Guj govt plans to relocate existing electricity infrastructure

AHMEDABAD, July 20: In order to facilitate developmental works by various urban and semi-urban civic bodies in the state, the Gujarat government has decided to undertake a project to relocate existing electricity infrastructure, such as poles and transformers, at a cost of Rs 100 crore. The decision has been taken by State Energy and Petrochemicals Department recently, said state Energy Minister Saurabh Patel, who is also the spokesperson of Gujarat government. Apart from relocating existing infrastructure to expedite construction of roads and streets in cities and towns, one of the main objectives of the project is to remove electricity lines hanging dangerously in residential areas. Giving details about this project, Patel stated that it is multi-purpose scheme where up-gradation of electricity infrastructure would also takes place. "This project has been under consideration since long. One of the main reasons of implementing this project is to remove all the hurdles which comes into the way whenever a municipal corporation or municipality undertakes expansion or new works for the development of their area," said Patel. Whenever a municipal corporation or municipality undertakes various works related to expansion of roads, streets or construction of a building, they encounter a major problem of shifting electricity poles, overhead wires and transformers. "This infrastructure was set up long back as per old Town Planning schemes. Now, when new development works are taking place across the state, such as widening of roads and streets, one of the main obstacles authorities encounter is existing poles and other infrastructure, which comes into their way. At present they need to undertake the task of relocation by themselves and incur the expenses for that," said Patel. "Moreover, civic bodies are also required to change the town plan and add new facilities, such as wider roads, keeping in mind growing population, traffic situation and safety of pedestrians. But, it has been observed by the government that civic bodies are always short of funds to relocate electricity infrastructure" said Patel. Thus, to facilitate the shifting of poles, lines and other infrastructure which are obstructing the work, state Government has now floated a scheme where the entire shifting work will be done by state-owned Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) and four state distribution companies (Discoms). "Now, civic bodies need not spend any money to relocate such infrastructure, as GUVNL and state discoms will bear that cost and undertake the work. This year, state government have allocated Rs 100 crore towards that project. This initiative will certainly expedite all the developmental works in the state," said Patel. The work will revolve around shifting and relocating high as well as low voltage lines, transformers and electricity poles. "Apart from shifting these infrastructure to make way for expansion projects of civic bodies, we will also make overhead lines underground wherever possible. We will also consider replacing old overhead lines with more safer insulated cables for the safety of citizens," said Patel. According to Patel, this project will continue in future. "The grant of Rs 100 crore from government is for current financial year. This is an ongoing project and fresh allocations will be made every year for this project," added Patel.