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Time of India
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Intermittent rain batters daily routine
1 2 Ranchi/Jamshedpur: More than 200 transformers across Ranchi zone have been damaged since the onset of monsoon. While emergency teams have managed to restore most of the damaged units, around 30 transformers are still out of service. Electric superintendent engineer D N Sahu said, "Every time it rains heavily, transformers get damaged due to waterlogging and technical faults. This poses a challenge to uninterrupted power supply in both urban and rural areas. However, our teams are always on standby for immediate restoration work." He assured that repair teams are available across affected zones and are working round-the-clock to ensure full restoration at the earliest. "Most of the damaged transformers have already been replaced or repaired. We are closely monitoring the weather conditions and making efforts to minimize disruption," Sahu added. The power department has also urged residents in low-lying areas to remain cautious and report any power-related issues to local authorities for prompt action. Meanwhile, around 100 electricity transformers were damaged in East Singhbhum district due to rainfall so far since June 17 till July 8, officials said adding that the majority of them were damaged in rural areas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo "We have replaced 60% of the damaged transformers by July 9, and the remaining will be replaced soon as work is going on at war-footing," said Ajit Kumar, general manager (GM) of Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (JBVNL), Jamshedpur Circle. The official said that the transformers getting damaged in such large numbers in a short span of time is not common, but heavy rainfall and lightning have caused the damage. "We have the backup for replacement, but the number of damages is significant," the GM said. He mentioned that in normal situations, the requisition for replacement is entertained within 24 hours, but at present, it is taking close to four days due to the shortage of manpower and transportation issues. The official said that the frequency of replacement in the urban circle is more as compared in the rural area, as communication channels in the hinterland are limited. The damaged transformers in Jamshedpur and its vicinity are almost replaced, and in the countryside, the work is on course, the GM said. The official stated that the department has allotted 30 new transformers, while 40 repaired transformers were in the possession of the Jamshedpur circle, due to which there is not much of an issue in the replacement of the faulty ones. "Some new transformers are expected to be handed out to us by the department in the next few days," Kumar said. The GM stated that the production of transformers gets reduced during the monsoon due to the presence of moisture in the air, which contaminates insulation materials. Hence, the power distribution agencies use the transformers judiciously during monsoon. The people living in the low-lying areas were put on the alert for the second day in a row on Thursday as the two adjoining rivers of Kharkai and Subernarekha are running in spate. Except scattered drizzle there was about no rainfall in the city through the day but with 60 mm of rainfall recorded in the intervening night coupled with Chandil, Kharkai and Bankbal dam besides Galudih barrage releasing flood water in the intervening night the water level of the two rivers reached the danger level. The Kharkai river is flowing over the danger mark of 129 meter and Subernarekha is flowing close to the danger level of 121 meter. The Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) deputy municipal commissioner, Krisha Kumar, who is also presently in-charge of the Mango Notified Area Committee (MNAC) has said that civic officials have been deployed in residential areas which are close to the rivers to monitor the situation. Divers have been put on stand-by at flood threat areas.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
JBVNL steps up for safe power supply
1 2 Ranchi: The Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) has started wrapping 3,000 electric poles, located along the designated Muharram procession routes falling in densely populated and high-traffic zones, with protective plastic coverings to minimise the risk of power-related accidents. Electrical superintending engineer with the JBVNL (Ranchi Zone), D N Sahu, said, "The step is being taken to avoid any accidental contact between participants and electric poles." The JBVNL appealed to public and Muharram committees to follow safety protocols like limits on the height of 'tazias' and sound systems mounted on vehicles. Further, people should neither sit atop buses or tall vehicles, nor add heights by placing structures on vehicles that could violate the permissible height and risk contact with overhead power lines. All organising committees are expected to deploy an adequate number of volunteers to prevent accidents resulting from negligence or unauthorised activity during processions. The public has also been urged not to touch or make any form of contact with electric poles, wires, or equipment. along the route, either directly or with the help of sticks or other objects. The use of oversised or tall vehicles in the procession is also discouraged to maintain safety along the paths lined with overhead electrical infrastructure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Show Off Your Talent: Enter the Ultimate Creator Contest! Tocsin Media & Marketing LLC Undo In case of any electricity-related issue during the Muharram procession, public is advised to contact the JBVNL officials at the following numbers: Electrical Control Room, Kusai Colony – 9431135682; Electrical Superintending Engineer, Ranchi Zone – 9431135662; Electrical Executive Engineer, Ranchi (Central) – 9431135613; Doranda – 9431135608; New Capital – 9431135620; Ranchi (East) – 9431135614; Ranchi (West) – 9431135664; Kokar – 9431135615; and Khunti – 9431135616.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Thadpakhna, Chadri among areas hit by power outages
1 2 3 Ranchi: Several localities in the state capital witnessed temporary power disruptions on Tuesday due to scheduled underground cable-related maintenance work carried out by the electricity department. Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) said the cable work was undertaken on the 11 KV Chadri feeder coming from the sadar power substation between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Due to this, areas such as Thadpakhna, HB Road, Chadri, BSNL and adjoining localities experienced a power outage during the scheduled time. Similarly, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, maintenance was conducted on the 11 KV Main Road feeder originating from the polytechnic substation. This led to power supply disruptions in Anjuman Colony, Konka Road, Konka Shriram Toli, Central Street, Imli Tola, Church Complex, Sainik Market and nearby areas. Out of the total 1,658 km required for the 11 KV underground cable, 138 km has been installed. Talking to TOI, electric superintendent engineer of Ranchi Circle, D N Sahu, said, "Maintenance work is carried out from time to time to prevent issues during the monsoon season and rainfall. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Rain often causes damage and timely maintenance is essential." Meanwhile, frequent and unscheduled power outages across the region are severely affecting both industries and domestic consumers. Industrial units, particularly in manufacturing and small sectors, are facking financial losses, reduced production hours, and rising operational costs due to erratic power supply. Small and medium enterprises have been hit the hardest, with many lacking backup power. Niraj Kumar Sinha of Hetu, said, "Power cuts have become a daily hurdle. We are unable to meet order deadlines, and our labour is sitting idle during outages. This is directly affecting our income and production remained halted on Monday." Similarly, Sanjeet Kumar of a manufacturing unit in Pandra, said, "The erratic power supply has doubled our costs. Despite paying high tariffs, consumers are demanding a stable and reliable power supply to avoid continued disruptions and losses. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
45 transformers damaged in last 3 days due to rain
1 2 Ranchi: Monsoon triggered rainfall over the past week has taken a toll on electricity supply across several parts of the city, causing inconvenience to residents. According to the Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL), more than 45 power transformers were damaged due to persistent rainfall, leading to prolonged power outages in many areas in the last three days. Sources said that 200 transformers were down since the onset of monsoon, but they are working actively to restore them. The most affected localities include Namkum, Doranda, Chutia, Hatia, and Tatilswae, where residents are experiencing partial blackouts and intermittent supply. Officials stated that short circuits, blown fuses, and water-logged cables were among the most common issues reported during the past three days of heavy downpour. General secretary of the Ranchi Supply Area Board at JBVNL, Manmohan Kumar, said, "During rain, transformers, fuses, and underground cables often get affected. Strong winds make things worse by damaging overhead lines. Our crew are on standby and working continuously despite adverse weather, but maintenance takes time, which results in outages in impacted zones." You Can Also Check: Ranchi AQI | Weather in Ranchi | Bank Holidays in Ranchi | Public Holidays in Ranchi Field technicians are reportedly working round-the-clock to restore power supply, prioritising critical infrastructure and densely populated areas. "The rainwater seeps into the distribution boxes, causing short circuits. We've deployed maintenance teams in affected areas, but continuous rain has slowed progress," said D N Sahu, electrical superintendent engineer at JBVNL of Ranchi Zone. As per JBVNL officials, there are 18 sub-divisional officers, each assisted by a team of three mechanics responsible for carrying out maintenance work. Several areas, including New Colony, Hyder Ali Road, and Kokar, experienced repeated power cuts since last night. Although supply was briefly restored in the morning, electricity returned after 10:30 am. Similar outages lasting around five hours were reported in Namkum, Sidroll, Chuna Bhatta Ratu, Kokar, Tiril Road, and Sunder Vihar on Sunday and Monday. Neha Lakra, a resident of Chunna Bhatta, said, "It's difficult to manage daily chores without power. Sometimes water for drinking and bathing isn't available because the motor doesn't work during power outages."
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
City consumers struggle to pay power bills amid link failures
1 2 Ranchi: Consumers are struggling to pay electricity bills due to frequent link failures across any time payment (ATP) machines. This comes at a time when the Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) has identified 36,000 in Ranchi circle with dues. Of these, 600 have received warning. A total of 26 ATP machines faced technical issues, especially due to link failures, in the past three days. Consumers attempting to make bill payments reported repeated system breakdowns, resulting in long queues, arguments. A resident of Lalpur, Veena Kumari, said, "It's taking 5 to 7 minutes to pay a bill. Sometimes, the link fails when payment processing starts. Money gets deducted from our account but is not deposited in the JBVNL account." Earlier, the billing process was through a system developed by the HCL. The power department transitioned to a new platform, named 'Future Grid'. Electrical superintendent engineer D N Sahu said, "We have received complaints regarding link failures and software leakage. These will be investigated." The general manager of JBVNL (IT department), Dhananjay Kumar, said, "We found out three days ago that the link was down and addressed the problem." A total of 3.10 lakh smart meters have been installed across the city. Out of these, 2.80 lakh are functional in prepaid mode. People claim that though smart meters are connected to mobile apps allowing real-time billing, consumers have to visit payment centres. Many also reported disproportionate increase in billing amounts. A resident of Ratu, Anup Chatterjee, said, "Earlier, my bill used to be around Rs 1,500. Now, it touches Rs 4,000. There's no transparency and no one is listening. And when we go to pay, the system is down." While urban consumers are caught in a cycle of failed transactions and rising bills, rural areas have not been receiving bills, sometimes for months. Rina Devi of Rajaulatu, said, "We received the last electricity bill in November last year. The JBVNL officials tell us to contact our block office. We keep on running from pillar to post."
