With a mission to change overhead electric lines to underground cables, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has completed 40 percent of its projected cable-laying works under the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) in the district.
The scheme, on completion, will give direct benefits to consumers in 24 section offices under the Kozhikode, Feroke and Balussery divisions of the KSEB.
Kozhikode division is having the highest number of sub divisions-13 - to benefit from the scheme. Feroke and Balussery divisions have nine and two section offices, respectively to be covered under the scheme.
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology is now used in most of the locations in a bid to reduce the chances of damaging roads. In addition to the reduction of transmission losses, the KSEB engineering wing also promises new experiences like ‘RMU (Ring Main Unit) on completion of the project, where the consumer will be able to shift easily to another channel in the same line in case of unexpected power disruptions.
P. Kumaran, Chief Engineer of KSEB (distribution), says the work is now in full swing in the limits of all the 24 selected KSEB sections and the Board is supposed to complete the undertaking here by December 31.
“Possibility is also there to seek an extension if we could not meet this deadline due to unexpected change in weather,” he adds.
As part of conducting a review of the project, Director of KSEB (distribution and Safety) B. Nina will hold a meeting with senior officers of KSEB in Kozhikode on September 18.
KSEB officers from six districts from the Malabar region will attend the meeting and present the details of the works so far carried out in their limits.
“The project is not meant for Kozhikode city alone as several village areas too are covered under the scheme. Around Rs.198.54 crore will be spent for the realisation of this ambitious undertaking,” says Mr. Kumaran. He also points out that the flexibility of supply, along with a considerable reduction of transmission loss, will become a reality under RAPDRP.
