Udupi–Kasargod 400 kV Transmission Line: Electrical Corridor Safety Guidelines Emphasized
Udupi, Karnataka / Kasargod, Kerala: Udupi-Kasargod Transmission Limited (UKTL) has issued a public clarification outlining critical electrical safety guidelines and construction protocols for the ongoing Udupi–Kasargode 400 kV (Quad) D/c Transmission Line project. The project, vital for bolstering regional power stability, necessitates strict adherence to established safety norms within its designated corridor.
UKTL, operating under the powers conferred by the Electricity Act, 2003, functions with the same authority as the telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. This legal framework empowers UKTL to lay overhead lines while upholding stringent safety standards. The Indian Electricity Act mandates key safety clearances from electrical conductors, and these form the core of the project’s safety guidelines. A minimum horizontal clearance of 5.63 meters from any building and a vertical clearance of 7.33 meters above any building are rigorously enforced to prevent potentially hazardous proximity to the high-voltage transmission lines. These clearances are non-negotiable and critical for public safety.
Acknowledging the potential impact on existing residential structures situated within the transmission corridor or directly beneath the conductors, UKTL has announced that a government assessment will be conducted to determine appropriate compensation. This assessment will be based on established guidelines and aims to address any potential disruptions to existing habitations.
Of particular importance is the advisory issued for new construction projects planned within the transmission corridor. UKTL strongly urges individuals intending to construct new houses to consult with the UKTL office before commencing any building activity. This proactive measure is designed to ensure that all new structures fully comply with the mandated electrical clearances, thereby mitigating future risks, preventing regulatory complications, and ensuring the safety of residents.
Addressing concerns related to land utility, UKTL has clarified that agricultural activities are largely permissible within the transmission corridor. Farmers can continue cultivating crops such as paddy, papaya, mango, black pepper (supported by cement poles), pineapple, and dragon fruit. However, this allowance is conditional. Such agricultural practices must not interfere with the overhead line structures or encroach upon the designated clearance zones, and all activities must strictly adhere to relevant safety norms. This approach seeks to strike a balance between essential infrastructure development and the preservation of agricultural livelihoods.
Regarding the project’s progress, UKTL reports substantial advancements. In the Kerala section, all 101 tower foundations have been completed. In the Karnataka section, 77 out of 177 tower foundations are now in place. These figures indicate the steady and continued progress of this vital transmission link.
The public clarification issued by UKTL underscores the paramount importance of safety, stringent regulatory compliance, and heightened public awareness in the context of large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly those traversing populated and agricultural regions. UKTL’s proactive communication aims to ensure the well-being of communities and the seamless integration of this essential power infrastructure.
