a grid station after which almost 13 transformers would be energized. Each transformer is supplying electricity to low tension wires in each street. Each home has been connected with ABC (Aerial Bundle Cable) which has been imported from Sri Lanka.
After load shifting to the new electricity cables and transformers, the low tension wire poles have been removed. Removal of high tension poles is already in operation and three different sub divisions are involved in the process of shifting high tension poles, which will be completed during the next week.
New electricity meters have been used at the Royal Trail which is for the first time in Pakistan. Overhead cables from 58 streets have been removed. Total electricity has been brought underground.
Kamran Lashari, WCLA Director General, said the beauty of the Walled City was overshadowed with these ugly looking hanging wires. “We have tested this model of underground electricity in the first phase and have experienced a new look of this part of the city,” he added. “We are trying our best to restore it to its original glory. We will be exercising the same model in other parts of the Walled City very soon as we are heading forward from Chowk Kotwali to Masti Gate which is the package 2 , 3 and 4 of Royal Trail,” Lashari said.
Shahid Durrani (WCLA Director Infrastructure and Engineering) said the new electricity meters have been used at the Royal Trail which is for the first time in Pakistan. The Royal Trail from Delhi Gate to Chowk Kotwali will be free of hanging wires and electricity poles in a week’s time, he said, adding almost 20 low tension HT poles have been removed from the site and poles will be removed in a week’s time.
Asim Sajjad, WCLA Senior Electrical Engineer, said the engineering wing had conducted the underground electric cable test before energising the new system. Earthing systems were being tested to check the required capacity as per Wapda standards. Overhead cables from 58 streets have been removed. Total electricity has been brought underground.
Shabbar Raza, a local resident of Royal Trail, said majority of locals are happy that the health and safety measures for the residents are being improved by the WCLA. “Our children were endangered by these hanging wires. Now we are safe. Our streets look clean and we feel as if we are living in the past, but with modern facilities,” he said.
Nisa Begum, another resident, said this place is gaining value among tourists and visitors and residents are feeling happy to be a part of the Walled City. “People were moving out of the Walled City to other parts of Lahore, I hope this shifting will slow now. These wires were a serious threat in monsoon and rains otherwise. I am grateful to WCLA for their efforts,” she said.