OBJECTIVE

To improve the reliability, capacity and security of the power transmission network in the State of Assam.

DESCRIPTION

The project aims to strengthen Assam’s electricity transmission system by a) constructing new transmission sub-stations and laying new transmission lines with the associated infrastructure, b) upgrading existing substations, transmission lines and existing ground wire to optical power ground wire (OPGW), and c) providing technical assistance to support implementation of the project. The project comprises three components: 

Component 1. Construction of about 10 new high voltage grid substations (400 kV, 220 kV and 132 kV) along with the associated transmission lines.  

Component 2. Upgradation of a) �about 15 existing substations, b) upgradation of transmission lines to High Tension Low Sag, and c) replacement of existing ground wire by OPGW.  

Component 3. Technical assistance, including (i) supporting the purchase, installation and operation of an enterprise resource planning system; (ii) engaging a Project Management Consultant to help support implementation of the project; and (iii) organizing training and workshops on project implementation.

PROJECT FINANCING

For more information about project financing, please review the project summary.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL INFORMATION

The Bank’s Environmental and Social Policy (ESP), including the Environment and Social Standards (ESSs) and the Environmental and Social Exclusion List will apply to this project. ESS 1 (Environmental and Social Assessment and Management) is applicable to the environmental and social aspects of the project. The project consists of sub-projects whose details are not yet identified and require the adoption of a phased approach in accordance with the ESP. Applicability of ESS 2 (Involuntary Resettlement) and ESS 3 (Indigenous Peoples) will be assessed during project implementation. The project has been assigned as Category “B”. 

AIIB has reviewed the Environmental and Social Management Planning Framework (ESMPF) accompanied with model Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) for selected sub-projects, a generic Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), a Resettlement Planning Framework (RPF) and an Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework for Scheduled Tribes. 

Consultations concerning the model ESIA and ESMPF have been conducted. This process of consultation will continue during project implementation, in accordance with national guidelines on restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The English version of the ESMPF, and Assamese executive summary of the ESMPF have been posted on the client’s and AIIB’s websites and hard copies made available in the project area. 

A multi-tier Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) has been developed in accordance with the requirements of the Bank’s ESP. Locally appropriate public consultation and disclosure process will be used to disseminate information about the GRM. Communities and individuals who believe that they are adversely affected by the project will be able to submit complaints to the project-level GRM for their resolution. In addition to the above GRM for addressing complaints from the local community, commensurate mechanism will be made available at the contractor level for worker’s grievance.