India’s First Underground Power Transformer Installed in Bengaluru

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The inauguration of India’s first underground power transformer center in Bengaluru marks a groundbreaking moment for the city. Energy Minister KJ George led this historic event, signifying a substantial stride in the city’s efforts to modernize its power distribution infrastructure. This achievement underscores Bengaluru’s dedication to ensuring safety, reliability, and the aesthetic enhancement of its urban landscape. The introduction of an underground transformer center represents a noteworthy advancement in urban planning and infrastructure development, setting an example for other cities in the country.

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A Milestone in Power Distribution

The underground transformer center at 15th Avenue, Malleswaram, is a remarkable collaboration between the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). This pioneering project, with a budget of Rs 1.98 crore, features a 500 KVA capacity transformer. Historically, underground power transformer stations have been more prevalent in Western countries, where governments prioritize public convenience and safety. The establishment of such a facility in Bengaluru reflects a progressive approach to urban infrastructure and sets a notable precedent for the city’s development.

Beneath the Surface

The underground transformer center in Bengaluru has been meticulously designed to prioritize safety and convenience for the city’s residents. It features a specially constructed chamber located beneath the earth’s surface, which is fortified with a 30 mm cement block, ensuring a stable foundation for the electrical transformers. Situated at a depth of 10 feet below the road’s surface, this innovative center sets new benchmarks in power distribution infrastructure.

The responsibilities for this project are divided, with BESCOM handling the electrical aspects while BBMP manages the civil works. The station is equipped with essential components, including a 500 KVA capacity oil-free transformer, an 8-way solid-state ring main unit, a 5-way LT distribution box, UPS, a water pump, and an air control system.

BBMP contributed Rs 64 lakh towards the civil works, and remarkably, the entire project was completed in just 365 days. This demonstrates a commitment to efficient and safe urban infrastructure development in Bengaluru.

Safety and Aesthetics

The underground transformer center in Bengaluru prioritizes safety as a standout feature. It includes a dedicated room within the chamber, ensuring easy access for maintenance personnel during repairs or emergencies. This chamber, designed in a manner similar to a water sump, is surrounded by concrete walls on all sides. This design minimizes the risk of accidents and power failures caused by potential transformer explosions or mishaps, ensuring that pedestrians and traffic above remain unaffected. Such safety measures are essential for the well-being of the city’s residents and the uninterrupted supply of power.

Advantages of Underground Power Transformer

The introduction of this ambitious initiative in Bengaluru brings about multiple advantages for the city:

Enhanced Safety: The underground transformer center improves the safety of the urban environment, ensuring that maintenance works on overhead cables and related equipment do not disrupt footpaths or pose risks to pedestrians and traffic.
Protection from Extreme Weather: It safeguards electrical equipment from the adverse effects of drastic climatic changes, including extreme cold, heat, and heavy rains, thus ensuring the reliability of the power supply.
Aesthetic Improvement: By removing significant visual clutter from the cityscape, this smart underground distribution infrastructure enhances the overall urban aesthetics. It contributes to a cleaner and more visually appealing urban environment.
Reduced noise pollution: Underground power transformers produce less noise than overhead power transformers.
Increased lifespan: Underground power transformers have a longer lifespan than overhead power transformers.

Overall, this initiative not only modernizes power distribution but also enhances the quality of life for Bengaluru’s residents, making the city safer and more visually pleasing.

Disadvantages of Underground Power Transformer

However, underground power transformers also have some disadvantages, including:

Higher initial cost: The initial cost of installing an underground power transformer is higher than the cost of installing an overhead power transformer.
More complex installation: Underground power transformers are more complex to install than overhead power transformers.
Difficult to access: Underground power transformers are more difficult to access for maintenance or repairs.
Limited availability: Underground power transformers are not available in all areas.

Overall, underground power transformers offer a number of advantages over overhead power transformers. However, the initial cost and complexity of installation may make them impractical in some areas.

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