In the Indian Power Sector, one of the most significant developments of 2020 has come forward on the last day of the year. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India on 31st December 2020 have signed a $100 million loan to modernise and upgrade the power distribution system to enhance the quality and reliability of electricity supply in Bengaluru city in the state of Karnataka. Bengaluru city accommodates the third largest crowd of people after Mumbai and Delhi. Thus, the city’s power distribution system is definitely supposed to be of global standard.
As per Dr. C. S. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, who signed the loan agreement on behalf of the GoI, with this loan, conversion of overhead distribution lines into underground cables will help build an energy-efficient distribution network in Bengaluru, reduce technical and commercial losses and minimize electricity outage resulting from natural hazards.
Also, in parallel to underground distribution cables, over 2,800 km of fibre optical cables will be installed to strengthen communication network. Moving about 7,200 km of distribution lines underground will help reduce technical and commercial losses by about 30%. The fibre optical cables will be used for smart metering systems, Distribution Automation System (DAS) in the distribution grid, and other communication networks. The project will install 1,700 automated ring main units adapted with a DAS to monitor and control the distribution line switchgears from the control centre.
Thus, it is a boon for the city from all angles, consumers will enjoy better power supply and Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will see enhanced profitability.
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