Underground cables to help end power cuts in city suburbs

After the back-to-back natural disasters in 2015 and 2016, Tangedco has proposed to convert the existing 2,004.89 km of high-tension overhead lines and 33,307.81 km of low-tension overhead lines into underground cables at an estimated cost of Rs.2,567 crore, funded by Power Finance Corporation Ltd. The proposal was made to avoid accidents, damage due to calamities and to develop a robust infrastructure in Chennai and an extended area of Chennai city.

A senior Tangedco official said that it would be taken in different packages. “At present, works are to be taken in eight packages, for 1,281.50 km of high-tension overhead lines and 5,251.80 km of low-tension overhead lines and procurement of cables for the conversion of balance lines is being processed and works will be taken up by Tangedco. Out of eight packages, work orders have been issued for Tambaram (1,230 km) and Perambur (653 km) divisions on March 8. Survey works were completed by the contractor. The works are expected to be completed during 2020-21,”the official said.

“Further tenders have been opened and are under scrutiny for Avadi (561.315 km) and IT Corridor (821.689 km) divisions. Balance works will be taken up in a phased manner,” the official added.

Many buildings in Chennai and its suburbs have violated setback and height restrictions. Due to unregulated development, the official said that there is hardly any distance between buildings and electric posts. There is always the threat of somebody getting electrocuted.

“If a new construction takes place, the building should be built 3ft away from an 11KV overhead line and 5ft away from 33KV lines. But now the buildings are constructed violating norms with complete disregard to the safety,” a senior Tangedco official said, adding that the conversion of the overhead lines to the underground cables would help avoid electrocution.