Mahakalapada: Despite the government handing over responsibility to private companies to bring reforms in the power sector, promising 24-hour electricity and infrastructure improvement, the ground reality in Mahakalapada block paints a different picture. Nearly 20,000 electricity consumers across more than 20 villages remain in darkness.
The main issue lies with the 33 kV power line stretching approximately 15 km from Marshaghai to Keyaraba, installed way back in 1980. Since then, neither the poles nor the wires have been replaced. Even after 45 years, no upgrade has been made. The indifference and irresponsibility of the electricity department have left thousands suffering.
Over the years, the number of consumers has more than doubled, but the outdated system cannot handle the load. In some locations, the wires and poles are in such poor condition that they have been patched with wires of mismatched gauges—some places use 35 mm, others 55 mm, while some use 100 mm wires.
Due to this mismatch and aging infrastructure, the system cannot bear the electricity load. In several places, wires overheat or snap, and temporary fixes are holding the network together. Despite regulations requiring a pole every 50 meters, in some places they are spaced 80 to 90 meters apart, creating unstable spans and frequent failures.
Every month, consumers pay their electricity bills, yet they are plagued by blackouts, especially during storms and strong winds. Poles frequently break or fall, as happened recently, plunging areas into darkness. As a result, residents of Mahakalapada section—including pregnant women, new mothers, infants, elderly, and patients—are facing severe hardship.
Despite ongoing struggles, no improvements have been made, and the promises of better infrastructure remain unmet. Villages such as Chanapada, Baradanga, Baulakana, Jambu, Batighar, Kharina, Rinasahi, Ramanagar, Petchhela, Charakanda, and Mangalpur Panchayats continue to suffer repeated outages.
When contacted, Shiva Prasad, the Executive Engineer of TPCODL at Marshaghai, confirmed that the plan to replace the old poles and wires is in the final stage of preparation and will be implemented soon.