The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) has started the first phase of works to convert overhead lines into underground cables in the city.
Superintending Engineer of the TNEB, Coimbatore Metro, N. Balakrishnan, said in a release that works started from October 21 to convert the overhead lines into underground cables (1.5 km length) from Vincent Road Double Pole switch to Perumal Koil Double Pole switch (Town Hall feeder). This would be completed in 15 days.
Cooperation sought
He appealed to the public, the Coimbatore Corporation and other departments to cooperate with the board in completing this project. An official of the board told The Hindu that the total cost for the 1.5-km length was approximately Rs. 50 lakh.
Interruption
The public would face power interruption for one to two hours for one or two days when the change over would be implemented. The overhead lines would be removed after the underground cables were laid and the trial operations were carried out. The official added that the TNEB proposed to complete the project (converting overhead lines into underground cables) in the city in five years and the cost was expected to be about Rs. 360 crore.
Protection cover
This year, works would be completed for Rs. 96 crore. In areas that had pavements for pedestrians, the board would go in for ducts. In other areas, the cables would have a protection cover. After completing the Vincent Road work, this would be taken up on Variety Hall Road. The board proposed to take up the work in the core city areas that had high population as priority localities. The project involved digging of roads to lay the cables. The telephone cables and water lines should not be disturbed too. Hence, the TNEB had sought the cooperation of different departments to ensure that the public was not affected by the works, the official said.
