‘Gujarat moving power lines underground to combat cyclone damage’

Gandhinagar: To mitigate cyclone-related damage to its electricity network, the Gujarat govt is progressively converting overhead power lines to underground cables in coastal regions, according to state energy minister Kanu Desai.He added that as part of this project, a sum of Rs 1,009 crore was spent to replace 73,762 kilometres of dilapidated power lines and over 1.74 lakh electricity poles."As of Dec 1, 2024, in Junagadh district, two power feeders covering 16.97km of power lines are planned to be converted to underground cables at a cost of Rs 2.74 crore," the minister said in reply to a question about steps being taken in Junagadh district.The minister added that the state govt decided to lay underground power lines, build new substations, replace old wires, and provide new power connections in coastal districts under the Sagarkhedu Development Plan following the Biparjoy cyclone for the benefit of farmers and citizens.