Country’s First Underground Power Transformer In Bengaluru Installed: In a groundbreaking moment for the city of Bengaluru, Energy Minister KJ George inaugurated the country’s inaugural underground transformer center, a significant step towards modernizing the city’s power distribution infrastructure. This tremendous accomplishment demonstrates Bengaluru’s dedication to the safety, dependability, and aesthetic enhancement of its metropolitan landscape.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
A Milestone in Power Distribution
Located at 15th Avenue, Malleswaram, the underground transformer center is a collaborative effort between the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). With a budget of Rs 1.98 crore, this pioneering project boasts a 500 KVA capacity transformer. Historically, underground electricity transformer stations have been found only in Western countries, where governments prioritise public comfort and safety.
Beneath the Surface
To ensure the safety and convenience of Bengaluru’s residents, the underground center features a specially constructed chamber beneath the earth’s surface. This chamber is reinforced with a 30 mm cement block, providing a stable foundation for the electrical transformers. This revolutionary centre, located 10 feet below the road’s surface, sets new norms in electricity delivery. While BESCOM is in charge of the electrical aspects, the BBMP is in charge of the civil works. The station includes a 500 KVA capacity oil-free transformer, an 8-way solid-state ring main unit, a 5-way LT distribution box, UPS, a water pump, and an air control system. BBMP contributed Rs 64 lakh to fund the civil works, and the entire project was completed in just 365 days.
Safety and Aesthetics
One of the standout features of this underground center is its safety measures. In the event of repairs or emergencies, there is a dedicated room inside the chamber, ensuring easy access for maintenance personnel. This compartment, shaped like a water sump, is surrounded on all sides by concrete walls. As a result, any potential transformer explosion or mistake will have no impact on people or vehicles above, reducing the danger of accidents and power outages.
Benefits Beyond Safety and Functionality
This ambitious initiative will not only enhance the safety of the urban environment but also encourage citizens to utilize footpaths without disruptions during maintenance works on overhead cables and related equipment. Furthermore, it will safeguard electrical equipment from the damaging impacts of significant weather variations such as extreme cold, heat, and heavy rains. Beyond its functional benefits, the smart underground distribution infrastructure removes significant visual clutter from the cityscape, thereby improving the overall urban aesthetics.
