500 KV underground distribution transformer in Bengalurus Malleswaram, the first-of-its-kind in India, was inaugurated on September 5

Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) erected a 500 KV underground distribution transformer, which was dedicated on September 5. It is being touted as the first of its kind in India. 

It is impossible to imagine from the 30 mm concrete structure created at ground level that a high-tech distribution transformer is hard at work beneath. The transformer is buried ten feet underground. You can see a metal door that resembles a water sump door at ground level. The ladder that is revealed when this door is opened provides access to the 480 square foot compartment that contains the transformer. The goal of this project was to make walkways safer for pedestrians. Earlier, the transformer was mounted on the sidewalk and posed a risk to anyone walking by.

The 500 KV dry type transformer, 8-way solid RMU, 5-way LT distribution panel, 2 KV UPS, 1 HP submersible water pump, lighting and air ventilation system, and temperature and humidity monitoring system were all installed as part of the project, which had a total cost of 1.97 crore and Bescom contributing 1.33 crore. For the civil work, BBMP donated 64 lakh rupees. 365 days were needed to finish the job, according to a Bescom representative. The underground transformer system will protect electrical equipment from adverse weather circumstances, including as storms and high ambient temperatures, according to Mahantesh Bilagi, Managing Director of Bescom. This will increase the operation's dependability and lifespan. 

Energy Minister K. J. George announced the facility's opening and promised that Bengaluru would see the start of many similar initiatives. The conversion of Bescom's distribution transformers, Ring Main Units (RMU), feeder pillar boxes, and other equipment to underground locations is one of the company's future ambitions. Bescom has already begun the process of converting overhead high tension (HT) lines to subterranean cables in a phased way. In addition to preventing electric mishaps, this action is anticipated to reduce distribution losses and guarantee the provision of high-quality energy.

According to BBMP Chief Civic Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath, steps would be made to guarantee that the concrete ceiling above the pathway is aligned with it for the benefit of pedestrians when such subterranean projects are undertaken in the future.