State Bureau, Ranchi: Advanced technology will prove effective in strengthening the state’s electricity system. This will allow an updated assessment of the condition of heavy, decades-old transmission lines, enabling Jharkhand Energy Transmission Corporation to develop a comprehensive plan for their revival.
For the first time in the state, drone patrolling is planned to be used. This scientific exercise will utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to improve the transmission system. These devices will assess how damaged the towers are and determine the level of ground clearance. AI will also be used to assess the updated status of transmission lines passing through difficult terrains.
Some of Jharkhand’s oldest transmission lines include the Farakka-Lalmatia, Lalmatia-Sahibganj, and Maithon-Jamtara transmission lines, built 60-70 years ago. The condition of these lines and the towers supporting them is said to be quite dilapidated. These transmission lines pass through areas where human access is very challenging and fraught with risks. During maintenance, snakebites are the most frequent incidents.
If a line is disturbed, finding and fixing the fault can take several days. With the help of these advanced devices, the three transmission lines can be replaced more effectively.
This initiative will strengthen the electricity supply system in the Santhal Pargana region. According to the plan, 10 kilometers of transmission line will be visually inspected per day using this method.
Once the full report is received, a foolproof plan for their revival will be prepared. The Jharkhand Energy Transmission Corporation, with the prior assistance of the Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL), has successfully worked on such a project.
The following transmission lines in the state will be restored:
- 220 kV single circuit Farakka-Lalmatia transmission line – 82 kilometers
- 132 kV double circuit Lalmatia-Sahibganj transmission line – 51 kilometers
- 132 kV single circuit Maithon-Jamtara transmission line – 34 kilometers
