Underground conversion of 33kV feeders resolves technical issue at Chambal substation
- August 6, 2026
All the 33kV feeders at the 132kV Chambal substation of state transco Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Ltd (MPPTCL) have been converted into an underground system, thereby resolving technical issues at the 60-year-old substation.
The resolution of this long-standing technical issue at the nearly 60-year-old substation is expected to significantly enhance the reliability, safety, and stability of the power supply system, a release by MPPTCL said.
The problem
The 132kV Chambal substation is the oldest substation in Indore and the second-oldest EHV substation in the Malwa region. Over the past six decades, the number of 33kV feeders in the substation yard gradually increased to 16 to meet growing demand. However, these feeders crossed over one another within the yard, making operation and maintenance increasingly challenging over time. Conductor snapping and other technical issues within the substation occasionally led to tripping and power supply interruptions due to these feeder crossings.
The solution
With all 16 feeder crossings now converted into a 33kV underground cable system, the possibility of such incidents has been virtually eliminated. The project has also substantially improved the operational safety of the substation.
West Discom
The construction cost of the project was borne by state discom Madhya Pradesh Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Ltd (popularly referred to as “West Discom”). The project was successfully completed through coordinated efforts between MPPTCL and West Discom.
Towards safe and reliable power supply
Under the project, a modern duct system was developed for 16 feeders, and all feeders were connected to their respective grids through underground cables. This modernization will particularly benefit several areas of Indore, including M.G. Road, Sarvate, and the Railway Station area under the East Division; Ujjain Road, Qila Maidan, Airport Road, and Jawahar Marg under the West Division; Raj Mohalla under the Central City Division; and Bhagirathpura, Sanwer Road, and other industrial areas under the North Division.
With the elimination of feeder crossings and the implementation of the underground cable system, power supply to these areas will become safer, more reliable, and largely uninterrupted. Industrial consumers, in particular, will benefit from improved quality and reliability of electricity supply. In addition, maintenance activities within the substation can now be carried out more safely and efficiently, the release added.
Featured collage (photos sourced from MPPTCL) shows the MPPTCL’s 132kV Chambal substation with the new underground placement of 33kV feeders.