RAS question
The Maharashtra Power Distribution Enhancement Program will upgrade how many distribution substations?
Correct answer: (C) 180.
The Maharashtra Power Distribution Enhancement Program for Agricultural Solarization will upgrade 180 distribution substations.
Explanation
The figure is 180 because ADB lists the upgrade of 180 distribution substations as a specific grid-modernisation component of the Maharashtra Power Distribution Enhancement Program for Agricultural Solarization. This upgrade sits within a wider package: installing 4,500 distribution transformers and developing 3,000 circuit kilometres of transmission lines. That context matters for the MCQ because the number is not a standalone target; it is tied to making Maharashtra's distribution network ready for renewable energy. The program also covers agricultural feeder solarisation, rural distribution network upgrades, and battery energy storage systems, while 180 is specifically the count of distribution substations to be upgraded.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) 100 understates the grid-modernisation target; ADB's programme component specifies 180 distribution substations, not 100.
- (B) 150 is close enough to look plausible, but the ADB source names 180 as the number of distribution substations to be upgraded.
- (D) 220 overstates the target; the programme component covers upgrading 180 distribution substations.
Concept
This tests current-affairs recall of infrastructure and energy-sector programmes, especially externally assisted schemes. Such figures recur in RAS because schemes are often asked through their concrete targets rather than only their broad objectives.