Agartala: Tripura’s power infrastructure is set to undergo a major technological upgrade as the Tripura State Power Corporation Ltd (TSECL) prepares to launch a drone-based surveillance mechanism aimed at improving electricity reliability, reducing outages, and enhancing safety.
TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Basu, speaking to PTI, confirmed that the initiative will serve as a cornerstone of the state’s move toward predictive maintenance and a faster response system. The adoption of drone technology is expected to significantly minimise downtime across the state’s power distribution and transmission networks, especially in challenging terrains such as forested, hilly, and flood-prone areas where manual inspections are time-consuming and hazardous.
“Drones provide high-resolution aerial visuals of transmission towers, conductors, insulators, and hardware, enabling us to detect corrosion, cracks, or misalignments that are not visible from the ground,” Basu explained. Equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, these drones will also be able to conduct advanced diagnostics, identifying hotspots, broken strands, or flashover marks—critical indicators of impending equipment failure.
The move marks a substantial shift toward automation and safety in power monitoring. “The system eliminates the need for technicians to climb towers or work near live lines, thereby reducing accident risks and ensuring adherence to safety norms,” Basu said. He further noted that artificial intelligence-based image analysis would allow for accurate detection of degradation, damage, or alignment issues in poles and wires across both transmission and distribution segments.
Importantly, the surveillance system will also play a role in curbing electricity theft. By using visual and thermal imaging, drones will help identify illegal power tapping—commonly seen in the form of hooks and wires drawn illegally from live lines. Additionally, the drones will monitor vegetation growth near electric poles and lines, which poses a significant threat to uninterrupted power supply, especially during adverse weather.
Once implemented, the system will enable TSECL to proactively manage its entire grid infrastructure—supporting everything from vegetation control to power theft prevention. This is expected to lead to a more resilient and reliable power supply for the state’s population.
Highlighting the added benefit of disaster readiness, Basu said the technology will also significantly aid in disaster management. “In case of natural calamities, drone mapping will allow for rapid assessment of damaged areas, helping us prioritise restoration efforts effectively,” he said.
Confirming that the project will be rolled out shortly, the TSECL MD reiterated the corporation’s commitment to transitioning toward a smarter, safer, and more responsive energy system in Tripura.
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