Sri Vijaya Puram, June 8: Power supply to Parangara village under Diglipur has been restored after a series of technical challenges following the failure of a key distribution transformer earlier this week, the Electricity Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has said.
According to the department, the 100 KVA Distribution Transformer (DT) supplying electricity to Parangara failed at around 2.30 am on June 4, resulting in a disruption of power supply to the area. Restoration efforts began immediately, but adverse weather conditions and subsequent technical complications delayed the process.
Officials stated that a replacement 100 KVA transformer was available at the site and was initially planned for commissioning on June 5. However, persistent heavy rainfall prevented the installation work from being completed as scheduled. The transformer was eventually commissioned on June 6 at around noon.
Despite these efforts, the replacement transformer could not be successfully put into service after testing revealed technical issues that prevented safe operation. This prompted the department to explore alternative options to restore electricity to the affected consumers as quickly as possible.
Engineers and field teams examined the availability of spare transformers in nearby areas, including Nimbudera, Mohanpur and Tugapur. During the assessment, officials found that a 100 KVA transformer available at Mohanpur did not meet the required insulation resistance standards necessary for safe commissioning.
Meanwhile, a transformer located at Nimbudera could not be immediately dismantled and shifted due to the complexity of its installation and its importance to the local power distribution network.
Faced with these challenges, the department opted to shift a 50 KVA transformer from Tugapur on a priority basis. The equipment was transported to Parangara on June 6 and subjected to a heating process and technical checks to ensure it met operational safety standards.
Following the completion of these procedures, the transformer was installed and successfully commissioned at approximately 1 pm on June 7. Officials confirmed that electricity supply was subsequently restored to the entire affected area.
The department described the restoration as the result of intensive field efforts carried out under difficult weather conditions. Technical teams worked continuously to identify suitable equipment and complete the necessary repairs in the shortest possible time.
In addition to restoring immediate supply, the Electricity Department has initiated measures aimed at improving long-term reliability in the region. As part of these efforts, transformers with capacities of 63 KVA, 100 KVA, 160 KVA and 200 KVA have been dispatched from Sri Vijaya Puram to Diglipur through the earliest available convoy.
Officials said the additional equipment is intended to enhance redundancy and strengthen the distribution network in far-flung areas where replacement infrastructure is often difficult to mobilize quickly during emergencies.
The department also provided an update on the broader power situation in North Andaman, stating that electricity supply in Mayabunder and Tugapur has been normalized following restoration work completed on June 6.
Consumers in both areas are currently receiving regular electricity supply, while field teams continue to monitor the network to ensure stable and uninterrupted service.
The incident once again highlighted the challenges of maintaining critical infrastructure in remote island regions, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and adverse weather. Transportation constraints, limited availability of spare equipment and geographical isolation often complicate restoration efforts.
The Electricity Department thanked residents, public representatives and local communities for their patience and cooperation during the disruption. Officials reiterated their commitment to improving network reliability and ensuring uninterrupted power supply across the islands through continued infrastructure upgrades and emergency preparedness measures.
