132 kV power line failure of january 1994 and subsequent restoration at dulhasti hydroelectric project

The under-construction 390 MW Dulhastl Hydroelectric Project, located on River Chenab in the remote interior Himalayan ranges in the State of Jammu & Kashmir, is led by a 110 km long 132kV-A.C. single circuit power line irom Udhampur grid station to provide construction power. During the heavy snowfall/rainfall of 12 January 1994, two towers located above Pul-Doda collapsed, plunging the entire Kishtwar town as well as the project area into total darkness and as aresult the population laced dark nights and severe winter. Inspection at affected stretches of about 0.83 km running in hilly terrain showed that such a form idable situation was unsuitable for bridging the line by any of the routinely followed temporary solutions. The project authorities and staff started the work of dismantling of the tower, demolition and reconstruction of loundations, re-erection of new towers and restringing of the affected three spans Irom 28 January 1994 and completed the job on 12 March 1994, viz. within atime-span of 44 days, which can be considered arecord, given the prevalent severe weather and disturbed law -and -order conditions. The staff worked relentlessly and with understanding and cooperation, and J & K State Power Development Department provided all the possible support and assistance during this difficult period. This paper discusses some of the technical details of this departmentally executed emergent job and the resultant substantial savings in cost and time.