Bhatkal: A second 110-kV electricity substation in Bhatkal, following the one at Murdeshwar, is nearing completion after overcoming several hurdles, raising hopes of improved power supply in a town that has long struggled with frequent outages and prolonged interruptions. However, whether the new facility will ensure uninterrupted, round-the-clock electricity remains a key question.
Located on Sagar Road near the government bus depot, the project was launched in December 2023. The Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) is hopeful of completing it by December 2026.
Bhatkal MLA and former minister Mankal S. Vaidya had earlier highlighted the project at a programme organised by the local social organisation Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem and subsequently at an event hosted by the Bhatkal Muslim Gulf Council in Dubai. He had said the proposed substation, being developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 28 crore, would address the region’s power-related problems for the next 25 years.
According to Manjunath, Assistant Engineer of HESCOM in Bhatkal, the taluk ranks first in Uttara Kannada district in terms of electricity consumption and revenue generated for the power utility. Karwar ranks second, largely due to the substantial power requirements of its naval base.
Despite its high electricity consumption and contribution to HESCOM’s revenue, Bhatkal has faced persistent complaints of unreliable power supply for nearly two decades. In previous years, heavy rain and strong winds frequently resulted in outages lasting several hours and, at times, even a day or two. This year, despite relatively poor rainfall, power cuts continued. Residents were often told by HESCOM officials that disruptions in the main transmission line at Kumta or Honnavar were responsible for interruptions in supply to Bhatkal. Power cuts during festivals and other important occasions have also remained a source of public frustration.
Residents have repeatedly staged protests outside the HESCOM office over the issue. On such occasions, officials have cited the need for a 110-kV substation in Bhatkal and assured people that it would provide a lasting solution. The issue has also put pressure on elected representatives, with Vaidya repeatedly assuring that efforts would be made to expedite the project.
Although the main construction of the substation near the government bus depot was almost complete by December 2024, the subsequent installation of transmission towers and high-tension lines encountered several obstacles.
According to sources, some residents in the Venkatapur and Murdeshwar areas approached the courts opposing aspects of the project. Three cases relating to the two areas are pending, including one before a division bench of the Karnataka High Court.
Work has also faced opposition at two locations in Kaikini and three in Bailur. Consequently, only 12 km of the proposed 16-km 110-kV transmission line has been laid so far, while 66 of the 73 planned transmission towers have been installed.
KPTCL is considering seeking police assistance to complete the remaining work in areas not affected by the court proceedings.
Alongside the new substation, a proposal has also been drawn up to establish a 110-kV power link with neighbouring Byndoor taluk in Udupi district, which falls under the jurisdiction of MESCOM. The proposed connection is intended to further strengthen the power supply network and help ensure round-the-clock electricity in Bhatkal. However, only the survey work has been completed so far, and implementation is likely to take additional time.
Pramod Gowda, Assistant Executive Engineer of KPTCL, said efforts were being made to complete the 110-kV power connectivity project by December. He said only one case was currently pending in court and that the corporation would seek police assistance to prevent obstruction to the remaining work in other areas.
Manjunath, Assistant Engineer of HESCOM in Bhatkal, said that while most taluks generally have one 110-kV substation, Bhatkal is the only taluk in Uttara Kannada district to have a second such facility, following the one at Murdeshwar. He said most of the construction work had been completed, but certain obstructions had delayed the remaining work. He expressed hope that the entire project would be completed within the next one to two months.