In a remarkable display of technical prowess, engineers from the Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MP Transco) successfully prevented a potential large-scale power failure in Bhopal. The utility executed a critical, high-risk repair on its extra-high voltage network without interrupting electricity supply to the capital city.
The High-Stakes Challenge at Sookhi Sewania
The operation took place at the crucial 400 kV Sookhi Sewania substation, where components of the 220 kV power system had sustained damage. Under normal circumstances, fixing such an issue would mandate a complete shutdown of the system. However, given the immense load at the time, a shutdown was not an option. The two 220 kV main systems were jointly carrying a load of nearly 1,000 megawatts (MW), a figure far exceeding the safe capacity of a single system. A shutdown would have inevitably triggered extensive load curtailment, grid instability, and major power outages across Bhopal and its surrounding regions.
Executing the "Bare-Hand" Live-Line Technique
Faced with this critical situation, MP Transco authorities made the bold decision to approve a live-line repair. The task was carried out using the sophisticated and risky "bare-hand" or hot-line technique. This method allows trained personnel to work on energised equipment directly. A specially skilled live-line maintenance team accessed the faulty equipment from an insulated platform. Under the direct supervision of Additional Chief Engineer (Bhopal) Pradeep Raghav and Executive Engineer Anurag Pant, the team meticulously replaced the damaged isolator assembly. The entire procedure was conducted with strict adherence to rigorous safety protocols, all while the system remained fully energised and operational.
Ensuring Uninterrupted Power and Grid Security
The successful execution of this complex operation had an immediate and vital impact. It ensured an uninterrupted and stable power supply to Bhopal, shielding consumers from any inconvenience. MP Transco officials highlighted that the mission underscored the utility's high level of technical preparedness and its ability to manage critical grid situations proactively. This incident serves as a testament to the skill and courage of power transmission engineers who work behind the scenes to maintain the reliability of the state's electricity infrastructure, especially in preventing crises that could affect daily life and economic activity.
