In 2019, the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) embarked on a pioneering pilot project with the ambition to replace aerial cables with underground ones. The objective was clear – enhance safety, reduce maintenance issues, and possibly transform the urban landscape. The initial optimism was palpable, with a senior APDCL official expressing aspirations to expand the project to other areas if the pilot proved successful.
Earlier in 2019, a senior official from APDCL while talking to GPlus said “If it becomes successful and things go well, we will cover other places too."
APDCL also acknowledged the gravity of the situation, particularly during flash floods in Guwahati. Expressing their commitment to finding a solution, the company enlisted the expertise of professionals to conduct a comprehensive study. The experts' report highlighted the imperative need for an upgrade to the existing system, estimated to incur a substantial cost of approximately Rs 3,000 crore.
Highlighting a specific vulnerability, APDCL addressed concerns associated with electric wires supported by bamboo or wooden poles in certain rural areas of the state. A proactive step was taken, resulting in the replacement of approximately 20,000 such poles with more resilient Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) alternatives. Undeterred by the scale of the task, the company is actively engaged in an ongoing effort to replace the remaining 40,000 vulnerable poles.
However, the pertinent question remained - Has the Underground Cables Project truly proven to be a success?
Recent incidents have cast shadows over the feasibility and safety aspects of the initiative. On July 28 last year, a man suffered injuries after getting entangled in a wire hanging from the Zoo Road flyover, sparking a controversy regarding the safety measures implemented by APDCL. Similarly, on July 4, an adult female elephant and two calves were electrocuted while foraging for food, raising concerns about the potential hazards posed by the existing infrastructure.
Talking to GPlus, a senior official at the APDCL provided insights into the current status of the Underground Cables Project. Contrary to initial expectations, the project seems to be in the nascent stages, primarily within the planning process, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) still under preparation.
The official highlighted several challenges that the project faces, questioning its feasibility.
"One major hurdle is the substantial cost involvement, estimated to be in the range of Rs 3000 – Rs 4000 crore", the APDCL official informed GPlus.
The financial implications are considerable, and the official pointed out that the narrow roads in the region would exacerbate the situation, leading to potential traffic congestion in various areas.
Another key challenge is the spatial constraint, with the official noting that issues arose during attempts to install LTE networks. The limited space on the roads posed difficulties in deploying the necessary equipment for these connections. The scale of the project, coupled with these challenges, raises concerns about the viability and timeline for its completion.
The official shed light on the proposed plan for the Underground Cables Project, indicating that it would be a colossal endeavour spanning multiple voltage levels. The cables would be installed at 33 kV, 11 kV, and LTE, each presenting unique challenges and considerations.
"The project would be executed in phases, with the GS Road identified as the starting point", he added.
However, the official acknowledged that completion within the next 2-3 years is an ambitious goal, given the magnitude of the undertaking.
The APDCL official further said, "The meticulous planning required for the installation of 11 kV cables, especially in connecting transformers to buildings and apartments, adds a layer of complexity to the timeline."
"Under the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP), the installation of 33 kV underground connections has already begun. Grid successions have been implemented in key areas, from Rupnagar to GMCH road, Ulubari to Arya Nagar, and Paltan Bazar to Fancy Bazar to Judges Field," he added.
In 2022, the laying of underground cables connecting the three existing 132/33-KV power stations with GIS (Gas Insulated System) substations was anticipated to come to fruition in June. This development was a part of the Rs 419 crore North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP), a venture spearheaded by the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (POWERGRID) and funded collaboratively by the Union Ministry of Power and the World Bank in a 50:50 partnership.
Navigating the convoluted web of promises and progress updates, it seems the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited's (APDCL) Underground Cables Project has completed a masterclass in the art of anticipation. Initiated in 2019 with promises of enhanced safety, reduced maintenance woes, and a potential urban facelift, the project began with palpable optimism. The hope was contagious, echoing in the words of a senior APDCL official who, in 2019, confidently asserted, "If it becomes successful and things go well, we will cover other places too."