LUCKNOW, June 15 -- With a view to improving reliability, reducing outages caused by weather and accidental damage besides enhancing public safety in densely populated urban areas, the Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (MVVNL) has decided to explore a large-scale underground electricity distribution network in five assembly constituencies of Lucknow, said Riya Kejriwal, MD, MVVNL. The initiative, aimed at creating a future-ready power infrastructure in the state capital, was discussed during a recent review meeting chaired by Kejriwal. She has directed officials to prepare a detailed proposal for the ambitious project. According to power department officials, funding is not expected to be a constraint and the focus is currently on conducting a comprehensive survey before the proposal is finalised. The project will cover the Lucknow East, Lucknow West, Lucknow Central, Lucknow North and Lucknow Cantonment Assembly constituencies. Major localities likely to benefit include Rajajipuram, Gomti Nagar, Gomti Nagar Extension, Indira Nagar, Chinhat, Aminabad, Mahanagar, Aliganj, Daliganj, Hazratganj, Hussainganj, Alambagh, Chowk and adjoining areas. The MVVNL MD said all zonal chief engineers have been tasked with carrying out constituency-wise surveys and preparing reports on the removal of overhead poles and power lines from roads and narrow lanes. The reports will form the basis of the detailed project proposal. She said the MVVNL has already gained experience from underground cabling work undertaken in congested areas such as Chowk and Aminabad where nearly 80% of the project has been completed. Kejriwal also stressed the importance of consumer service. She instructed power officials to promptly answer consumer calls and provide accurate information regarding power outages. "If consumers receive timely and correct information, it becomes easier to resolve issues and avoid unnecessary disputes," she added. In another consumer-centric initiative, the MVVNL has appointed a new agency to ensure timely delivery of electricity bills. Meter readings for consumers with connected loads of up to 5 kW will now be recorded through meter reading instruments (MRI), eliminating the practice of generating table readings. Officials said consumers will receive bills only after a minimum billing cycle of 30 days, instead of the earlier 20-25 day intervals. For consumers who do not receive their electricity bills, MVVNL has activated a dedicated help desk. Consumers can contact 0522-4340440 or 0522-4341912 during office hours and provide their account and mobile numbers to obtain their bills....