Bengaluru: Karnataka has deployed 500 skilled electricity linemen along with specialised vehicles and drilling equipment to support power restoration operations in Andhra Pradesh following damage caused by Cyclone Arnab.
The assistance was arranged after the Andhra Pradesh government approached Karnataka for technical manpower and machinery to carry out emergency repairs to damaged electricity distribution infrastructure. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and assured him that the state would extend full cooperation.
Shivakumar said electricity was an essential service and that restoring supply quickly was important to reduce the difficulties faced by people in cyclone-affected areas. Energy Minister K.J. George is supervising Karnataka’s assistance operation.
The deployment includes 500 trained power workers, 15 Palfinger trucks fitted with cranes and earth augers, and 25 tractor-mounted drilling machines. The teams departed Karnataka on Monday afternoon and reached Andhra Pradesh around midnight.
Specialised teams deployed for restoration work
The 500 linemen have been organised into smaller groups to ensure effective deployment across the affected locations. Each team consists of 10 members and will work under the leadership of a junior engineer or assistant engineer.
This arrangement is intended to provide technical supervision and help teams carry out repair work in a coordinated manner. An executive engineer from each operation and maintenance circle will monitor the activities and coordinate with the personnel working in the field.
The deployment of experienced electricity workers is expected to support local teams in repairing damaged distribution infrastructure and restoring connections wherever conditions permit.
The specialised equipment accompanying the workforce is also expected to assist with repair activities. The 15 Palfinger trucks are equipped with cranes and earth augers, while the 25 tractor-mounted drilling machines will support field operations requiring specialised machinery.
The vehicles are travelling with their respective drivers and equipment operators to ensure that the machinery can be deployed at the required locations.
Karnataka power companies coordinate with Andhra Pradesh
Karnataka’s electricity supply companies have appointed individual nodal officers to maintain direct communication with their counterparts in Andhra Pradesh.
The coordination mechanism is intended to help the two states identify local requirements and allocate manpower and equipment according to the needs of different areas. It will also provide a channel for monitoring the progress of restoration work and addressing operational requirements.
The presence of engineering supervisors within the teams is expected to support communication between field workers and the officials responsible for managing electricity distribution operations.
The deployment model also allows the workforce to be organised into manageable units rather than sending all personnel to work as a single group. This can help authorities coordinate multiple repair locations simultaneously.
Financial and logistical support provided
Along with manpower and machinery, Karnataka has arranged contingency financial assistance for the personnel involved in the operation.
The support will cover travel, accommodation and other essential expenses during the deployment. Providing these arrangements is intended to ensure that the teams can concentrate on restoration activities without facing avoidable logistical difficulties.
The trucks and drilling machines have been sent with their operators, allowing the equipment to be used by personnel familiar with its operation.
Energy Minister K.J. George said the Karnataka teams would work closely with Andhra Pradesh officials and use the specialised machinery to accelerate electricity restoration. The operation is being supervised by the Energy Department.
Shivakumar assures Chandrababu Naidu of full cooperation
The assistance follows a request from Andhra Pradesh for technical manpower and equipment after the cyclone affected electricity distribution infrastructure in several areas.
During his conversation with Chandrababu Naidu, Shivakumar assured the Andhra Pradesh government of Karnataka’s support. He emphasised the importance of restoring electricity supply as quickly as possible, given its role in everyday life and the functioning of essential services.
Power supply disruptions following severe weather can affect households, businesses and public facilities. Restoration work may require specialised personnel and machinery, particularly where distribution infrastructure has been damaged.
Karnataka’s deployment is intended to supplement the restoration efforts being undertaken by Andhra Pradesh’s electricity authorities.
Neighbouring states extend support during natural disasters
Karnataka has described the assistance as part of its ‘Neighbour First’ approach, highlighting cooperation between neighbouring states during emergencies.
The deployment demonstrates how technical personnel and specialised resources from one state can support another when local infrastructure is affected by a natural disaster.
For Andhra Pradesh, the immediate priority is to repair damaged electricity distribution facilities and restore supply in affected areas. Karnataka’s contribution of trained linemen, engineering supervisors, vehicles and drilling equipment is intended to strengthen those efforts.
The two states will coordinate the deployment through their designated officers and electricity department authorities as restoration work progresses.