Mangaluru: Acting on the directions of energy minister KJ George, the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) has set a target to complete the strategically important Kadandale 400 kV power substation project by July 15 to ensure uninterrupted and quality power supply to the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.The project, located at Kadandale village in Moodubidire taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, had remained stalled for nearly three years due to land-related litigation affecting the 400 kV transmission line works. The hurdles were resolved through the sustained efforts of minister George and energy department additional chief secretary Gaurav Gupta.Following the Minister’s directions, KPTCL managing director Ram Prasath Manohar visited the project site on Wednesday to review the progress of the works.“Mangaluru is one of Karnataka’s key industrial hubs and requires a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. As directed by the minister, we are working towards completing the project before the onset of the monsoon and commencing transmission operations at the earliest,” Manohar said.Kadandale 400 kV substation is expected to significantly strengthen the power infrastructure of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, which are major industrial and commercial regions of the state.Manohar said the project would provide a long-term solution to recurring monsoon-related voltage fluctuations and low-voltage issues in the coastal belt. “The new substation will improve grid stability and ensure quality power supply to the region. In the event of a technical fault in any one station, load can be quickly diverted through this substation, enabling faster restoration of electricity supply,” he explained.Line clearance, public cooperation soughtTo expedite completion of the project, KPTCL has planned to obtain line clearance on the existing 400 kV UPCL–Hebbanahalli transmission corridor between May 6 and May 24.During this period, we have made alternative arrangements to manage transmission loads and maintain supply in line with demand conditions. However, officials said short-duration load shedding may become unavoidable under technically exigent situations.“This project is crucial for the long-term energy security of Mangaluru and the coastal region. We request consumers and the public to extend their cooperation during this temporary operational phase,” the KPTCL MD said.Energy minister KJ George said ensuring uninterrupted power supply for the benefit of the public and the industrial growth of the coastal region is one of the govt’s top priorities. Due to certain legal hurdles, the 400 kV transmission line work was delayed, he said, adding that the department had taken special initiative to resolve these obstacles.Gaurav Gupta, additional chief secretary, energy department, said the department continuously monitored the land-related disputes affecting the project and ensured timely resolution through coordinated intervention. KPTCL has been instructed to complete the works within the stipulated timeline and dedicate the project to public service at the earliest, he said.
