Massive Fire at 66 KV Grid Causes ₹7 Crore Damage, Restoration Efforts Underway
Over 1,000 industrial units and thousands of households in Ludhiana have been left without electricity following a devastating fire at the 66 KV grid on Tajpur Road. The incident, which occurred at approximately 5:15 PM on Wednesday, severely damaged two transformers, causing equipment losses estimated at nearly ₹7 crore.
Impact of the Fire
The blackout has disrupted power supply to critical areas, including:
- Central Jail: Power was restored by 11 PM on Wednesday.
- Residential Areas: Over 15,000 homes lost electricity; supply was partially restored by 2 AM Thursday.
- Industrial Units: Nearly 1,000 factories remain without power, severely impacting operations.
Cause of the Fire
Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) officials revealed that the fire was triggered by a blast in the LV side bush of one transformer. Strong winds spread the flames to a nearby transformer, compounding the damage. Firefighting efforts extended until 3 AM on Thursday.
“We received the emergency call at 5:20 PM and dispatched 10 to 12 fire tenders,” said Sub-Fire Officer Aatish Rai. “The blaze was brought under control after seven hours, and one fire tender remains on standby at the grid for safety.”
Restoration Efforts
PSPCL’s director of distribution, DPS Grewal, visited the site to oversee restoration efforts and provided the following updates:
- Residential Areas:
- Power supply to homes was restored late Wednesday using six 11 KV feeders and alternative sources.
- Industrial Units:
- Restoration of power to the affected factories is being prioritized and is expected by Thursday night through alternate grids.
- Damaged Transformers:
- One transformer is slated to be operational by Sunday.
- The second transformer will be restored by next Thursday, with full functionality expected by the same time.
“Our teams are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and minimize inconvenience for both residents and industries,” Grewal assured.
Community and Industrial Concerns
The prolonged power outage has disrupted production cycles and raised concerns among industrialists, who are urging expedited action to mitigate losses. The incident underscores the importance of robust infrastructure and disaster preparedness to prevent such occurrences in the future.
FAQ: Ludhiana Power Outage
1. What caused the fire at the Tajpur Road grid?
The fire was triggered by a blast in the LV side bush of one transformer, which spread to a nearby transformer due to strong winds.
2. How long will it take to fully restore power?
Power restoration is expected in phases:
- One transformer will be operational by Sunday.
- The second transformer is expected to be functional by next Thursday, ensuring full restoration by the same time.
3. What areas were most affected?
The central jail, 15,000 homes, and 1,000 industrial units were significantly impacted.
4. What measures are being taken to prevent future incidents?
PSPCL is expected to review the grid’s infrastructure and improve disaster response protocols to prevent similar occurrences.