Balurghat to get underground power cable network of Rs 150 cr

Balurghat, Sept. 10 -- Underground cable for electricity is going to be set up in Balurghat as the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) has initiated steps to lay power cables beneath the city roads. The proposed project is estimated to cost around Rs 150 crore, according to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by the district electricity department.

The DPR has already been sent to higher authorities for approval, and further procedures to implement the project have begun. The development came to light following Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's visit to South Dinajpur on September 2.

Currently, electricity cables, along with cable television and internet lines, run through several parts of Balurghat. In some areas, multiple cables are bundled around electricity poles, while high-voltage lines pass close to buildings and houses.

The electricity department has taken steps to use covered cables in several locations but the existing network of overhead wires remains a concern.

Officials said incidents of short circuits have declined with the use of covered cables, although such incidents have not been completely eliminated. Overhead wires also contribute to power disruptions when they are damaged or snapped, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

The proposed underground system is expected to reduce the risk of accidents and power interruptions caused by damaged overhead cables. It will also remove a substantial number of power lines from roadsides and building facades.

Souvik Sarkar, regional manager of the district electricity department, said: "A DPR has been prepared from the district and sent to the higher authorities."

Balurghat MLA Bidyut Kumar Roy said: "There are open wires at several places in the city and they pose risks. I had earlier held a meeting with the district electricity department regarding the issue. The project to take the electrical cables underground is now moving towards implementation."

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.