Karnataka sends 500 linemen, equipment to restore power supply in cyclone-hit Andhra Pradesh

Bengaluru: Karnataka has extended assistance to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to restore electricity infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Arnab, with the state government deploying 500 skilled linemen and specialised equipment for emergency repair works.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said Karnataka would extend full support to Andhra Pradesh following a request from the neighbouring state for manpower and machinery to restore its power supply network. The assistance is being coordinated under the supervision of Energy Minister K.J. George as part of inter-state cooperation during the natural disaster.

Shivakumar spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu over the phone and assured him of Karnataka's support. He said electricity was an essential service and its restoration was an urgent priority to ensure the well-being of people affected by the cyclone.

"Karnataka stands firmly with the people of Andhra Pradesh during this difficult time," Shivakumar said, assuring the neighbouring state that all necessary assistance would be extended.

Energy Minister K.J. George said the Karnataka teams would work closely with their counterparts in Andhra Pradesh to restore electricity supply at the earliest. He said the deployment had been planned to ensure effective coordination at the field level and make use of specialised equipment for repairing damaged distribution infrastructure.

The state is sending 500 trained linemen, 15 Palfinger trucks equipped with cranes and earth augers, and 25 tractor-mounted drilling machines. The personnel and machinery have been mobilised on an emergency basis to undertake restoration work in cyclone-affected areas.

The teams began their journey to Andhra Pradesh on Monday afternoon and were expected to reach their assigned locations by midnight. To streamline operations, each electricity supply company (ESCOM) in Karnataka has appointed a single point of contact (SPOC) to coordinate with the corresponding authorities in Andhra Pradesh.

The 500 linemen have been divided into teams of 10 members each. Every team will function under the leadership of a junior engineer or assistant engineer. In addition, one executive engineer from each operation and maintenance circle has been assigned responsibility for supervising and coordinating the deployment.

The equipment will be accompanied by trained drivers and operators to ensure that cranes, earth augers and tractor-mounted drilling machines are used efficiently at work sites. The Palfinger vehicles are expected to assist in handling overhead-line restoration work, while the drilling machines will support the installation of poles and other infrastructure.

The Karnataka government will also provide contingency funds to meet emergency expenses related to the deployment, including travel, accommodation and other essential arrangements for the personnel.

Officials said coordination between the two states would be crucial to ensure that manpower and machinery are deployed according to the requirements of the affected locations. The teams will work alongside Andhra Pradesh officials to expedite repairs and restore electricity to areas where the distribution network has been damaged.

The assistance reflects Karnataka's commitment to supporting neighbouring states during natural disasters under the principle of 'Neighbour First'. The deployment of specialised teams and equipment is aimed at helping Andhra Pradesh restore an essential public service and minimise the disruption caused by the cyclone.

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Coovercolly Indresh

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