Udupi: Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna has urged Energy Minister K J George to upgrade MESCOM substations and strengthen electricity infrastructure across the Udupi Assembly constituency to ensure an uninterrupted power supply and resolve persistent low-voltage problems.
Suvarna met the minister and submitted a memorandum seeking urgent measures to address increasing electricity demand in Udupi city and surrounding rural areas, particularly in the Brahmavar region. He called for special funds to be sanctioned to MESCOM for upgrading existing substations, installing additional transformers and expanding power distribution infrastructure.
The MLA said rapid urbanisation and growth across several sectors had increased pressure on the existing electricity network, making infrastructure improvements essential to meet both current and future requirements.
Rising power demand puts pressure on infrastructure
Udupi, the district headquarters, has witnessed significant development in education, healthcare, fisheries, industry, tourism and religious activities. The expansion of these sectors, along with the growth of residential layouts, apartment complexes and commercial establishments, has steadily increased electricity consumption.
However, residents in Udupi city and rural parts of the Brahmavar region have been experiencing low voltage, frequent power interruptions and transformer overloading.
Suvarna highlighted the need to strengthen the electricity network to ensure a reliable supply for households, businesses and institutions. He stressed that infrastructure development should keep pace with the constituency’s expanding population and economic activities.
MLA seeks new substations and transformers
In his memorandum to the energy minister, Suvarna sought the construction of new substations and the upgradation of existing MESCOM facilities to improve the capacity and reliability of the power network.
He also requested the installation of additional transformers wherever necessary and the enhancement of the capacity of existing units to address overloading and voltage fluctuations.
The MLA called for the replacement and upgradation of ageing power lines, along with the installation of new cables and expansion of distribution networks.
He stressed that permanent solutions should be implemented to resolve low-voltage problems rather than relying on temporary measures. Adequate electricity infrastructure should also be provided to newly developing residential layouts to prevent supply-related issues as these areas expand.
Focus on street lighting and major junctions
Apart from improvements to the electricity distribution network, Suvarna requested the strengthening of street-lighting facilities across the constituency.
He sought better street lighting along major roads and the installation or improvement of high-mast lights at important junctions. Such facilities are important for improving visibility and supporting safer movement of motorists and pedestrians, particularly during night-time hours.
The requests form part of the broader appeal to upgrade electricity-related infrastructure in line with Udupi’s development needs.
Special funds sought for urgent works
Suvarna said uninterrupted and quality power supply was essential for Udupi, given its importance as the district headquarters and its growing residential, commercial and industrial activities.
He urged the energy minister to consider the constituency’s present electricity requirements as well as anticipated future demand while planning infrastructure improvements.
The MLA requested that special funds be sanctioned to MESCOM on an urgent basis so that the proposed works could be taken up on priority.
The proposed measures include substation upgrades, additional transformers, improved power lines, expanded distribution networks and better street lighting. Their implementation would depend on the government’s consideration of the memorandum and the sanctioning of the required funds.