Laying of new electric lines underway as part of the model township project in Bistupur on Wednesday. (Bhola Prasad)

This summer, Tata Steel employees living in company accommodation in Bistupur, Jamshedpur, can install air-conditioners in their homes without worrying over tripping lines, courtesy Jusco’s model township project that aims to provide them better living conditions.

Besides overhauling the quarters’ archaic electric connections and laying new wires underground and building an extra toilet in each house, the utility provider will also install energy-efficient LEDs for lighting up nearby streets. This apart, the alleys outside the backyard of quarters will be paved with concrete.

The drive has started in five roads of Bistupur that have over 300 quarters. Once quarters on J, K, L, M and N roads are revamped, Jusco plans to extend the project to company accommodation in Sakchi, Burmamines, Northern Town Area, Agrico, Sidhgora, Baridih and Kadma localities.

Digging work for laying new electricity lines started last week on L Road in Bistupur. The revamp of electric lines is expected to be complete by March-end.

Senior Jusco executive and chairman of Jamshedpur steering committee Rituraj Sinha, who is also the mind behind the model township project, said the revamp was aimed at improving the quality of life in company quarters.

“These houses have old electric connections that often trip due to high load. We are trying to upgrade it to enable residents to use modern appliances like air-conditioners. The new connections will also be safer as all wires would be laid underground,” said Sinha, adding that overhead power lines were prone to wear-and-tear and the revamp would make life easy for residents.

The electric overhauling would also ensure that each house is connected separately to feeder lines.

As of now, four company quarters in a row draw power from a main feeder pillar in one of the houses. So, if there is breakdown in any one house, technicians have to cut supply to all four houses to repair it. Situation turns worse if the house with the feeder pillars is locked.

Apart from safe and secure electrical connections, the model township would also boast LED lighting on streets instead of existing CFLs and sodium vapour lamps. The new streetlights will also be connected through underground wiring.

This apart, the quarters will get an additional western toilet and bathroom in the courtyard. Alleys on the backside of these houses, which are now uneven and turn muddy during rains, will be paved with concrete.

The model township work is scheduled for completion by end of 2014.

Residents are delighted with the ambitious revamp plans.

“We are eagerly awaiting the completion of the model project. Earlier, we had to think twice before purchasing air-conditioners due to fear of power cuts caused by overloading. Once the new connections are in place, we can use appliances without worries,” said homemaker Kalyani Jena (40), a resident of L Road in Bistupur.

Do you think the project will improve quality of life in quarters? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com