No final nod yet on the modality of power utility shifting

Gurgaon: The shifting of power transmission lines that are infringing upon the new metro line between Millennium City Centre and Cyber City has been delayed as authorities have not taken a final decision on how the work will be carried out, even as GMRL pushes for work to be taken up on priority to prevent disruptions to the timeline.Around eight to nine high-voltage power transmission lines, including 66 kV and 220 kV lines, cross the proposed metro route. These lines must be relocated before construction work can begin.Earlier in March, GMRL proposed shifting about 1.5 kilometres of power lines underground and relocating 115 metres of overhead lines. The plan also included installing three new monopoles (single-pole transmission structures).

However, Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam (HVPNL) later suggested shifting nearly 5 kilometres of overhead lines, installing 38 new monopoles, removing 10 existing transmission towers and laying 640 metres of underground cables.

Similarly, the shifting of a 66 kV overhead line from Basai up to the Delhi-Rewari railway line is awaiting approval.To avoid delays, GMRL last month proposed a two-phase plan for the shifting of extra-high-voltage infrastructure coming up along the metro route.

In the first phase, the metro agency would carry out essential work on its own to clear the way for construction. The second phase would involve the remaining power line shifting work, which would be completed jointly with HVPNL, with both agencies sharing the costs. However, the proposal is still awaiting administrative approval from HVPNL headquarters.“No consent has been received from the headquarters so far.

Meetings are being held to decide the mode of execution, but nothing has been finalised yet. Any decision will be taken only after administrative approval is granted,” a senior HVPNL official said.As per the plan, around 38 non-operational 66 kV overhead pylons and truss frames located on the left side of the alignment between the GMDA office in Sector 44 and Marble Market in Sector 33 are proposed to be dismantled. GMRL will also undertake the underground diversion of the 66 kV RICO feeder line passing through the Marble Market area.

The proposed underground cable route spans approximately 640 metres. Between Basai and the Delhi-Rewari railway line, the power infrastructure is proposed to be diverted across the metro alignment using a cantilever arrangement supported by a single-arm monopole.Earlier, GMRL proposed converting certain overhead lines into underground cables to reduce the number of monopoles required along the corridor.

HVPNL, however, objected to the proposal, arguing that a mixed system of overhead and underground transmission infrastructure could affect feeder isolation during maintenance and emergency situations. Officials highlighted that uniformity in the transmission network should be preserved.

Notably, there are two monopoles near Fortis Hospital and the remaining 36 structures till Hero Honda Chowk.While GMRL suggested sharing the cost for the portions directly impacted by the metro project, HVPNL said the transmission line functions as an integrated system and, therefore, the entire stretch should be treated as a single package.“There are a few monopoles falling in the metro alignment, particularly near the planned entrances of the stations. However, HVPNL has insisted upon the uniformity and continuity of the transmission network and asked to relocate 38 structures falling along the metro alignment. While we are ready to bear the cost of the utility shifting that is directly impacting the metro project, we have asked them to share the cost for the remaining work,” the senior official of GMRL said.