Patna: The Bihar energy secretary, Manoj Kumar Singh, carried out a surprise inspection of two power infrastructure projects in West Champaran district on Friday, officials said.
Singh, who is also the chairman-cum-managing director of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited, visited the under-construction 132/33 kV grid substation at Amwaman (Senuwaria) in Majhauliya block of Bettiah subdivision, as well as the Madhopur power substation.
Officials said the Amwaman grid substation is expected to significantly improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply in the region once completed. At present, Majhauliya and nearby areas receive power from the Motihari, Raxaul and Bettiah grid substations, with long transmission lines often leading to voltage fluctuations and interruptions. The new facility is intended to shorten 33 kV line lengths, reduce transmission losses and address technical issues affecting supply.
The project includes a 132 kV double-circuit transmission line between Raxaul and Amwaman, along with the construction of two 132 kV bays at the Raxaul grid substation. Officials said the scheme, estimated to cost Rs 145.98 crore, will strengthen power infrastructure across the Majhauliya block and surrounding areas once it becomes operational.
During his inspection of the Madhopur power substation, Singh directed officials to strengthen maintenance and safety practices. He instructed the local circle office to empower regional units to remove scrap materials, update preventive maintenance registers and display the names and mobile numbers of panchayat-level linemen at fuse call centres. He also called for the provision of essential equipment for working on live lines, strict use of safety gear and measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply through proper upkeep of substations.
