Patna Electric Supply Undertaking has taken steps to supply power to areas connected with the Excise power sub-station from an alternative source.

The decision was taken early this year to mitigate any power problems in case of a technical snag in the Digha grid sub-station. Work has been completed a few days ago.

A Pesu official said: "The steps were taken to ensure power supply to the Excise power sub station from two sources - the Digha grid sub station and Khagaul grid sub station. If the Digha grid develops a snag, areas along Bailey Road under Excise sub station can receive power routed through the Khagaul grid."

The Veterinary College power sub station and IGIMS power sub station, which supply power to areas along Bailey Road, would also get supply from the Digha and Khagaul grid sub-stations.

The decision to supply power through an alternative source is likely to benefit around 2 lakh people in Patna.

Among the prominent areas to have two sources of power supply are Raja Bazar, Samanpura, Ashiana Magistrate Colony, Khajpura, Akashvani, Excise Colony, Veterinary campus, BMP campus, AG Colony, Rupaspur, Murlichak, Nalapar, Jai Prakash Nagar and Kautilya Nagar.

Work of laying underground cables for the job is nearly complete, sources said.

Pesu has been working on upgrade of its existing infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted power supply to its 4.5 lakh and odd consumers. Last year, the power company laid two additional 33KV lines for supply to the Dakbungalow division that houses major business establishments in Fraser Road and Exhibition Road.

Pesu has made arrangements to supply power to some of the prominent areas in west Patna from two sources as well - the Jakkanpur grid sub station and Khagaul grid sub station.