Ranchi: Residents of the capital would experience phased power cuts over the next two months as the Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (JBVNL) resumes major infrastructure upgrade works under the ‘Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme’ (RDSS) following a reduction in rainfall.A primary component of the project involves replacing bare low-tension (LT) wires with safer, insulated cables across Ranchi. General manager of the JBVNL (Ranchi supply area board), Manmohan Kumar, said, “Around 600 transformers have been targeted for the conversion. For this, transformers where work is being done will be shut down instead of shutting down the entire feeder. This way much smaller areas will be affected by the power cuts. We are aiming to complete the work within two months.”The upgrade work was being done in April and May but halted due to heavy rainfall received by the city between June and August.Now, execution of the scheme has restarted, leading to power outages, ranging from two to six hours, depending on the nature of the work. Neighbourhoods experiencing maintenance include Anantpur, Hinoo, Namkom, Chutia, Harmu, Kokar, and Lalpur.Besides cable replacement work, the power utility has initiated post-monsoon tree branch trimming, which is further contributing to temporary disruptions. “We issue notices alerting consumers of power cuts in their areas so that they are prepared. I appeal to people to support us in the work as better infrastructure would eventually be beneficial for improving the overall energy supply system,” Kumar said.Reacting to the power outages, local residents expressed mixed feelings about the temporary inconvenience versus long-term gains. “Power cuts during peak hours make daily household work quite difficult. However, if replacing these old bare wires prevents frequent fault tripping and low voltage issues in the summer, it will be worth the short-term trouble,” said Sunita Verma, a resident of Harmu.Echoing similar concerns, Lalpur-based trader Rajesh Sinha highlighted the need for strict schedules. “Unannounced outages severely impact local businesses. As long as JBVNL strictly adheres to their pre-notified timings, shopkeepers can manage their generator backups accordingly while the upgrades take place,” he said.
