Frequent power outages and loosely hanging transmission lines are expected to come to an end soon in the pilgrim town of Puri. The town would have power supply through underground cables to ensure uninterrupted power supply even in times of strong winds and cyclones by March
next year.
According to principal secretary of Energy Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, Puri would have the most advanced supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, something even Bhubaneswar does not have to deliver power in a reliable and safe manner through underground cables.
In an event of power failure in a particular area, supplies can automatically be made from other grid stations which would be interconnected ensuring 24-hour power supply. The nearby tourist places would also be provided power through underground cables under the project.
Aiming to provide uninterrupted power during the Nabakalebar festival of lord Jagannath next year, the Government has undertaken this project at a cost of Rs 305 crore.
An outlay of Rs 114 crore has been earmarked for renovation of the 11-KV, 33 KV supply systems and grid substations, departmental sources said. The town is being linked with a second feeder. The project work, which has been entrusted to l&T, is in progress on a war footing with a target to complete it by March 2015, the sources said.
It is expected that all electric poles would be removed by March after testing of the system is completed. There would be no power disruptions after the system is put in place, said the sources.