Daijiword Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Sep 1: The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), which oversees the power sector in Goa and Union Territories, has directed the state electricity department to investigate failed infrastructure projects and submit a detailed report within three months.

The directive came in response to a power consumer’s complaint highlighting a lack of transparency and accountability in reviewing failed projects such as the aerial bunch cabling (ABC) initiative, which reportedly led to losses of over Rs 140 cr.

The electricity department has assured that an investigating committee will probe such cases and reiterated its commitment to transparency. The JERC has sought a comprehensive reply after the committee completes its inquiries.

Launched in 2017, the ABC project aimed to reduce power cuts in areas where underground cabling was not feasible. However, during the recently concluded monsoon session of the state assembly, power minister Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar admitted that no progress had been made in the inquiry into the failed Rs 145 crore project.

Dhavalikar revealed that a committee was initially constituted on October 27, 2023, but had not met due to the transfer of its members. A proposal for reconstitution was forwarded, and in May 2025, it was approved that the secretary (health) be included as the third member. With recent changes in both the chief secretary and power secretary, a new committee is to be formed.

Further, the minister disclosed that of the 201 km of aerial bunch cabling laid in Panaji, Bicholim, and Mapusa, only 39 km — in Bicholim — is currently operational. The remaining 162 km remain non-functional and have not been removed.