Set to get smaller

With the BESCOM’s recent announcement of converting huge transformers into single-poled structures, so as to provide more pedestrian space, the sidewalks will now have more space.

City-dwellers feel it is about time that these huge structures are removed from the pathways and sidewalks.

“Wherever you can see transformers which are three or four storeyed, the BESCOM is trying to convert them into a single-pole structure which will be placed on a single concrete bed. The work is going on and 30 of them have already been converted. The rest of the work will be completed after a survey,” says Jayanti, general manager, customer relations, BESCOM.

The estimated expenditure for the entire project has been estimated to be Rs 3.5 crore and the BBMP is bearing half the cost of the project. “Jayanagar is the pilot project and we have already begun the work there.

The survey for Jayanagar and JP Nagar have already been done and the tenders have been floated. Thirteen such transformers have already been converted and we are planning to convert 115 of them in the entire City in a span of three months,” says Srirame Gowda, an executive engineer of the BESCOM.

Bangaloreans feel it is a great initiative and will help in making the City’s pathways and sidewalks less clogged and provide space for pedestrians. “I often face problems while walking on the sidewalks in areas like Brigade Road and CMH Road.

These huge structures, often placed at the corner of the sidewalks, end up occupying the entire place. It is very difficult for two people to walk in that place. Sidewalks are meant for pedestrians and not for huge transformers. I hope converting them into single-poled structure will give us a little more space,” says Madhura, a software professional.

There are 4,000 transformers in the south division alone. 115 transformers from all over the City have been identified as hazardous in nature, as well as occupying more public space. “We have decided to convert 115 in the first phase and after that, we will begin the work for the second phase,” adds Gowda.

Many noted that they can see garbage being piled up at the base of these transformers, which is never removed and in many cases, people start throwing garbage on that spot. “As they occupy the entire sidewalk, people are not able to use that portion and end up throwing garbage there. It would be better if the size is reduced and the pavement is used on a regular basis. However, we as citizens also need to take some responsibility for littering the place,” adds Sudha, a student.

Citizens inform that compressing these structures will be extremely helpful especially during a downpour, as the risk posed by the wires will be less and the chances of an accident will be reduced.

“Many of these transformers are three-storeyed and there are wires dangling all over. There are  chances of people being electrocuted. I hope with the construction of single-pole structures it becomes safer for us to walk close to the transformers. Most of the accidents happen during a downpour, as the wires which are hanging in and around often cause fatal accidents,” informs Gaurav, a student.

For pedestrians like Aniket, who walk to the bus stand everyday, the news has come as a relief and he says that it will help scores of others who walk to the bus stand everyday.

“The huge transformer at Indiranagar has pits all over and cracks have begun to form on the pathways due to the load. As a pedestrian who uses that path everyday, I fear that my foot might just get stuck between the crack in the pathway. The conversion will help people like me especially during the night and the monsoon,” he added.