Slow pace of execution mars infra development in the distribution network
The slow pace of execution mars the infrastr-uctural improvement works proposed for the power distribution network in the city under the centrally-funded Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (R-APDRP).
Six months ahead of the project deadline, the achievement has not reached even 10 per cent of the targets in many aspectsproposed under the programme launched in August 2010.
Works such as undergro-und cabling, aerial-bunched cabling (AB cabling), re-conductoring of lines, erection of distribution transformers and replacement and shifting of meters were proposed for the city under the project.
However, even after two-and-a-half years in execution, few of these works have achieved even 50 per cent of the set targets so far.
While the programme proposed to lay over 190 km of 11KV underground cables in all the three circles of the Metro Zone, the actual progress shows only a little over 8 km. Similarly, in comparison with the proposed 53 km of AB cabling of 11KV lines, the actual achievement hovers around 9 km only. In case of the AB cabling of the low-tension lines too, the achievement is hardly any better at 64 km as against a target of over 480 km.
While loose spans continue to be a chronic problem with the power conductors, the re-conductoring of the low-tension lines has not been taken up in a big way except in the South Circle. As against the 155 km of lines, about 70 km have reportedly been re-conductored in the South Circle, whereas in other circles, the work is yet to take off for all practical purposes.
Even when it comes to installation of digital meters, the figures leave much to be desired. While over 1.85 lakh electro-mechanical meters were to be replaced in all the three circles as part of the project, the actual achievement hovers at about only 12 per cent of the target.
These improvements were part of works proposed with a funding of Rs. 806.78 crore for strengthening the distribution network in the Hyderabad Urban Agglomeration eyeing an expected demand of 3520-MVA by 2015.
CPDCL officials claim that the works proposed under the programme are being carried out “as and when the necessity arises”.
