Vishakhapatanam: Underground power supply will be coming up at 53 layouts in Jagananna Colonies from five coastal districts – Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari and West Godavari - under Vizag-based Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (EPDCL).
At present, the concept of underground power has been limited to Vizag city in the aftermath of cyclone Hudhud. Now, the same concept has been adapted to Jagananna Colonies where there are over 550 houses, said B. Ramesh Prasad, director (operations), EPDCL.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Prasad said that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had instructed them to provide underground power to the larger layouts to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
“The cost of the underground power will be double and sometimes triple when compared with the power supply through the overhead network. We will start the works once the houses have been completed,” Prasad said.
As per preliminary estimations, there will be 53 layouts in the five districts with over 550 houses in a single layout. A total of 3,898 layouts have less than 550 houses. A total of 3,951 layouts with more than three lakh plots have been identified in EPDCL limits for free power supply network provision. The tentative cost of the project will be around `1,217 crore.
Distribution companies like EPDCL have to provide comprehensive infrastructure in Jagananna Colonies, including electrical lines to houses, street-lights and electrical networks for water supply.
The government has already issued house site pattas to 30.60 lakh beneficiaries in a total of 17,005 layouts across the state.
The first phase covering nearly 16 lakh houses will be completed by June next while all houses would be completed by 2023.
