In a significant move to bolster Chhattisgarh's power transmission infrastructure and cater to rising industrial and urban electricity demand, the Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited (CSPTCL) has upgraded two major 220/132 kV substations at Bhilai and Kuthrel (Dharsiwa). The enhancements collectively add 355 MVA to the state's transmission network.
New Transformers Commissioned
CSPTCL Managing Director Rajesh Kumar Shukla commissioned new 160 MVA power transformers at both substations. He emphasized that these projects are part of the company's ongoing efforts to build a modern, reliable, and robust transmission system capable of ensuring uninterrupted quality power supply across the state.
Bhilai Substation Upgrade
At the 220/132 kV Bhilai substation, the capacity of an existing 125 MVA transformer has been upgraded to 160 MVA. This augmentation increases the substation's ability to handle growing power requirements in Bhilai and surrounding regions, benefiting industrial, commercial, and domestic consumers alike.
Officials stated that the project will help cater to increasing electricity demand in Raipur, Durg, Bhilai, Gurur, Balod, and nearby areas. Besides improving system reliability and voltage profile, the upgraded infrastructure is expected to reduce the risk of overloading by enabling better load distribution across the transmission network. The enhancement will also provide adequate transmission support for future industrial expansion and urban development.
Kuthrel Substation Expansion
In another key development, CSPTCL increased the capacity of the 220/132 kV Kuthrel substation in the Dharsiwa industrial area to 480 MVA with the commissioning of a new 160 MVA transformer. This upgrade has elevated Kuthrel to become the fourth-largest 220 kV substation in Raipur.
With this enhancement, Kuthrel now joins the ranks of the 220/132 kV substations at Urla, Siltara, and Borjhara, each operating with a capacity of 480 MVA. The expanded capacity is expected to strengthen power supply reliability for industries, businesses, and residential consumers in the rapidly growing Dharsiwa industrial belt. Officials noted that the additional capacity would help manage peak summer loads and accommodate future demand arising from industrial growth and urbanization.
Leadership and Recognition
Speaking on the occasion, Shukla congratulated the engineers, officers, and employees involved in the projects and reiterated CSPTCL's commitment to continuously upgrading the state's transmission infrastructure.
Senior officials present during the commissioning ceremonies included Chief Engineer (Substation) Abraham Verghese, Chief Engineer (Civil) Sanjay Tiwari, Additional Chief Engineer R K Tiwari, Executive Engineer (Substation) Jitendra Kumar Jha, and Executive Engineer (Testing Division) Kamanjay Sinha, along with other officials from CSPTCL and CSPDCL.
The twin projects are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring a stable and efficient power supply network for Chhattisgarh's expanding industrial hubs and urban centers.
