The replacement of the naked electricity wires with low-tension aerial bunch (LTAB) cables started on Thursday at the Vishnupad temple area of Gaya.

The initiative of the Indian Power Corporation (Bodhgaya) Limited (IPCL), responsible for power distribution in Gaya town, Bodhgaya, Manpur, Wazirganj, Fatehpur, Khisersarai and Atri would plug voltage fluctuation and frequent fuse snags. It would also prevent power theft and possibility of electrocution if a wire snaps. The wire replacement cost would be Rs 7 lakh per kilometre.

Inaugurating the work, Gaya district magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal said the wires were initially used for power supply only in VIP areas of Patna or New Delhi. “Now, IPCL has started the process to replace the naked, dangling and damaged electric wires with LTAB cables. Initially, the work would be carried out in the Vishnupad area in view of the 17-day-long Pitripaksh Mela from September 8. Later, it would be executed in other parts of the township,” he said.

Agarwal directed the IPCL officials to organise a five-day camp in the Vishnupad area and provide on-the-spot power connection to consumers.

General manager (technical), IPCL, Subodh Tyagi said the LTAB cables would help get rid of low voltage. Life and property would also be saved in case a livewire snaps from an electric pole.

IPCL assistant general manager Rakesh Ranjan said the company had purchased 14km LTAB cables at the onset. The company would provide two core duo service wires free of cost.

“We are getting full support of the South Bihar Power Distribution Company managing director M. Sarvanan, who reviews the power supply situation in Gaya every Monday. The company aims to complete the wire replacement work in the Vishnupad temple area by August 15,” Ranjan said.