Constant faults force PSPCL back to surface

Ludhiana: Taking a cue from metropolitan cities like Ahmedabad and Pune back in 2011, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) had decided to shift all wiring from overhead poles to an underground power supply. However, years after the project was completed and made operational, the system faced various technical issues. PSPCL officials found it both time-consuming and difficult to trace faults and resolve them in a timely manner, leading to significant delays.According to PSPCL officials, the initial decision to switch to underground wiring was prompted by several concerns, including the Ferozepur Road eight-lane project, the need to eliminate hanging wires on buildings and markets, and the desire to prevent accidents. Despite these goals, years of using underground cables resulted in a large number of time-consuming repairs and long power outages for residents. Consequently, the department has now decided to switch back to overhead lines.This transition will utilise monopole structures this time, a project expected to be completed by the end of March at an estimated cost of around 4 crore rupees. The work involves shifting 66KV underground cables from the 220 KV substations at Ferozepur Road, which supply power to major areas including Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Fountain Chowk, the DC Complex, and Sarabha Nagar. Jagdev Singh Hans, chief engineer, PSPCL Ludhiana, stated, "It was a time-consuming process for officials to trace faults in underground wires and resolve issues promptly. The department received multiple complaints from areas supplied through these cables. Considering this, a new project is underway where monopoles will be installed on Ferozepur Road. This will resolve space issues and provide extra benefits." "As summer approaches, residents will not suffer from long power cuts. These monopoles take up less space, and it is much easier to trace supply faults with these poles than with underground wiring," Hans added.
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