Nagpur's Iconic Futala Fountain Revival Commences with Cable Delivery
The ambitious project to restore Nagpur's beloved Futala musical fountain has taken a significant step forward with the arrival of the first consignment of specialized cables. Officials confirmed that nearly 1,000 meters of these crucial components have reached the city from Daman, marking the beginning of the physical restoration phase.
Phased Delivery and On-Ground Work Initiation
A senior MahaMetro official detailed that the total requirement exceeds 4,000 meters of cable, which will be delivered in multiple batches. The final shipment is anticipated to arrive by mid-March, ensuring a steady supply for the extensive installation process. The initial Rs 3-crore cable consignment is currently stored securely in a covered shed at the project site.
With the first kilometer of cable now on-site, trenching operations have already commenced. Workers are actively laying duct pipes to create the necessary underground network through which the new cables will be routed. This preparatory work is essential for the subsequent phases of cable cutting and installation, which will proceed systematically as additional consignments arrive in Nagpur.
Expert-Vetted Specifications and Installation Strategy
The restoration involves installing multiple cable types, including power supply cables for the fountain system and specialized signalling and sensing cables critical for synchronized operations. Before procurement, specifications were rigorously vetted by experts from IIT Bombay.
"The IIT team inspected the entire system and provided detailed recommendations for the required cable specifications," the official explained. "Based on their expert advice, comprehensive testing was conducted, and the approved cable types were finalized to ensure optimal performance and durability."
The cables have been specifically sourced to guarantee compatibility with the fountain's original design and to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture, given their installation environment. The entire network will be laid either underground or submerged underwater, ensuring seamless integration with the fountain's infrastructure while remaining completely concealed from view.
Critical Component in Broader Revival Plan
This cable replacement represents a pivotal element in the comprehensive revival plan for the Futala fountain, which has remained non-functional for nearly two years. Prolonged stagnation led to significant deterioration of the earlier electrical infrastructure, necessitating a complete replacement to restore the fountain to its former glory.
Alongside the cable installation, other restoration measures are being meticulously planned in phases. These include replacement of pump components and various structural works to ensure the fountain's long-term reliability and performance.
International Oversight and Component Sourcing
A French technical team is scheduled to visit Nagpur in the coming days to oversee the installation and calibration of the newly procured fountain systems. Officials emphasized that this team will supervise the integration of electrical, signalling, and synchronization components to ensure the musical fountain is restored in strict accordance with its original design specifications.
In parallel, replacement pump components are being sourced directly from Paris, France. These components are expected to arrive after the final order is processed and will be installed under expert supervision. Following installation, extensive testing and trial runs will be conducted to verify system functionality and performance before the fountain is officially reopened to the public.
