Underground cabling work over a 125 km-stretch, which includes Dhanbad, is likely to resume soon with approval from the Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL). The project, being executed by a private agency JSP Projects as part of the Jharkhand Sampurn Bijli Achhadan Yojna, began in August last year. The work came to a halt with the nationwide lockdown, leaving city roads filled with potholes.
Talking to The Telegraph Online recently, general manager of Dhanbad Supply area of JBVNL said , “We have given permission with preconditions that the work will be carried out following social distancing norms, and also minimum disturbance to movement of vehicles.”
Around 30% work has been completed under the 18-month project, with the agency likely to get a six-month extension .
The cabling is being carried out in six different cities and towns including Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Ramgarh, Basukinath and Deoghar at a cumulative cost of Rs 1270 crore.
As part of the plan, underground cabling of all 33000 volt transmission cables arising out of DVC feeders, meant for transmitting electricity to power stations of JBVNL, along with 11000 volt cables are being laid.
Apart from this, two gas insulated substations, in addition to other substations are also being established as part of the Jharkhand Sampurn Bijli Achhadan Yojna.
The underground cabling, besides ensuring greater safety, will also enable lower transmission losses, lower maintenance costs, and uninterrupted power during adverse weather conditions.
Amrendra Saha, executive engineer of the Road Construction Department lodged a complaint with the district administration, as well as the RCD headquarters at Ranchi during December 2019, citing terrible condition of roads caused by the cabling work.
