1000 crore project to bring electricity from Udupi; Kerala's inaction delays project

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A central government project to bring electricity from Udupi to the northern districts of Kerala has been delayed by four years due to the state government’s delay in implementation. The Rs 1,000 crore project aims to supply 400 kV power to North Kerala. The delay was mainly due to disputes over compensation for landowners where the transmission line passes. Meanwhile, construction work on the Karnataka side has already been completed.

The Kerala cabinet approved the compensation package only recently, even though just a few months are left in the government’s term. At present, power reaches North Malabar through the Areekode-Kanhirode-Mylatty 220 kV line. If this line fails, the entire North Malabar region could face a blackout. Kannur and Kasaragod districts require around 900 megawatts of electricity during summer, but currently receive only about 600 megawatts. To address this shortage, a 125-kilometre-long 400 kV double-circuit transmission line has been planned from Udupi to Karinthalam in Kasaragod.

The project began in 2022 and was scheduled for completion by September 2026. However, due to lack of cooperation from Kerala, it is unlikely to be completed even this year. The line is being constructed as part of the North Green Energy Corridor project. Once completed, it will benefit Kasaragod, Kannur, and Wayanad districts. The line can also be connected to the Mysuru–Areekode inter-state transmission line.

Compensation of 340 per cent of fair value. If houses under the transmission line are fully or partially damaged, compensation of up to Rs 1 lakh will be provided as per PWD estimates. Land used for installing towers will be compensated at 340 per cent of the fair value. For land through which the line passes, compensation of 60 per cent of the fair value will be given. The value of trees cut for the project will be decided by the Kasaragod District Collector.

If the land is level, compensation for trees will be calculated for a width of 46 metres along the transmission corridor. In low-lying areas, compensation will be provided for trees within a width of 30 metres.