BEST begins replacing cables to end SoBo power woes

BEST Initiates Cable Replacement to Address South Mumbai Power Issues

Infrastructure Upgrade Underway

BEST begins replacing cables to end SoBo – Mumbai’s BEST has launched efforts to modernize its power distribution system, aiming to rectify frequent blackouts in urban neighborhoods. The initiative focuses on replacing aging electrical cables along the Churchgate to Marine Lines route, a key corridor in the city’s south.

Excavation work commenced on Monday, targeting the installation of high-capacity underground cables. These new lines will be positioned beneath railway tracks, ensuring a more resilient power supply. According to a BEST representative, the cables will span 3 to 4 kilometers and handle 33,000 volts (33kV), significantly improving energy flow.

Residents’ Frustration and Advocacy

Neighborhoods such as Girgaum, Bhuleshwar, Opera House, and Kalbadevi have faced disruptions, with outages lasting up to 10 to 12 hours. This has led to public protests, including two demonstrations at a local BEST office. Shiv Sena leaders have supported the community, organizing meetings to demand accountability for the service failures.

“The new cables are being laid 10-15 feet below ground, deeper than standard utility lines,” explained a BEST engineer. “This will benefit approximately 20,000 to 25,000 consumers who have struggled with consistent power supply.”

Technical Challenges and Solutions

Recent outages were attributed to faulty cables, with issues arising in two distinct instances. Initially, the load was rerouted to an alternate substation, but the system couldn’t sustain the demand, affecting 50,000 users. “Faults in the first cable were difficult to diagnose since they were located under the tracks,” noted a BEST official. “Replacement became the only viable option.”

As a temporary measure, BEST deployed a backup cable to restore electricity. However, the existing lines, some over four decades old, highlighted the urgency for a lasting fix. The project now aims to address these long-standing challenges through permanent infrastructure improvements.

Funding and Manpower Constraints

With a backlog of 7,500 cable-related complaints in 2025, BEST has acknowledged the strain on its workforce. A 50-70% reduction in labor availability has worsened service delivery, prompting the allocation of ₹20 crore for a modernization plan. This funding targets Girgaon and Malabar Hill, part of a broader effort to upgrade South Mumbai’s outdated energy network.