Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 8: In a significant step towards upgrading Mangaluru's power infrastructure, legislative assembly speaker U T Khader, alongside engineers and technicians, oversaw the trial run of the newly installed underground cable system and upgraded transformer between Jeppu and Ullal at the Mescom office in Chembugudde on Saturday, March 8.
The newly laid 33 kV underground cable, running from Jeppu Substation to Tokkotu Mescom Substation, is a Rs 5.73 cr project. Additionally, a 12.5 MVA transformer, worth Rs 1.54 cr, was also tested as part of the upgrade.
Addressing the trial launch, Khader stated, "While life and development can adapt without roads or water to some extent, survival and progress without electricity is simply impossible." He went on to highlight that the new system would allow for double the power usage and, importantly, solve the persistent load shedding issue. "Should any power shortages occur in the Konaje region, we can now seamlessly draw power from the Jeppu area," he added.
Khader also pointed out ongoing development in the Deralakatte area, where similar underground cable installations are being carried out. He revealed that the Mangaluru constituency has seen power-related infrastructure work worth Rs 250-260 cr. Moreover, as part of an extensive development plan for the region, a multi-crore bridge will soon be constructed between Bolara and Kotepur.
In a stirring address, Khader reminded the crowd, "It doesn’t take long to destroy a society, but building a better one requires hard work. Just as we strive to accumulate wealth, we must also work towards creating a healthy, harmonious society. A beautiful society where people of all religions live peacefully is what we need, and that is something we, as citizens, must create together."
The event also saw speeches from MUda president Sadashiva Ullal, Ullal Block Congress president Ramesh Shetty Boliayar, Ullal City Municipal president Shashikala, municipal commissioner Mattadi, guarantee implementation scheme director Rafiq Ambelmogaru, and several other leaders and officials.
Key officials including chief engineer Ravikanth Kamath, executive engineer Lohith B S, assistant engineers Rajesh Shetty, Nitesh Hosagadde, Mithun, and Vinod were present, with assistant executive engineer Dayananda concluding the event.