Patna: In a major infrastructure upgrade, overhead power wires and electric poles will disappear along the 5-kilometre stretch from Patna Junction to Gandhi Maidan. The entire corridor is being shifted to an underground power supply system at a cost of Rs 119 crore.
Patna Electric Supply Undertaking (PESU) General Manager Dilip Kumar Singh said that cables will come above ground only at points where new connections are required. Elsewhere, electricity will be supplied entirely through underground lines.
As part of the project, six 990 kVA transformers will be installed at ground level. In addition, 500 kVA and 315 kVA distribution transformers will be set up, while low-capacity and outdated transformers will be removed to ensure stable and high-quality power supply.
In the second phase, the state will invest Rs 568.22 crore to lay 890 kilometres of underground cables and install 881 kilometres of covered wire conduct ring network. A SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system will also be introduced for real-time monitoring and control of the power network.
At present, underground cabling is already in place in sensitive and high-security zones such as the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Raj Bhavan, the Chief Minister’s residence, ministers’ bungalows, the zoo and the airport area.
Officials said the project will bring multiple benefits. Power tripping during storms and rain will be eliminated, the risk of snapped wires will end, and consumers will receive better quality electricity. Traffic movement will become smoother, pedestrian access on footpaths will improve, and the overall look of the area will change significantly.
The project area covers Ashok Rajpath in the north, Patna Junction in the south, Kadamkuan Road in the east and Buddha Marg in the west. Key locations such as Golghar, Gandhi Maidan, Ashok Rajpath near Kargil Chowk, Fraser Road, Dak Bungalow, Exhibition Road, Bhattacharya Road, Jamal Road and Station Road will be included.
The underground power network in the city core is being seen as a major step toward modern urban infrastructure and a cleaner skyline for Patna.
