Vizag is all set to go in for underground power cabling at a cost of Rs 720 crore to the exchequer. Rs 400 crore will be borne by the World Bank.
The advocates of underground cabling argue that the city needs it in the wake of calamities such as Hudhud.
It also helps to reduce pilferage and thereby results in lesser transmission losses. However, it is yet to be proved that underground cabling will result in decrease in transmission losses.
Also, if something goes wrong with normal cabling, it can be rectified pretty soon. Underground cabling repairs can take a lot of time.
In Odisha when a cyclone struck recently, damage was averted by switching off power well in time. They did not take recourse to underground cabling but took some simple and smart pre-emptive measures.
Even developed countries do not show preference to underground cabling in view of its high capital and maintenance costs. Therefore, when AP is facing a financial crunch, would it not be wise to consider the feasibility of this project again before going ahead with it?
