Huge transformer waylaid by restrictions

KOCHI: Transformers and Electricals Kerala Ltd (Telk), a joint venture of the state government and National Thermal Power Corporation, is awaiting permission from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to move a 168-tonne transformer from its Angamaly campus here to a client in Krishna Patnam, Andhra Pradesh.
A hydraulic trailer carrying the transformer had broken down just after it left the Telk's gate on July 11, while crossing a hump."There was a noise from the axle part of the trailer and we stopped the trailer as a precautionary measure. We asked for a replacement trailer and hence there was a delay of 10 days," said Prabhat Kumar, managing director, Telk.
Motor vehicles inspector A M Sidhique said MFC Transport Pvt Ltd, the contractor for transportation, had got special permission from the Union government to carry up to 192 tonnes on the trailer. However, Upendra Narayan, executive director of non-governmental organization Indian Institute of Road Safety (IIRS), said Telk would have to get a structural fitness certificate for bridges en route from NHAI. "Some of the bridges in Kerala are beyond 50 years old and are not meant to carry 200 tonnes weight. This could be a risk to the bridges," he said.
NHAI also took the stand that Telk would need its permission to shift the transformer. "Whenever they are shifting over-dimensional and overloaded vehicles, the authority concerned should apply to the NHAI authority in the respective area. Telk hasn't applied for permission with us," an NHAI official said on condition of anonymity.
However, Kumar said Telk sends at least eight transformers every year outside Kerala. "Weight-wise, we usually send 180-tonne transformers," he said.
Rail transportation is the other option but motor vehicles department officials said the abnormal dimensions make it impossible.