Bescom to relocate transformers blocking footpaths as part of Clean Up Bengaluru campaign

After Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda highlighted the need to shift utility services to clear footpaths for pedestrians, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) has joined the month-long Clean Up Bengaluru campaign.

Clean Up Bengaluru was launched by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to ensure safer pedestrian movement.

According to Energy Department officials, they would be shifting huge transformers that obstruct the path of pedestrians walking on footpaths.

Energy Minister K.J. George, along with N. Shivashankara, Managing Director, Bescom, inspected the transformer relocation work at Channakeshava Layout near Hennur Main Road. After inspecting the ongoing work to relocate electrical transformers, Mr. George directed officials to expedite the process.

To ensure effective coordination with the GBA and oversee the implementation of these activities, the Chief Engineers (Electrical) of the Bengaluru North Metropolitan Zone and the Bengaluru South Metropolitan Zone have been appointed as the nodal officers.

Dr. Shivashankara said, “Unused and decommissioned electrical infrastructure located on footpaths will be removed. Damaged, broken, and deteriorated electric poles have been identified, and instructions have been issued to either return them to stores or relocate them to suitable locations.”

He further stated that where existing Distribution Point transformer structures on major roads obstruct pedestrian movement, they would either be replaced with specially designed compact transformer structures or mounted on spun poles.

Officials have also been instructed to ensure that spun poles are installed away from pedestrian pathways so that they do not hinder public movement.

Dr. Shivashankara said that officials have been directed to ensure that Gang Operated Switches and operating levers installed on transformer poles are maintained at a minimum height of seven feet above ground level.

“Existing electrical infrastructure such as poles, ring main units, and transformers that obstruct vehicular traffic will be identified and relocated wherever necessary to facilitate smooth movement,” he said.