Bescom’s transformer rods continue to endanger citizens 6 years after redesign

By Anuksha Dey

Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) reportedly came up with a design solution to make its transformers safer. They raised the height of the switches in 2015. However, many of these handles continue to inconvenience pedestrians to date. 

What are transformers?

Distribution transformers are essential electrical equipment, they convert high voltage electricity into a lower voltage which can be used safely in homes. Transformers may be pad mounted or pole mounted. Pad-mounted transformers are found on the streets while the pole-mounted variety is elevated with the help of the pole.

The vertical handles near the transformers are known as gang-operated switches. These are used to cut off the power supply to certain areas in emergency situations. Without these switches, transmitters could easily overheat and cause safety hazards. 

A public safety hazard

Though Bescom has been attempting to create a safer environment for pedestrians, the switch handles jutting out at odd angles continue to endanger people using the footpaths.

Last month, Muralidhar Rao, a former civic engineer, raised a complaint about a Bescom switch handle covering more than half the width of the footpath near Anand Sweets in Koramangala. The complaint was raised after he prevented the lady in the picture (below) from walking into the rod protruding from the pole.

This issue was resolved the same day of Rao’s complaint. “The pictures I sent don’t even  cover one percent of the problems caused by Bescom’s negligence,” says Rao. Bescom’s N Krishnan told Residents Watch: “The transmitters have been raised 6 feet above the ground level to prevent inconvenience to pedestrians.” Bescom PRO Puttaswamy K added: “The Electrical Act (2003) postulates a number of  safety measures to be taken, and we strictly adhere to them.”

However, transformers such as the one in Koramangala shown in the picture above, which were missed by Bescom, continue to pose a problem to pedestrians across the city. “I have seen them take off those bars that come down to the ground,” says Abhay Maitrya, a resident of Yelahanka. “It reduces the overall size of the frame in the upper part, but causes problems like overload and electrical fires as they often start bursting and blowing fuses. When they repaired the transformer, they put the old poles that hang down, and the size was back to normal.” 

Should transmitters be placed on footpaths?

The high court is looking into a Public Interest Litigation filed by retired Wing Commander GB Athri about the placement of Bescom transmitters. Bescom responded to the PIL by saying that 8659 distribution transformers were placed on the footpaths and roads, and only 4035 transformers were found to be inconveniencing the public, and 3196 of these were replaced by single-pole transformers.

However, the bench comprising Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum, have asked questions about issues such as Bescom taking prior BBMP permission before installing the transmitters. The judges have also questioned the basis of Bescom’s decision to erect the transmitters 7 feet above the ground on spun poles. 

“In advanced cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, transmitters are placed underground to prevent safety hazards,” says Rao. “The power is controlled remotely and not through gang-operated switches. Bescom is running at a loss, and still using ancient technology. This is a symptom of structural inefficiency. Placing it above 6 feet is simply a sacrifice as Bescom cannot afford advanced technology. It is not a satisfactory solution.”

Facing a similar problem?

If you spot a transmitter or switch handle on the footpath and road, endangering you as a pedestrian, you can reach out to Bescom on their 24/7 helpline number 1912. Alternatively, Beccom can be mailed at: helpline@bescom.org.

Pics courtesy: M Rao