW power for Chattogram region. In this regard, PDB is implementing a new mega project in Chattogram, Cox's Bazaar, Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachari.
Once the project is implemented, there will no longer be any load shedding in Chattogram. According to experts, economical growth will also be facilitated. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) The 'Chattogram Zone Electricity Distribution System Development Project-II' was approved in January if this year in the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). The project will cost 2,552 crore taka and will be completed in June of 2022.
According to project sources, the current demand for electricity in the greater region of Chattogram is about 1600 to 1700 MW. Considering the rise in demand by the year 2035, about 2,500 km of transmission line is being renovated to implement the new project. Apart from the installation of 25 new sub-stations of 33 KV capacity, the capacity of the old sub-stations is being increased. A double circuit cable will be placed underground with a length of 87 km.
An 800 km transmission line with 11KV capacity and 6000 transformers will be installed as well. These sub-stations will be established at Faujdarhat, Pahartali, Barobkundo, Rampur, Agrabad, Kalurghat, Sholashahar, Stadium, Patharghata, Matarbari, Halishahar, Khulshi, Baklia, Hatahazari, Sandwip, Patiya at the Sales and Distribution department. A sub-station will be installed in Cox’s Bazaar as well.
According to PDB officials, like urban areas, villages are also becoming dependent on electricity. Even if production increases, they do not have the equipment or infrastructure to efficiently supply electricity. It is crucial to develop the power distribution department and bring reform to transmission lines.
PDB Chattogram region chief engineer Probir Kumar Sen said, ‘There are various mega development projects in Chattogram region including big industries. The electricity demand here will increase in the future. We are working on our current project while keeping that in mind. The transmission lines we have now are very old. The load capacity of transmission lines will be reformed to keep up with demand.’
Project director (PD) and PDB supervising engineer Md Mokbul Hossain said, ‘I am working as the PD since last month. Already the project work has begun and we want to complete it in due time. Once the project is completed, people of Chattogram no longer have to worry about electricity.’
