KSEB at the mercy of IRCON?

KOCHI: By changing the decision to carry out the remaining work of the City Automation Project (CAP)by itself after the extended term ending in June, the KSEB seems to be at the mercy of the Indian Railway Construction Corporation(IRCON) for completing its much delayed project.However, IRCON is not keen on continuing the project and has filed short close notice to the KSEB seeking permission to exit from the project. The issue is now before the Board for a final decision. In the event of the Board giving its nod to IRCON to get out of the project, the implementation of the project would be further delayed then KSEB would have to spot another agency to implement the project.Miffed by the non-cooperative stance of the state government agencies coming in the way during the laying of cables for a distance of 200 km, the IRCON wanted to get out of the project after the completion of the three-year-period in October 2009. PWD, Kerala Water Authority, police, National Highway Authority, the Kochi  Corporation and the public had created hurdles at various stages of laying the cables, KSEB sources said.KSEB deducting 10 percent liquidated damages from the amount due to IRCON for failing to complete the project within the stipulated time has also discouraged them, an official said.IRCON has laid cables for 140 km and installed 220 Ring Main Units(transformers). The original plan is to install 235 RMUs.Expressing satisfaction over commissioning the project in 50-km areas, a KSEB official said, this helped in minimising power failure during the rainy season. Areas like Palluruthy, Panampilly Nagar, Thevara and Mattancherry have benefitted of this. The laying of 11 kv underground cables has helped in doing away with overhead cables which normally trip, causing prolonged power failure.