Berhampur, Jan. 23: The power distribution system in Berhampur, Chhatrapur and Gopalpur is set for a revamp with underground cables, three years after cyclone Phailin destroyed the power infrastructure of the region.
Southern Electricity Supply Company Of Odisha Limited (Southco) has already undertaken a 3km stretch between Somnath Nagar in Lochapada and Corpration Road as a pilot project where 33KV power cables have been laid on an experimental basis.
"We laid underground cables on a 3km stretch recently at a cost of Rs 5 crore. It will become functional during the first week of February," said Southco deputy general manager of Berhampur city circle Lenka Prasad.
"We are now in the process of installing two transformers to distribute electricity through this underground line. There will be two power lines, one of which will be on standby. These underground cables can withstand cyclones," he said.
The idea of introducing underground lines was mooted after the southern parts were ravaged by the cyclone, which destroyed power infrastructure worth Rs 1,000 crore in 2013.
Southco's chief operating officer Kunjaban Padhi said the state government was thinking of introducing these disaster-proof underground power cables across the district. The cost of the underground cabling project will be around Rs 1,000 crore and more than one lakh consumers will reap the benefits.
"When Phailin hit on October 12, 2013, it caused extensive damage to the power infrastructure, especially in Ganjam. It battered nearly 1,600 km of 11KV lines in Ganjam while 241km of 33KV lines were damaged," Padhi said.
Around 300 distribution sub-stations and 54 extra high-tension towers were replaced and 13,000km of low tension lines had to be repaired as a result. It took over 45 days to completely restore power supply.
According to the proposal, the Asian Development Bank has agreed to lend Rs 650 crore while the remaining Rs 350 crore will be borne by the state government, sources said. Once completed, places such as Berhampur, Chhatrapur and Gopalpur would have safe, uninterrupted power supply, even during natural calamities.
