A delegation from the Beijing-headquartered Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) recently inspected various electrical system strengthening and expansion works underway in the Nagpur Zone. Aimed at providing reliable, daytime power supply to farmers, these projects are being executed with financial assistance from AIIB. During the field visit, the delegation expressed deep satisfaction with MSEDCL’s (Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited) high-quality work and overall performance. To accelerate rural development, new electrical substations are being constructed across the Nagpur Zone funded by AIIB. Alongside this, the installation of additional power transformers, substation capacity augmentation, and the laying of necessary 33 KV and 11 KV power lines for substation energisation are in advanced stages of progress.

 

The high-level delegation conducted the tour to thoroughly review the quality, pace of work, and safety and environmental measures implemented across these projects. During the visit, officials presented detailed updates on the progress, technical specifications, and safety standard compliance of the solar agriculture project at Selu in the Mauda division. The AIIB delegation comprised Associate Officer Shuvam Sarkar Roy, Senior Environmental Specialist Indrani Ghosh, Water Specialist Smita Mishra, Social Expert Su Tran Quy, Environmental Consultant Damanjit Singh Minhas, and Consultant Rajiv Mishra.

 

They were accompanied by a large team of senior MSEDCL officials and staff, including Chief Engineer Rajesh Naik, Superintending Engineer Sanjay Wakde, and Executive Engineer Ajay Kolte. During the inspection, the delegation visited Shivani village in Kamptee to interact directly with a beneficiary of the ‘Solar Agricultural Pump on Demand’ (Magel Tyala Solar Krushi Pump) scheme. MSEDCL’s Chief Engineer and Superintending Engineer briefed the team on the complete lifecycle of the scheme - covering the application process, beneficiary selection, pump installation, and final commissioning. The delegation commended the successful implementation of this ambitious programme and praised the positive transformation it has brought to farmers' lives. On the occasion, the delegation honoured Chief Engineer Rajesh Naik for his outstanding hospitality and leadership in successfully executing these solar initiatives. Speaking on the occasion, Naik said that MSEDCL will continue its journey toward promoting renewable energy and sustainable water management for a greener future.