Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A long-standing technical challenge at Indore's nearly 60-year-old 132 kV Chambal Substation has finally been resolved, with all 16 overlapping 33 kV feeder crossings converted into an underground cable system.
The major infrastructure upgrade at the Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MP Transco) substation is expected to improve the reliability, safety and stability of power supply across several key parts of the city.
The Chambal Substation is the oldest substation in Indore and the second-oldest Extra High Voltage (EHV) substation in the Malwa region. As the city's power demand grew over six decades, the number of 33 kV feeders at the substation increased to 16. Their crossings within the substation yard had, however, made maintenance and operations increasingly difficult.
The overlapping feeders also posed a technical risk. Instances of conductor snapping and other faults had occasionally resulted in tripping and interruptions in power supply. With all 16 crossings now shifted underground, the possibility of such incidents has been substantially reduced, while safety within the substation premises has also improved.
As part of the project, a modern duct system was constructed for all 16 feeders, which were subsequently connected to their respective grids through underground cables.
The project cost was borne by Madhya Pradesh West Zone Electricity Distribution Company (West Discom) and was completed through the coordinated efforts of West Discom and MP Transco.
The upgrade is expected to particularly benefit consumers in MG Road, Sarwate, Railway Station, Ujjain Road, Kila Maidan, Airport Road, Jawahar Marg, Raj Mohalla, Bhagirathpura and Sanwer Road, besides adjoining industrial areas.
Officials said the underground system will make power supply safer and more reliable, while enabling safer and more efficient maintenance. Industrial consumers are also expected to gain from improved power quality and reliability.
