Chennai: Chief minister M K Stalin, through video-conferencing, inaugurated state energy department projects worth 1,971 crore, including 38 substations to cater to the city and its suburbs, an underground power supply system in temple car streets across TN, and electrification of Kathirimalai tribal village near Erode.Among the 38 sub-stations inaugurated are 400/230 kV gas-insulated substation in Korattur, 2 230 kV substations in Chengalpet and Coimbatore districts, and 13 smaller substations set up by Tantransco, along with 16 substations set up by TNPDCL at a cost of 1,067 crore.Stalin inaugurated upgraded substations with additional power transformers, with a total capacity of 4,649 mVA, at 110 substations across the state.To ensure uninterrupted power supply and enhance public safety during festivals and processions, Stalin also inaugurated UG power supply system in temple car streets of major temples including Kamatchi Amman temple, Ekambareswarar temple, Varadharaja Perumal temple, Koniamman temple in Coimbatore, Nellaiappar temple in Tirunelveli, Arthanareeswarar temple in Tiruchengode, Subramanya Swamy temple in Thiruparankundram, and Annamalaiyar temple in Tiruvannamalai. The conversion was completed at a cost of 14.08 crore.The chief minister launched the electrification of Kathirimalai tribal village in Bargur Hills, where 76 families comprising 267 members live. In 2024, the chief minister promised power supply to the village at an event in Erode. “As many as 271 electric poles, 8.34km long aerially bunched cables, and 100 mVA transformers were used to electrify the village,” said a TNPDCL official.
