Power grid gets boost as Bhilai & Kuthrel substation expanded

In a major push to strengthen Chhattisgarh’s power transmission infrastructure and support growing industrial and urban demand, the Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Limited (CSPTCL) has significantly enhanced the capacities of its key 220/132 kV substations at Bhilai and Kuthrel (Dharsiwa), adding a combined 355 MVA to the state’s transmission network.

CSPTCL Managing Director Rajesh Kumar Shukla commissioned new 160 MVA power transformers at both substations, describing the projects as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to build a modern, reliable and robust transmission system capable of ensuring uninterrupted quality power supply across the state.

At the 220/132 kV Bhilai substation, the capacity of an existing 125 MVA transformer has been upgraded to 160 MVA. The augmentation has increased the substation’s ability to handle growing power requirements in Bhilai and surrounding regions, benefiting industrial, commercial and domestic consumers alike.

Officials said the project will help cater to increasing electricity demand in Raipur, Durg, Bhilai, Gurur, Balod and nearby areas. Besides improving system reliability and voltage profile, the upgraded infrastructure is expected to reduce the risk of overloading by enabling better load distribution across the transmission network. The enhancement will also provide adequate transmission support for future industrial expansion and urban development.

In another major development, CSPTCL increased the capacity of the 220/132 kV Kuthrel substation in the Dharsiwa industrial area to 480 MVA with the commissioning of a new 160 MVA transformer. The upgrade has elevated Kuthrel to become the fourth-largest 220 kV substation in Raipur.

With the enhancement, Kuthrel now joins the ranks of the 220/132 kV substations at Urla, Siltara and Borjhara, each of which operates with a capacity of 480 MVA.

The expanded capacity is expected to strengthen power supply reliability for industries, businesses and residential consumers in the rapidly growing Dharsiwa industrial belt. Officials said the additional capacity would help manage peak summer loads and accommodate future demand arising from industrial growth and urbanisation.

Speaking on the occasion, Shukla congratulated the engineers, officers and employees involved in the projects and reiterated CSPTCL’s commitment to continuously upgrading the state’s transmission infrastructure.

Senior officials present during the commissioning ceremonies included Chief Engineer (Substation) Abraham Verghese, Chief Engineer (Civil) Sanjay Tiwari, Additional Chief Engineer R K Tiwari, Executive Engineer (Substation) Jitendra Kumar Jha and Executive Engineer (Testing Division) Kamanjay Sinha, along with other officials from CSPTCL and CSPDCL.

The twin projects are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring a stable and efficient power supply network for Chhattisgarh’s expanding industrial hubs and urban centres.