The objective of the project is to upgrade and strengthen the transmission network between major cities and promote reliable electricity access in Bangladesh.
The project aims to build an ultra-high voltage transmission corridor between the major economic centers of Chittagong and Dhaka.
Scope of work of the project includes construction of the “Madunaghat-Bhulta” 765-kilovolt (kV) double circuit line and the related extension of substations.
The use of the ultra-high voltage line will (a) help avoid building more transmission lines, thus saving valuable land and minimizing negative social impacts on a densely populated area; (b) allow the transmission of high volumes of electricity for the needs of a rapidly developing economy and (c) improve reliability and decrease system losses.
For more information about project financing, please review the project summary.
Environment and Social Policy (including Standards) and Categorization. The project has been screened and reviewed for the Concept Review with reference to AIIB’s Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) and Environmental and Social Standards (ESS). ESS 1 (Environmental and Social Assessment and Management) is applicable to assessment of environmental and social impacts of project activities. No land acquisition is anticipated, however, this will be reviewed and included in the assessment to determine scope of applicability of ESS 2 (Involuntary Resettlement), since some temporary impacts on commercial activities and residential areas may occur at the time of construction a Resettlement Planning Framework (RPF) will be developed. Application of ESS 3 (Indigenous Peoples) is not anticipated. The project is expected to be Category B. AIIB’s environmental and social specialists will carry out a field-based environmental and social due diligence to ascertain the applicable Standards and the project’s category. An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) with an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and RPF will be prepared and reviewed by AIIB for disclosure. Environmental Aspects. The project is expected to generate socioeconomic benefits through improvement of power supply in the area. The ESIA will review all possible impacts on adjoining natural and critical habitats and protected areas. Other negative impacts of the project will be temporary and reversible, occurring during the construction phase, including air pollution, noise, tree cutting and disposal of construction wastes, which will be addressed in the ESMP with indication of institutional arrangement, allocated budget and monitoring plan. Social Aspects. Possible social impacts in terms of disruption in commercial activities/livelihood and temporary impacts on habitations, and access restrictions due to construction activities will be studied. Impacts will also be addressed in terms of mitigation plans and provisions related to occupational health and safety, labor camp and construction site management, traffic and public utility management, etc. To address issues of any physical and economic displacements, either of temporary or permanent nature, guidance will be provided through a Resettlement Policy Framework. Stakeholder Engagement, Consultation and Information Disclosure. Consultations will be held in phases during the preparation of the ESIA and RPF and after the draft ESIA and RPF are completed. Based on community feedback, the ESIA and RPF will be finalized. The draft English ESIA and RPF and Bengali versions of the Executive Summaries of the ESIA and RPF, including the Entitlement Matrix, will be posted on PGCB’s and AIIB’s websites and made available in hard copy in the project area. Grievance Redress Mechanism. A multi-tier grievance redress mechanism will be constituted for the project in line with the requirements of the ESP, building on the existing complaint mechanisms.
Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB)
Home What We Do Project List Bangladesh: Ultra-high Voltage Transmission line Madunaghat-Bhulta and Sustainable Electricity Access Project
