DMRC builds first underground power substations

In first-of-its kind in the country, Delhi Metro has constructed two underground substations here that will feed power to the high speed Airport Metro Express and plans to build nine such substations for its upcoming phase-III project.

The two substations, set up at an area of 5,000 sq km at Church Road near North Block and Rashtrapati Bhawan, will also feed the Central Secretariat-Badarpur line from next month.

"The substation, which is six metre below the ground, has already started feeding the Airport Line since June and would provide power supply to the Central Secretariat-Badarpur Line from next month," Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Director (Electrical) Satish Kumar said.

Built with an investment of Rs 60 crore in one-and-half year, the substations -- first of kind in India -- have been constructed with special ventilation, drainage and earthing system and house imported Gas Insulated Switchgear that saves space in comparison to air-insulated equipment, he said.

There is switching arrangement at the two inter-connected substations in case of power shutdown, Kumar said. The top of the substations is maintained as park as per provisions of local laws in Lutyens zone that prohibited construction of the structures above the ground. Kumar said NDMC has approached the DMRC to build such substations for it.