Drone Inspection Programme Covers 11,000 Towers
The Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) has successfully deployed drone technology for the maintenance of high-voltage transmission lines. The initiative has enabled the inspection of more than 11,000 transmission towers across the state. According to KPTCL officials, the drones have helped identify and rectify over 1.5 lakh technical defects that previously required manual inspection.
85% Reduction in Outages
The use of drones has led to a remarkable 85% reduction in transmission-related power outages. KPTCL stated that the technology allows for faster and more accurate detection of faults such as insulator damage, conductor sagging, and vegetation encroachment. This has significantly improved the reliability of power supply in both urban and rural areas.
Cost and Time Efficiency
Manual inspection of transmission towers is time-consuming and risky. Drones have cut inspection time by nearly 70%, according to KPTCL. The corporation also noted a reduction in maintenance costs, as drones can cover difficult terrain without the need for extensive ground crews. The data collected by drones is analyzed using AI algorithms to prioritize repairs.
Future Plans
KPTCL plans to expand drone usage to cover all 1.2 lakh transmission towers in Karnataka by 2027. The corporation is also training its own personnel to operate drones, reducing dependence on external vendors. This initiative aligns with the state's goal of modernizing its power infrastructure and minimizing outages.
