Overhead power cables will be a thing of the past in Darjeeling
“This is the first time the Centre will provide 100% funding to build underground power distribution networks in the state as a grant. Because of storms or Nor’westers and also incidents of power theft, it will not put any burden on the state exchequer, while all 16 towns will get better quality of power, and the underground distribution network will also enhance supply reliability to the consumers,” an official said, adding that the underground distribution system prevents accidents arising out of overhead live electricity wires being cut and falling on the ground. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in Kolkata
“The project cost is close to Rs 2,014 crore and will be fully funded by the Centre from its Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. The construction work is expected to begin in January and is likely to be completed by December 2028,” a senior official said. WBSEDCL has recently completed the construction of underground power distribution networks in Chandernagore, Rajarhat, Kharagpur and Baruipur, and work is near completion in Asansol and Siliguri under a World Bank-funded project aimed at strengthening and modernising the state’s electricity infrastructure. Similar underground systems had also been developed in Krishnanagar, Chinsura, Bolpur, Nabadwip and Cooch Behar using state govt funds.
Earlier, WBSEDCL built an underground power distribution network in Digha under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project.