Patna, September 24: The South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) has made special arrangements to maintain uninterrupted and safe electricity supply during the Pitripaksh Mela 2026, which will be held from September 25 to October 10 in Gaya and Punpun.
SBPDCL Managing Director Saurabh Jorwal, IAS, said special measures have been taken keeping in mind the large number of devotees expected to visit major pind daan and tarpan sites during the mela.
The arrangements include temporary control rooms, additional technical personnel, alternative power sources and emergency restoration equipment.
Walkie-Talkie System Introduced For First Time
For the first time during the mela, SBPDCL has introduced a walkie-talkie communication system in the Gaya mela area.
The system will allow officials and technical teams to communicate directly and coordinate responses to power-related issues.
A temporary control room has been established near Vishnupad Temple, while 20 smaller control rooms will operate across the mela area.
Four Mobile Transformers Ready For Emergencies
SBPDCL has deployed four mobile vans equipped with charged transformers for emergency power restoration.
The mobile units will be kept ready for quick deployment if transformers or other power infrastructure develop faults during the mela.
Engineers and technical personnel have also been deployed at key locations to monitor the electricity network and respond to emergencies.
Electrical Safety Measures In Gaya
With large crowds expected at the mela sites, SBPDCL has given particular attention to electrical safety.
The company has applied dielectric paint to electric poles as part of measures intended to reduce the risk of electrical contact.
An alternative power supply arrangement has also been established at Dandibagh Power Substation.
Its two power transformers have been connected separately with two 33 kV sources — Manpur and Chandauti — and two 11 kV feeders — Town-2 Old and Town-2 New.
The arrangement is intended to support power continuity and faster restoration in case of a disruption.
Punpun Gets Alternative Power Sources
SBPDCL has also strengthened the power network serving the Punpun Pitripaksh Mela area in Patna district.
The Kura Nawada Power Sub-Station has been connected to two 33 kV sources — Parsa Bazar and Kura Nawada.
As an alternative arrangement, the 11 kV Punpun Town feeder has been connected to a dedicated 5 MVA power transformer installed at the Parsa Bazar Power Sub-Station.
Additional transformers have also been installed in the mela area to support load balancing.
Covered And Underground Cables Used
Electrical safety measures in Punpun include replacing bare conductors with covered conductors, AB cables and underground cables at required locations.
Safety arrangements have also been made around electric poles and transformers.
A temporary control room has been established in the Punpun mela area to monitor the power supply system throughout the event.
24×7 Power Supply Planned During Mela
Jorwal said the state government is committed to providing 24×7 reliable, quality and safe electricity supply to devotees and local residents during the Pitripaksh Mela.
He directed engineers, officers and technical personnel to remain prompt and responsive throughout the mela period.
The Managing Director also appealed to devotees and members of the public to follow electrical safety precautions and immediately report any power-related issue to the concerned authorities.
With lakhs of devotees expected in Gaya Ji and Punpun, the strengthened arrangements are aimed at ensuring that power-related disruptions can be monitored and addressed quickly during the 16-day mela.
