Chinese state company, State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), has given a proposal to place subterranean power lines in Keraniganj. The proposal was given recently by the president of the company Dan Dexi.
State Grid says that power supply in 88 percent of China is under their responsibility and they are working in 26 provinces out of 34 in China.
The Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) and Dhaka Electric Supply (DESCO) are working to develop modern distribution lines in Dhaka, Gazipur and Narayanganj.
But this is the first time a foreign company has shown interest to establish subterranean lines.
The Power System Master Plan-2016 states that to ensure uninterrupted power supply, the distribution has to be modernised. Lines on top are often affected due to natural calamities and so the focus is on underground lines.
A power department official says: “SGCC will fund their work so Bangladesh won’t have to worry about money.”
SGCC informed the Rural Electrification Board (REB) Chairman, Major General (retd) Main Uddin that they could arrange for a visit to China for local officials to showcase how the underground system was developed.
An REB official says: “A proposal has been sent to the power department and we will implement their decision.”
The SGCC proposal has said that they want to work on distribution lines with a capacity of 415 KV at number 4 samity under REB. Keraniganj falls under this and the biggest apartment project will also be developed here. Therefore, within ten years, many people will start to live here.
Thanks to the Padma Bridge, the project to build new towns is getting momentum and officials feel that modern power system should be developed from now.