Underground work of power lines in Dehradun city gained momentum

Underground work of power lines in Dehradun city gained momentum

Dehradun , Nov 24

To make the power distribution system of Uttarakhand state, more robust and prosperous, with an aim to accelerate development, the work to lay of underground and overhead power lines on the main roads of Dehradun city under the Asias development bank (ADB) project is being completed expeditiously by the Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL).

Under the project, a total of 92 km of 33 kV, a total of 230 km of 11 kV and a total of 608 km of Low Tension (LT) lines are being put underground in Dehradun city, for which the city has been divided into three lots.

All these development are a result of the decisive leadership of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami  and the cooperation and positive attitude of Secretary (Energy) who are striving hard to make the state of Uttarakhand an ‘Energy State’ through UPCL.. At present, after completion of survey and joint survey by the regional teams of all the lots in Dehradun , the work of laying underground lines is being done in a phased manner by obtaining permission for road cutting. The details of the main routes identified for laying underground lines in Dehradun city are as follows-

Lot-1:

Dilaram Chowk to Mussoorie Diversion, Survey Chowk to Sahastradhara Crossing, Darshanlal Chowk to Prince Chowk and Doon Hospital, Kishannagar Chowk to Ramada Hotel, Araghar Chowk to Fountain Chowk to Rispana Bridge, Araghar Chowk to Dharampur to Rispana Bridge.

Lot-2:-

Ramada Hotel to Ballupur Chowk, Ballupur Chowk to Transport Nagar Chowk, Lakkhibagh to Graphic Era Chowk, Kamala Palace to Niranjanpur Chowk, Shimla Bypass to Saint Jude Chowk.

Lot-3:

The Vidhan Sabha area includes Rispana Bridge to Mohkampur Flyover, Ladpur to 06 No. Bridge to Jogiwala, Fountain Chowk to 06 No. Bridge to Dobhal Chowk, Deal to Ladpur, Mayur Vihar to IT Park, IT Park to Krishali Chowk .

In the above mentioned main routes, underground work is also being done near emergency places like Coronation Hospital, Doon Hospital, Mahant Indresh Hospital, IMA Blood Bank and Kailash Hospital etc.

The laying of underground lines of the overhead power lines on the main roads of Dehradun city would be beneficial for the city. Underground cables are less affected by environmental factors like wind, heavy rain and tree branches. Due to which outages are less and maintenance cost is less. The underground cables can be designed with better insulation and lower resistance, reducing energy losses compared to overhead lines.  The risk of electrical hazards such as electrocution and fires from fallen power lines is significantly reduced in underground cables. The underground power lines creates a more aesthetic environment in residential and urban areas and curb the problem of power theft.

The risk of accidental contact with power lines by vehicles, wildlife or construction activities is reduced as underground power lines also benefits the environment as they do not require regular pruning of trees and other vegetation management required for overhead lines.

Anil Kumar Yadav, Managing Director, UPCL  has directed all officers to complete the underground works as soon as possible and keep safety standards on priority and also ensure regular filling of pits, drains etc. after completion of work every day. With the successful implementation of the scheme, the power distribution system of Dehradun city will become as strong and robust as that of other developed countries.