New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS): In a move to strengthen the weak intra-state transmission and distribution (T&D) systems in the north-eastern states, a Cabinet panel Monday approved the strengthening of the T&D systems in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim under a new Central Sector Plan Scheme of the power ministry.

"The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today approved the Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Systems (CSST&DS) in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim at an estimated cost of Rs.4754.42 crore," an official release here said.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) developed the CSST&DS for the region in consultation with the Power Grid Corp and the state governments concerned, the release added.

The project would be implemented through state-run Power Grid Corp with its consultancy fee of 1.2 percent of the execution cost. After commissioning, the projects would be owned and maintained by the states.

The project is to be implemented within 48 months from the first fund release to Power grid, the statement said.

Only five out of 20 districts of Arunachal Pradesh are connected to the transmission network at 132/220 KV. "Similarly, the distribution system in Sikkim mainly relies on 66 KV network, which needs to be strengthened substantially," the CCEA release said.