Tangedco to raise height of junction boxes in Chennai

Several parts of the city, particularly Velachery, Madipakkam, Sholinganallur, Thoraipakkam, Tambaram, Mudichur and Manimangalam, have been identified for implementing this design.

Tangedco’s move will help prevent electrocutions and help restore power supply even if the roads are flooded with water.— File Photo: M. Karunakaran

To prevent electricity junction boxes from getting submerged after heavy rains, the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) has proposed to increase the height of these boxes in the city.

This would help restore power supply even if the roads are flooded with water.

In recent days, electricity staff have had to cut power to prevent electrocution.A senior Tangedco official said heavy rains have made it difficult to keep power on in water-logged areas.

Designs sketched

A uniform design sketch, the official added, was being followed. The base of the boxes would be at least three-feet high, with two concrete pillars for fixing them. “The design map has been sent to all the lower-level officials and adequate funds have been sanctioned to start the work.”

Several parts of the city, particularly Velachery, Madipakkam, Sholinganallur, Thoraipakkam, Tambaram, Mudichur and Manimangalam, have been identified for implementing this design. Electricity staff from across city divisions have been asked to provide a list of pillar boxes whose heights need to be raised.