Transformer fails at Palace ahead of Dasara

Ahead of Dasara, illumination of the historic Amba Vilas Palace is rumoured to be at risk, with the failure of a 1,000 kVA transformer. However, Deputy Director of Mysore Palace Board, T S Subramanya has dismissed the risk, saying that there was another 1,000 kVA transformer to power the famous lighting of the Palace.

The transformer, which was installed during the year 1988, failed after a period of 26 years on July 6. Despite the failure, there was another transformer at the Palace which would serve the purpose of lighting the Palace well. Palace, according to Subramanya, takes up 800 kVA for illumination. Therefore, the failure of a transformer will not make a major impact, he said.

The failed transformer will be repaired within one month, he added. Experts from Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) have estimated that the cost of repair for the transformer would be close to Rs five lakh.

According to a release by the Palace Board, officials of KPTCL and Palace Board had recently convened a meeting regarding the transformer. “A report has been sought from the superintendent engineer and executive engineer of KPTCL regarding the transformer. Steps are taken to repair the transformer as soon as possible,” the release added.