Mumbai has a wide and reliable underground electricity cable network. It has also introduced advanced systems such as submersible substations. This network uses access chambers, also called inspection chambers or manholes, for installing cables, carrying out maintenance and detecting faults.
Goa is a small State and should adopt a proper system of accessible chambers for underground power cabling. At present, companies in Goa are laying High Tension (HT) and Low Tension (LT) cables directly in the soil, often in the middle of public roads, and over thousands of kilometres. Why were underground access chambers not planned in advance?
Access chambers are strong underground structures, made of concrete or modern materials like Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP). They allow technicians to reach cable joints, carry out repairs and quickly locate faults. This is a very important technical measure for safety, security and uninterrupted power supply.
Cables are usually laid in trenches, pipes or ducts and covered with protective layers and warning tapes. However, what is the guarantee of long-term safety and prevention of future faults?
Underground cables do protect against weather conditions such as cyclones, heavy rain, thunderstorms and falling trees, which reduces power outages. That is welcome. But how will power leakage be prevented to save lives? Prevention is always better than cure.
Underground cabling should include proper fault detection using cable locators and regular inspection through access chambers. Integration with smart city systems, such as remote monitoring and better utility management, may be challenging, but this is what a truly “Smart Goa” should aim for.
Such a system would reflect Goa’s commitment to building strong and modern urban and rural infrastructure, ensuring a safer, more stable and efficient power supply for its people.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
