Rs 2,600 crore power distribution project on the cards in Faridabad

The Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) is in the process of finalising a major infrastructure renewal scheme worth Rs 2,600 crore to improve the supply and distribution of power in Faridabad circle.

The work on preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) has commenced, said sources, adding that the project would be fully implemented within two years.

As a result, the department may be able to improve power situation to a considerable level in both domestic and non-domestic sectors.

The move comes in the wake of hardships faced by the DHBVN during peak summer.

The project includes setting up of new substations, switching stations, transformers, replacement of old and redundant supply network and underground cabling of lines in several areas.

As average demand of power has surpassed 2 crore units daily, the demand is expected to hit or cross 3 crore units per day next summer.

This year, the demand of 2.72 crore units in July was the highest so far. The circle has around 6.75 lakh consumers at present.

Due to frequent breakdowns and snapping of lines, the department had been getting a large number of complaints, especially from the densely populated areas, said an official on condition of anonymity.

Subhash Lamba, spokesperson, All India Electricity Employees Federation, said overloading in the system leads to breakdown and the time consumed in repairing the fuse had been a cause for concern due to redundant technology. Poor upkeep, staff shortage and inadequate infrastructure have complicated the matters, he added.

Rajiv Chawla, chief, Integrated Association of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises of India, said the government needs to ensure a robust supply network that remains unaffected by weather conditions.

Jitender Dhull, Superintending Engineer, DHBVN, said work to strengthen the infrastructure and augment the supply had been underway.