TGSPDCL to start replacing overhead power lines with underground cables in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TGSPDCL) has commenced the process of replacing existing overhead lines with underground (UG) cables throughout Greater Hyderabad, including areas up to Outer Ring Road (ORR), said TGSPDCL chairman and managing director Musharraf Ali Faruqui.

In this regard, the TGSPDCL has invited an Expression of Interest (EoI) through global bidding. The move was intended to address concerns about hanging electric lines and poles restricting vehicle access throughout the city, he added.

The GHMC region has 498 33/11 KV substations, 1,280 km of 33 KV underground cables, 3,725 km of 33 KV overhead (OH) lines, 1,022 Power Transformers (PTRs), 957 km of 11 KV UG cables, 21,463 km of 11 KV OH lines, 1,50,992 distribution transformers, and 58,271 intermediate poles, he said.

TGSPDCL to use Hybrid Annuity mechanism (HAM)

“TGSPDCL aims to carry out the underground power cabling project using the Hybrid Annuity mechanism (HAM) or another suitable finance mechanism. A full survey and feasibility analysis would be required as part of the project’s work, in addition to design and engineering, procurement and installation, integration with existing infrastructure, testing and commissioning and operation and maintenance by the selected companies. On February 7, all interested parties will be called to make presentations,” the TGSPDCL chairman said.

UG cabling will help public safety and improve the city’s look

Elaborating further, Musharraf Ali said that following the directions of chief minister A Revanth Reddy in a recent meeting, the TGSPDCL has initiated the process of identifying interested and capable parties for executing works so that reliability of the network will be improved. Additionally, through UG cabling it is envisaged that public safety, efficiency in operations and aesthetic view of the city will be improved. This will further enable Hyderabad to be positioned as one of the global cities.

TGSPDCL invites contracts

In view of the above, TGSPDCL invites interested parties who have carried out successful underground cabling works in other large cities or in other countries to come forward and participate in the expression of Interest (EOI) floated by TGSPDCL. The DISCOM placed a detailed note on its website, he added.