‘Walk Along the Line’ initiative and special maintenance programme aim to reduce outages and improve reliability during the rainy season.
HYDERABAD: The southern discom on Sunday announced a comprehensive monsoon preparedness programme combining a new “Walk Along the Line” initiative with a large‑scale “Poles & Lines Special Drive” to strengthen the distribution network and minimise outages during the rainy season.
Jitesh V. Patil, chairman and managing director of Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TGSPDCL), at a teleconference with senior officials, stressed the need for improved reliability and directed that every employee, from artisan level upwards, participate in field inspections between the 10th and 20th of each month from 9 am to 10 am.
Under the “Walk Along the Line” programme, staff must physically inspect lines in their jurisdictions, identify defects and initiate corrective action while observing safety protocols and engaging with consumers. Running in parallel, the “Poles & Lines Special Drive” will inspect 33 kV substations, 33 kV and 11 kV feeders, distribution transformers and LT networks across the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) area.
Activities include rectification of damaged or bent poles, repair or replacement of loose or sagging conductors, replacement of damaged insulators, inspection of transformers and associated structures, and logging all works with GIS coordinates and before‑and‑after photographs.
A focused feeder maintenance and tree‑trimming programme will run for two weeks, prioritising feeders with historically high interruption rates and coordinated with civic authorities for branch removal and disposal. To boost safety and field efficiency, TGSPDCL is procuring bucket‑lift cranes, chain saws, pole pruners, helmets, torch lights, voltage detectors, raincoats and special field uniforms.
Consumer awareness campaigns on electrical safety and service channels will also be rolled out, including helpline 1912, the TGSPDCL WhatsApp number and mobile app, and circle and section control room contacts. Safety stickers and information boards will be placed at schools, parks and other public locations.
