TNPDCL plans underground power lines around the streets of Rockfort Temple

Tamil Nadu Power Development Corporation Limited (TNDCL) plans to lay underground power cables along the streets, including NSC. Bose Road and Nandikoil Street, surrounding the Rockfort Temple here.

Of the main streets, where the underground power lines will replace the overhead cables, NSC Bose Road, Chinnakadai Street and Nandikoil Street are classified as commercial hubs. More than 90% of the electricity connections here are commercial. Many of the electric poles have a large number of connections, raising questions on the possibilities of short circuits.

It is along NSC Bose Road, Chinnakadai Street, Nandikoil Street, North Andar Street and East Andar Street that the car of Thayumanavaswamy Temple and religious processions as part of various festivals take place often. Considering the safety of the people and processionists, Tamil Nadu Power Development Corporation officials would resort to suspending power supply in the designated areas whenever a car festival takes place.

In order to find a solution to the issue, the people, particularly devotees of the areas, demanded that the State government lay underground power lines along the streets around the Rockfort Temple. Inigo Irudhayaraj, MLA, Tiruchi East, raised the issue in the State Assembly three years ago. Based on the demands, the electricity officials conducted a feasibility study on whether the project was viable or not. Since it turned out to be positive, TNPDCL prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR). Based on it, it proposed to implement the project in four packages.

S. Senthamarai, Superintending Engineer (in-charge), Tiruchi Metro, told The Hindu that a sum of ₹6.6 crore had been earmarked for the project. Of the four packages, the package related to NSC Bose Road-Chinnakadai Street had been awarded. Tenders would soon be floated for the other packages. Tender documents were under preparation. The work would be completed within two months from the date of awarding work orders.

She said the underground laying of power line work would be carried out only in the night hours. The project was aimed at preventing safety risks and power disruptions during temple car processions. Once the underground power lines were laid, all connections to consumers would be routed through them.