Bescom has initiated the relocation of at least 71 electric poles and transformers across Bengaluru, identified by the traffic police as hazardous or obstructing public movement. This effort is part of ongoing safety measures to prevent accidents, especially in busy areas and during the monsoon season.

The city’s traffic police routinely submit lists of hazardous structures to civic agencies like Bescom, which then works to relocate them to safer locations. These electric structures, when positioned improperly, are a significant safety concern, as they can cause accidents, injuries, or even fatalities, particularly in high-traffic zones.

Out of the 71 structures flagged as hazardous, there are 44 poles and 27 transformers across the city. These include 10 poles and 4 transformers in the south, 20 poles and 11 transformers in the east, 14 poles and 10 transformers in the north, and 2 transformers in the west zones. Areas such as Indiranagar, HSR Layout, and Jalahalli have the highest concentrations of dangerous poles, while Whitefield had the most transformers deemed hazardous.

Bescom has already completed relocation work at 23 locations, moving 12 poles and 11 transformers to safer spots like park corners or community areas. In 11 locations, relocation work is still in progress, while 24 locations have been deemed non-hazardous. Some work is delayed due to pending clearances from the BBMP or the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), and specific poles, such as one in Jalahalli, belong to the Air Force and cannot be moved by Bescom.

Bescom officials explained that poles sometimes lean due to road height increases after multiple repairs, which causes the ground beneath the pole to sink. Such poles are relocated after consulting with local BBMP officers. Senior traffic police officers also highlighted the risk of poles crashing during accidents, wires falling, or power outages, advocating for underground wiring or proper fencing around electrical structures.

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