One of the HT power transmission tower which collapsed following the flood discharge in the Kollidam near Tiruchi in 2024.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO

The Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation Ltd (Tantransco) plans underground extra high tension (EHT) cable to transmit electricity by replacing the high-tension towers built on the Kollidam riverbed in Thiruvanaikoil.

As per the existing system, electricity is transmitted to 110 kV substation in Thiruvanaikoil from the 230 kV substations in Thachankurichi and Tiruchi. Nineteen HT towers are located on the Kollidam riverbed. Of them, two located at Alagiripuram in Thiruvanaikoil collapsed due to the heavy flow in the Kollidam last year.

The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. (TNPDCL), since then, has been facing a crisis in supplying power to 110 kV substation in Tiruvanaikoil. However, the officials are managing the situation by employing alternative methods. To solve the issue, the Tantransco has started the work of installing two HT power towers at an estimate of ₹3 crore. The work is expected to be completed within a month.

A better alternative

However, there is a view that the HT power towers erected on the Kollidam riberbed may get damaged if the inflow crosses two lakh cusecs. As an alternative, the Tantransco plans to lay underground cable.

According to sources, it is estimated that it will cost about ₹80 crore. As per the plan, underground cable duct will be laid for six km. The EHT electricity cables will be buried beneath the surface so as to transmit and distribute electricity. The underground cable will be laid along the National Highway.

F.X. Mary Magdalin Princy, Superintending Engineer, Tantransco, Tiruchi, told The Hindu that the proposed scheme would be a better alternative to ensure uninterrupted transmission and distribution of electricity. The estimate for it was being worked out. The system had many advantages such as reduced visual impact, lower maintenance, and increased safety, the engineer added.