Bengaluru traders seek urgent relocation of transformer after repeated blasts

Bengaluru: Thousands of bargain-hunting customers pour into the cramped lanes of SP Road every day, crossing rows of shops stacked with mobile accessories and computer hardware. But amid the usual din of haggling and honking, a far more unsettling sound often cuts through the crowd: The crackle and boom of a malfunctioning electric transformer that traders say has long threatened both their life and livelihood.Looming above the packed bylanes near KR Market, just beside Raja Rajeshwari Temple on PR Lane, stands the massive transformer, which for year has emitted sparks, blasts and even caught fire. Repeated complaints have brought little to no relief, traders claimed.
They fear one serious malfunction could trigger chaos in the densely crowded hub. Alarmed by the recurring incidents, Bangalore Electronic Dealers' Association (BEDA) wrote to Bescom recently, urging immediate relocation of what they described as a "high-risk" transformer. Photographs shared by traders show flames shooting out during a previous incident. Arun Jain, secretary of BEDA, said: "This is a very old and huge transformer. Sometimes it emits blasts so loudly that people run away in fear. Before a bigger tragedy happens, we are requesting Bescom to shift it permanently to a safer location." According to traders, fencing installed around the transformer after complaints narrowed the already congested lane, blocking two shop shutters and restricting access.Dilip Mali, who runs a mobile accessories shop nearby, said, "I am here since 2017 and the transformer problem existed from that time. Earlier, I had five to six staff members. Now only two are there; the boys left because of the fear. I am also planning to vacate because I cannot risk my life every day. I have more than Rs 1 lakh worth of stock — what if a major fire breaks out and destroys everything?"Traders claim at least one shop adjacent to the transformer vacated nearly eight months ago. They also pointed to a street food vendor who operates next to the transformer, frying snacks in the open, further heightening fire risk concerns.The association proposed alternate locations, including a nearby GBA ground and space along a hospital compound wall, stating adequate space is available but requires inter-departmental coordination. "We even met the Bescom managing director personally and handed over a letter. If required, traders are willing to financially support the relocation. But departments need to take responsibility. It is not our job to obtain govt permissions," Jain added.Despite multiple representations over the past few months, traders allege no concrete action has been taken. When TOI contacted Bescom engineers, they were unavailable for comments.