Frustrated by Frequent Blackouts, Karaikal Residents Urgently Demand New Substation for Uninterrupted Power!
Frequent and lengthy blackouts across several villages in the Thirunallar and Nedungadu communes of Karaikal have intensified calls for the immediate replacement or upgrade of the aging Surakudi power substation. Situated near Thirunallar, this vital infrastructure is now burdened by 40 years of wear and tear. Local sources reveal that the transformer and other equipment have surpassed their operational lifespan, making them susceptible to failures, especially during adverse weather conditions like high winds and rainfall.
“This issue is not new. Whenever it rains or the wind picks up, we experience power outages lasting several hours. This has become a recurring problem for many villages, including Surakudi, Karukkanakudi, Sellur, Ambagarathur, Nedungadu, Viluthiyur, and Athipadugai,” stated Pon Panneerselvam, district secretary of the Dravidar Kazhagam. He emphasized the broader implications of these outages, noting that they disrupt not only local residents but also negatively impact tourists visiting Thirunallar and local businesses relying on consistent power supply.
Reports indicate that officials from Puducherry are frequently dispatched to address electrical faults at the Surakudi substation. This reliance on external support often results in unplanned outages that can stretch for hours, leaving communities in the dark. While the Puducherry government has announced funding for several substations across the district in its latest budget, Karaikal has not been similarly prioritized. “It’s concerning that, despite the pressing need for a complete overhaul or replacement of the Surakudi substation, it hasn’t received financial backing,” Mr. Panneerselvam added.
In response to growing concerns, an official from the Electricity Department acknowledged that a proposal to upgrade the Surakudi substation had indeed been submitted to the government some time ago. However, approval for the much-needed project remains pending.
The situation in Karaikal is indicative of a broader trend affecting rural areas where aging infrastructure continues to hamper development and daily life. As residents grapple with the ongoing challenges posed by frequent blackouts, the demand for urgent action grows louder. For many, the lack of timely upgrades to critical facilities like the Surakudi substation represents not only an inconvenience but also a barrier to both economic stability and quality of life.
Residents and local leaders are rallying for immediate attention, hoping that their plight will prompt a swift response from authorities to ensure a more reliable power supply in the region. The challenge remains whether the proposed upgrades will materialize in a timely manner, as communities await meaningful change to restore their confidence in local infrastructure.
As this situation continues to unfold, the spotlight remains on the need for decisive action to revitalize the Surakudi power substation, ensuring that the power stays on for the villages of Karaikal.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/exasperated-by-frequent-blackouts-karaikal-residents-demand-new-substation/article69890018.ece
Category : Tiruchirapalli
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Publish Date: 2025-08-03 18:08:00
