Sector V will soon be free from the web of cables that dangles dangerously over the roads. A proposal has been passed in the recent budget session of Naba Diganta Industrial Township Authority (NDITA) to build underground conduit channels so these cables can pass through them instead.
For all the swanky-looking highrises that the IT hub sports, the system of overhead cables has always been as outdated as anywhere else in the city. They run the length and breadth of the Sector V sky, wrapped around lampposts, “no parking” signposts and any other pole standing in its way. Most of these cables are for internet connection.
Besides being an eyesore, they are dangerous as a lightening could cause a short circuit if the earthing is not secure. Also, if a branch of a tree falls on the cable, it could snap and disrupt internet connections in the area.
So officials of NDITA, the administrative body of Sector V, have come up with a solution. “We will make underground conduit pipelines for the overhead wires,” said Badrinarayan Kar, the executive officer of NDITA. “A sum of Rs 20 crores has been allocated for it. And in order to save time and minimise traffic snarls, we will construct it using the micro-tunnelling system that will eat up least road space during construction and will be faster than conventional methods.”
He added that they would charge the internet service providers a fee for the construction. “This will recover the cost of the project and a periodical fee will also be charged that will become a revenue generator for NDITA,” said Kar.
At present, electric wires run underground, using similar conduit pipelines. But for any repair work, the roads would have to be dug up before they can reach the faulty cables.
“It is imperative to ensure that all wires in the tech city are taken underground. Monsoons are fast approaching and the city has seen several storms this season. Overhead wires pose a safety hazard to thousands of people who come to work here everyday. Other than this, it will beautify the area and remove the eyesore of wires draped around streetlights,” said another NDITA official.
One conduit pipeline has already been constructed along the new Ring Road in Sector V that runs alongside the bheris and connects the fire station, near Nalban, to Technopolis Building. This pipeline will be extended till the Wipro bus stop. This will be treated as a pilot project. Officials say work on the pilot project will be completed within two months.
Pictures by Saradindu Chaudhury
