The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today announced, under Rule 110, a series of power projects, worth Rs. 4,126 crores. The plans include replacing the transformers and pillar boxes in the cities and suburbs across the state.

Pointing out the difficulties in repairing and maintaining the 23,175 transformers in cities and suburbs, especially during the rains, and the risk that it posed, the Chief Minister announced that transformers in suburban areas will be converted as ‘Ring Main Units,’ at a cost of Rs. 1,750 crores.

In order to prevent rust and rain water seepage from destroying the 38,444 pillar boxes in Chennai, the Chief Minister said that the current devices will be replaced with HRC 6-way pillar boxes. This will cost the state Rs.270 crores.

Applauding the Kodayar Hydroelectric Project for its record-setting production of 193 million units, against the expected 150 million units, she said that the hydroelectric power station has been functioning for 45 years since 1970, while typically such plants last for only 35 years. The Chief Minister allocated Rs.80 crores for the modernization of the plant, and for increasing its capacity from 60 MW to 70 MW.

The other measures announced by the Chief Minister include the setting up of a 1600 MW thermal power project in Uppur, Ramanathapuram, and installing rooftop solar power plants atop the TANGEDCO Chief Engineers offices all over the state.