Kolkata: The state govt plans to convert the overhead power distribution network into an underground system in 16 towns across Bengal, including popular tourist destinations such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik, using a Rs 2,014-crore central grant. West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (WBSEDCL) will float the tender before Durga Puja, and work is expected to commence in Jan 2027, officials said.“The project cost is close to Rs 2,014 crore and will be fully funded by the Centre from its Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. The construction work is expected to begin in January and is likely to be completed by December 2028,” a senior official said.Besides Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik, the other cities in the list included Mayapur, Contai, Egra, Midnapur, Jhargram, Bankura, Burdwan, Suri, Balurghat, Alipurduar, Jaigaon and Jalpaiguri. According to officials, one more city may be added to the list.WBSEDCL has recently completed the construction of underground power distribution networks in Chandernagore, Rajarhat, Kharagpur and Baruipur, and work is near completion in Asansol and Siliguri under a World Bank-funded project aimed at strengthening and modernising the state’s electricity infrastructure.Earlier, WBSEDCL built an underground power distribution network in Digha under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project. Similar underground systems had also been developed in Krishnanagar, Chinsura, Bolpur, Nabadwip and Cooch Behar using state govt funds.“This is the first time the Centre will provide 100% funding to build underground power distribution networks in the state as a grant. It will not put any burden on the state exchequer, while all 16 towns will get better quality of power, and the underground distribution network will also enhance supply reliability to the consumers,” an official said, adding that the underground distribution system prevents accidents arising out of overhead live electricity wires being cut and falling on the ground because of storms or Nor’westers and also incidents of power theft.However, these being unplanned towns, building a 100% underground power distribution network is not possible.“And so, we have built a mix of underground infrastructure, largely with overhead aerial bundled (AB) cable in a few places, thus removing all bare conductors from the network, which has helped in achieving our objectives,” a senior official said.
