No takers for UT’s underground power cables project in Sector 8

Chandigarh: The UT electricity department has decided to float tenders again for the project of conversion of existing overhead lines to the underground system and replacement of infrastructure in Sector 8, Chandigarh.
Earlier, the department had floated tenders for three times, but there were no takers at that time as well.
UT’s superintending engineer (Electricity), MP Singh, said that soon they will float fresh tenders again.
The UT administration had finalised the project of conversion of existing overhead lines to the underground system and replacement of infrastructure in Sector 8. The Joint Electricity Regularity Commission (JERC) has already accorded approval for capital expenditure of Rs 17.89 crore for the project on pilot basis.
The department had picked Sector 8, as the existing infrastructure is about five decades old and frequently breaks down, especially during peak summer season.
The project was part of the UT electricity department’s 20 year road map for improving power infrastructure in the city.
As per the official record, there are five 33 KV sub-stations and thirteen 66 KV substations located in different parts of the city. As per norms, a sub-station has a life span of 25 years. Around six 66 KV sub-stations have crossed their life span and the number of such sub-stations will continue to grow.
To address the problem, the department has prepared and detailed project report for the upgradation of infrastructure, which the department plans to execute in phase manner in next 20 years at a cost of Rs 2773 crore.