Bengaluru, 2 November

Karnataka has deployed 500 skilled power workers and equipment to Andhra Pradesh to help restore electricity infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Arnab.

The assistance follows a request from the Andhra Pradesh government for manpower and equipment. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar spoke to his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu and assured him of Karnataka’s support. The deployment is being coordinated under the supervision of Energy Minister K J George.

The assistance includes 500 skilled linemen, 15 Palfinger trucks equipped with cranes and earth augers, and 25 tractor-based drilling machines. The teams left for Andhra Pradesh on Monday afternoon and were expected to reach by midnight.

The linemen have been organised into teams of 10, each led by a junior or assistant engineer. An executive engineer from every operations and maintenance circle will oversee the work. Each electricity supply company (ESCOM) has also appointed a single point of contact to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh officials.

Drivers and operators are accompanying the specialised vehicles and machinery. Contingency funds have been provided to meet travel, accommodation and other emergency expenses.

Shivakumar said restoring electricity was an urgent priority and Karnataka stood with the people of Andhra Pradesh. George said teams would work with local officials to ensure speedy restoration of power supply.