Chandigarh: Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria Sunday inaugurated a project to convert the 11 kV overhead electricity distribution network into an underground cable system across Sectors 1 to 8, a move aimed at improving power reliability and reducing disruptions.Implemented at a cost of around Rs 12 crore, the project is expected to benefit residents of the northern sectors. Under the scheme, about 18 km of 11 kV underground cables have been laid and 14 SCADA-controlled ring main units (RMUs) installed across four distribution feeders passing through the forest area.Addressing the gathering, Kataria said the project marked a significant step towards strengthening the city’s power infrastructure following the transfer of electricity distribution to Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL).“Overhead lines are vulnerable to weather conditions, and a fault can disrupt supply for hours. Taking 18 kilometres of the network underground and linking it to the command centre through multiple feeders will significantly reduce this vulnerability,” he said.Kataria said the new system would enable faster restoration of supply during faults by allowing remote load transfer between feeders. “Even if one line develops a fault, supply can be restored in the shortest possible time by remotely shifting the load to another line,” he said, adding that the project would also help reduce accidents and improve checks against power theft.The administration said the integration of SCADA-controlled RMUs with the command centre would enhance monitoring and operational efficiency while ensuring a more resilient electricity network.Brajesh Kumar, CEO, CPDL, said the project forms part of the company’s wider plan to modernise Chandigarh’s electricity distribution system through technology-driven solutions.“The strengthened network will improve operational efficiency, support the city’s growing electricity demand and contribute towards making Chandigarh safer, more sustainable and future-ready,” he said.
