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Volks Energie Delivers High-Altitude Battery Modernisation Project for PGCIL in Ladakh

Volks Energie has successfully completed a complex battery bank replacement project for Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) at high-altitude locations in Kargil and Leh, overcoming extreme weather and terrain challenges to enhance the reliability of critical power infrastructure.

The assignment involved dismantling existing VRLA battery systems and installing, testing, and commissioning newly supplied nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery banks at key PGCIL installations. The Ni-Cd batteries were manufactured by SAFT India. Apart from the Ladakh sites — including Kargil and Khaltse in Leh — the company also executed similar works at Yamunanagar in Haryana.

Work on the project began on March 20, 2025, and was completed on January 30, 2026. Execution at the Ladakh sites required operations in sub-zero conditions, with temperatures in Kargil falling to as low as –9°C during peak winter. Despite snowbound terrain and logistical constraints, Volks Energie deployed two specialized teams of five members each to ensure timely completion while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.

PGCIL opted to transition from VRLA to Ni-Cd battery technology to improve operational reliability in harsh climates. Ni-Cd batteries offer a longer service life — often exceeding 15 years — and reduce the risk of sudden performance failures commonly associated with VRLA systems, particularly in demanding environments.

Commenting on the milestone, Piyush Goyal, Co-Founder and CEO of Volks Energie, said that executing infrastructure projects in regions such as Kargil and Leh demands meticulous planning, operational readiness, and a resilient workforce. He added that the successful delivery demonstrates the company’s capability to undertake mission-critical assignments across geographically and climatically challenging locations in India.

Beyond the recently completed installations, Volks Energie has commissioned battery bank systems at several other PGCIL facilities, including Dehradun, Kochi, Pavagada, Trichy, and Kancheepuram. To date, the company has installed and commissioned a total of 15 battery banks, with additional projects scheduled in the coming months.

Currently, the company is executing battery bank works for PGCIL at Aligarh, Mainpuri, Varanasi, Ballia, Nellore, Munirabad, Kadappa, Panipat, Wagoora, and Gaya.

The Kargil project follows another successful engagement in Jammu & Kashmir, where Volks Energie completed an HVAC project for the J&K Power Development Department (PDD) after fulfilling five years of operations and maintenance. These achievements further consolidate the company’s reputation as a dependable execution partner for India’s national power infrastructure, particularly in regions where system resilience and reliability are critical.