The power department in Noida has initiated a comprehensive field survey to map out ageing and dilapidated electrical infrastructure across the city. This exercise is the critical first step in planning a major upgrade of the power distribution network scheduled for the 2026-27 financial year.
Pinpointing Weak Links in Noida's Power Network
Officials from the Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited (PVVNL) stated that the survey aims to identify specific locations where components like poles, cables, and transformers have outlived their operational life. Teams are focusing on spots with rust-weakened poles, snag-prone transformers, and worn-out cables that frequently cause disruptions. The assessment will also highlight areas needing network expansion to cater to rising electricity demand, including potential sites for new substations.
Sub-divisional officers (SDOs) and junior engineers (JEs) are leading the on-ground inspection. They are meticulously documenting stretches where infrastructure shows significant wear and tear. The findings will be compiled into a formal proposal to be submitted for approval to the PVVNL headquarters in Meerut.
Building on Recent Repair Works
This preparatory work for a large-scale overhaul follows significant repair activities undertaken in the current fiscal year. In the 2024-25 financial year, 532 repair works were initiated at a cost of Rs 124.9 crore, with approximately 85% of these projects already completed. The new survey is designed to plan a more systemic and future-proof upgrade beyond these routine repairs.
Sanjay Kumar Jain, PVVNL chief engineer, outlined the scope of the planned enhancement. "As part of the enhancement plan, we are focusing on increasing the capacity of power lines, augmenting the number and capacity of transformers, and installing new panel boxes, earthing systems, circuit protection terminal panels (CPTP), and vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs)," he said. PVVNL is the sole power distribution company for Noida.
Residents Call for Timely Action
A preliminary draft of proposals based on the ongoing inspections has already been submitted to senior officials for review. Resident welfare associations in Noida have been vocal about the need for expediting the process. KK Jain, secretary general of the Federation of Noida Resident Welfare Associations, confirmed that they had previously urged the department to speed up the proposal process to ensure essential upgrades are implemented without delays.
The successful completion of this survey and the subsequent approval of the upgrade proposal are crucial for Noida's power reliability. The planned infrastructural improvements aim to reduce frequent outages, enhance safety, and build a grid robust enough to support the city's continuous growth and escalating power consumption.
