Bhopal: Rs 288 crore upgrading power infrastructure to ensure better supply

Bhopal's electricity infrastructure is expected to receive a facelift thanks to a significant investment of Rs 288 crore. This is being done as part of the government's RDSS programme, which aims to upgrade the discoms' supply infrastructure. In total, Rs 288 crore have been granted in the first phase of the plan, with Rs 216 crore from the federal government and Rs 72 crore from the state government.

Pradhyumn Singh Tomar, the state's energy minister, stated in a statement that the development work completed under the project will benefit the city's whole population of about 24 lakh people and will enhance the city's energy infrastructure for the next ten years.

In addition to upgrading the current ones, he said, additional 220/132 KV high tension power transformers would be installed in the city as part of the work that will be done with these funds. According to Tomar, a new 220 KV high tension line measuring a total of 12 kilometres would be constructed, together with a 132 KV high tension line measuring 8 kilometres.

Building capacitor banks at 35 locations is another significant task that will be completed, he continued, helping to solve voltage-related issues. He added that 17 high tension substations would be refurbished, or have their capacity expanded, along with the construction of 6 new 33/11 KV substations. Additionally, 488 low tension lines with a total length of about 488 km will be cabled, along with a total of 700 new transformers, according to Tomar.

The installing new transformers, building capacitor banks, and cabling low-tension lines will all contribute to smoother energy availability for city residents by easing load and reducing trippings or unexpected power outages. Low-tension line cabling will also assist the discom in lowering distribution losses, which will help the discom reduce trippings.