Patna : The Bihar Energy Department has prepared a Rs 12,000 crore plan to replace ageing electricity wires, poles and transformers across the state, aiming to address low-voltage problems and improve the reliability of power supply for around 2.25 crore electricity consumers.
The proposal is expected to be sent to the state Cabinet for approval. According to a report published by Hindustan, the department plans to raise funds through bank loans to implement the programme.
The proposed upgrade comes amid recurring complaints about deteriorating wires and poles falling, along with transformers burning out. The department aims to reduce such incidents and strengthen electricity distribution across urban and rural areas.
Chief Minister Directs Preparation Of Detailed Plan
Following a review of the power sector, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary directed Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar, also known as Bulo Mandal, to have officials prepare a detailed action plan.
The Energy Department has since prepared the proposal, which will require Cabinet approval before implementation can proceed.
The proposed financing involves raising approximately Rs 12,000 crore through bank loans. The final implementation schedule and financing arrangements will depend on the subsequent approval process.
Rs 8,465 Crore Earmarked For Wires And Poles
The proposed expenditure covers three major components of the electricity distribution network.
| Infrastructure component | Proposed expenditure |
| Poles and cable wires covering 1.18 lakh km | Rs 8,465 crore |
| Replacement of wires spread across 33,698 km and supported by bamboo structures | Rs 2,262 crore |
| Replacement of 12,000 transformers | Rs 370 crore |
The largest allocation, Rs 8,465 crore, is proposed for poles and cable wires covering approximately 1.18 lakh kilometres.
Another Rs 2,262 crore is earmarked for replacing wires spread across 33,698 kilometres where bamboo supports are used. The plan also includes replacing 12,000 transformers at an estimated cost of Rs 370 crore.
The proposed work is intended to strengthen the distribution network and reduce problems caused by deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate capacity.
North And South Bihar To Receive Separate Allocations
The proposed expenditure will be channelled through the state’s two electricity distribution companies.
The North Bihar Power Distribution Company is expected to spend approximately Rs 6,066 crore across 21 districts.
The South Bihar Power Distribution Company is expected to spend around Rs 5,031 crore across 17 districts.
The two allocations total Rs 11,097 crore. The report does not specify how the remaining amount within the overall Rs 12,000 crore proposal will be distributed.
Rising Electricity Demand Puts Pressure On Infrastructure
The proposed upgrade comes as electricity consumption and the number of connections have increased across Bihar.
According to the report, the number of electricity consumers has more than doubled since 2015-16. The growth in connections and increased use of household appliances have placed additional pressure on existing wires and transformers.
Energy expert S. K. Singh said air conditioners and coolers are increasingly being used in rural households as well, adding to the load on local distribution networks.
He highlighted the need to replace deteriorating wires, install transformers with suitable capacities and increase the number of power substations and grids to meet rising demand.
Under the proposed plan, lower-capacity wires would be replaced with higher-capacity cables, while transformers would be selected according to the electricity demand in the areas they serve.
How The Proposed Upgrade Could Benefit Consumers
If approved and implemented, the programme could help address several recurring problems faced by electricity consumers.
- Reduced low-voltage problems: Higher-capacity cables and appropriately rated transformers could help improve voltage stability.
- More reliable electricity supply: Replacing damaged wires and overloaded transformers could reduce infrastructure-related interruptions.
- Improved public safety: Replacing deteriorating poles and wires could lower the risk of electrical accidents.
- Reduced electricity losses: Upgraded distribution infrastructure could help limit power losses.
- Fewer transformer failures: Transformers suited to local demand could better manage electricity loads.
The extent of these benefits will depend on the final scope of the programme, the quality of implementation and subsequent maintenance.
Cabinet Approval Is The Next Step
The Energy Department’s Rs 12,000 crore proposal is intended to address longstanding weaknesses in Bihar’s electricity distribution network as demand continues to grow.
However, the proposal is still awaiting Cabinet approval. Its implementation will depend on the approval process, financing arrangements and the schedule finalised by the department.
For around 2.25 crore electricity consumers, the proposed investment aims to reduce low-voltage complaints, limit infrastructure-related disruptions and make electricity supply more dependable across Bihar.
