Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) is grappling with a problem that dates back 80 years. The electricity wires in south Mumbai, installed during the British era, are causing regular power outages as the city's temperatures rise. This week, for the second time, power outages occurred in several areas of south Mumbai.
The old electricity wires, located two to four metres below the surface, are the reason for this. To upgrade the eight-decade-old power supply network, INR 6,000 crore will need to be invested in the next five years, according to BEST.
This week, in particular, BEST has been experiencing regular power outages. Yesterday, only at 11:00, the power cut affected Bhuleshwar and certain areas of CSMT. BEST officials dispatched personnel right away to fix the cable fault.
In response, BEST has devised a five-year plan to upgrade the almost century-old network. Another aspect of the renovation is the restructuring of the 1,000-kilometre subterranean cable network. The project involves replacing 800 km of cables at several points throughout the island.
BEST provides electricity to 10.5 lakh customers between Colaba and Sion/Mahim. Currently, the wires are being restored. There is an increasing burden on these cable networks as a result of the rise in electricity demand. Mumbai’s power consumption is currently at 3400 MW and is predicted to rise in the summer.
Share
Tweet
