Guj govt plans to relocate existing electricity infrastructure

Ahmedabad, Jul 20: In order to facilitate developmental works by various urban and semi-urban civic bodies in the state, the Gujarat government has decided to undertake a project to relocate existing electricity infrastructure, such as poles and transformers, at a cost of Rs 100 crore.

The decision has been taken by State Energy and Petrochemicals department recently, said state Energy Minister Saurabh Patel, who is also the spokesperson of Gujarat government.

Apart from relocating existing infrastructure to expedite construction of roads and streets in cities and towns, one of the main objectives of the project is to remove electricity lines hanging dangerously in residential areas.

Giving details about this project, Patel stated that it is multi-purpose scheme where up-gradation of electricity infrastructure would also takes place. "This project has been under consideration since long.

One of the main reasons of implementing this project is to remove all the hurdles which comes into the way whenever a municipal corporation or municipality undertakes expansion or new works for the development of their area," said Patel.

Whenever a municipal corporation or municipality undertakes various works related to expansion of roads, streets or construction of a building, they encounter a major problem of shifting electricity poles, overhead wires and transformers. "This infrastructure was set up long back as per old Town Planning schemes.

Now, when new development works are taking place across the state, such as widening of roads and streets, one of the main obstacles authorities encounter is existing poles and other infrastructure, which comes into their way.

At present they need to undertake the task of relocation by themselves and incur the expenses for that," said Patel. "Moreover, civic bodies are also required to change the town plan and add new facilities, such as wider roads, keeping in mind growing population, traffic situation and safety of pedestrians.

But, it has been observed by the government that civic bodies are always short of funds to relocate electricity infrastructure" said Patel.

PTI