In a significant move to bolster electricity supply in a tribal region, the Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company has activated a major new transformer at the Masora substation in Kondagaon district. This infrastructure upgrade is set to directly benefit thousands of maize farmers and rural households who have long struggled with unreliable power.
Addressing the Seasonal Power Crunch
The core issue stemmed from agricultural demand. Distribution Company Chief Engineer for the Jagdalpur region, TK Meshram, explained that extensive maize cultivation during the Rabi season leads to a sharp spike in the need for irrigation power during the summer months. This surge repeatedly overloaded the existing infrastructure at the 132 KV Masora sub-station, resulting in frequent power cuts and persistent low-voltage problems across Kondagaon district.
Details of the Infrastructure Upgrade
The newly energised unit is an additional 63 MVA power transformer, constructed at a cost of Rs 8.5 crore. Before this addition, the Masora sub-station operated with two transformers, each of 40 MVA capacity. These served eight 33 KV feeders supplying electricity to Kondagaon, Pharasgaon, and Makdi blocks, as well as parts of Bade Rajpur block. (Other areas like Keshkal and the rest of Bade Rajpur are powered from the Kanker sub-station).
The enhancement increases the substation's total capacity significantly, providing a robust solution to the overload problem. Transmission company Managing Director Rajesh Kumar Shukla affirmed that the state is accelerating infrastructure development in tribal and forest areas, with this project being a key example.
Expected Impact and Relief for Consumers
The upgrade is projected to bring substantial relief to nearly 1.5 lakh consumers and 21,000 farmers in the region. For years, local residents, farmers, and public representatives had raised complaints about the unstable power supply with the district administration. Officials now expect the new transformer to ensure a stable and reliable power supply for agricultural, domestic, and commercial purposes throughout the year, effectively ending the seasonal electricity shortages that plagued the area.
This development marks a critical step in supporting the agricultural economy of Kondagaon, particularly for its maize farmers, while improving the quality of life for rural consumers by providing consistent electricity.
