Ukhrul outages spark public ire; MSPDCL cites challenges
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, June 22 2025: Residents of Ukhrul district are growing increasingly frustrated by persistent, disruptive power outages, placing the MSPDCL Ukhrul Division in the firing line.

While acknowledging the public's annoyance, the department maintains that it is in a straightjacket of helplessness due to myriad challenges and appealed to local CSOs and the public for collaborative action to address the root causes of the recurring problem.

The outages have become so commonplace that residents can expect several disruptions each week, severely affecting local businesses, education, and essential public ser-vices.

In a latest instance on Sunday, parts of Ukhrul town experienced disruptions due to issues with the Mini-secretariat feeder, leaving the areas covered under the feeder without electricity for the day.

Speaking to The People's Chronicle, a source within MSPDCL cited the precarious nature of the existing infrastructure as one of the major factors responsible for the frequent outages.

The 33KV line stretching over 100 Km from Hundung to the Ukhrul Khunjao 33/11KV Substation, and on to Tolloi, and Namrei Substations and up to Jessami Sub-station, presents a significant vulnerability due to the distance.

"A single fault along this entire line can knock out power to the whole of Ukhrul town, " the source explained, adding that upgrading the relay systems at the Tolloi and Namrei Substations is seen as a manageable and crucial first step towards mitigating this issue.

A severe staff shortage within the MSPDCL is also crippling the department's ability to provide a consistent power supply, and restoration services in times of issues.

Of the 102 sanctioned posts for assistant linesmen, only two are currently filled.

The situation is even more dire for linesmen, with none in post against 34 sanctioned positions, the source rued, adding that the department currently relies on a small team of 14 active line staff including three junior technician assistants and eight meter readers/cum bill distributors, all working on a daily wage basis, to maintain a network that spans from Ukhrul headquarters to Tanrui village on the west about 50 Km and 130 Km to the north.

Further exacerbating the situation is the lack of Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL) office in Ukhrul or Kamjong headquarters, often leading to delay in response times to faults that occur within its jurisdiction.

"So when there's such problems, we have to wait for personnel to travel from Imphal, which obviously adds to the length of the outage," the source stated.

To ensure a reliable 24/7 power supply, the MSPDCL outlined several critical improvements.

It said that for a long-term solution, establishing a new 33KV/11KV Power Substation at Kaziphung Hungpung dedicated solely to Ukhrul town is crucial, while informing that the local authority in Kazipphung has already offered to donate the necessary land.

The department also proposed immediate action from the higher authorities to upgrade the existing 3.15 MVA transformer at the 33/11KV Hundung Substation to a 2x10 MVA transformer, along with all associated equipment.

Regarding network reconfiguration, the MSPDCL said that disconnecting the 11KV Phalang feeder from the 33/11KV Hundung Substation and connecting it to the Phungyar 33/11KV Substation would allow the Hundung Substation to serve solely Ukhrul town, thereby improving power supply significantly.

While highlighting the urgent need for employing at least 80 new junior technician assistants on a daily wage basis to bolster the maintenance team, the source contrasted the situation here with Imphal, where a significantly larger workforce ensures round-the-clock service across a smaller area.

According to the department, the proposed upgrades are considered essential to guaranteeing a more stable and reliable power supply for the district.

"We have submitted a relevant proposal to the higher-ups for necessary actions and even communicated to local CSOs regarding the same but no response has come forth from either," the source disclosed and urged for collective efforts in addressing the growing crisis.

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