In a significant announcement to the State Assembly on Wednesday, Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty disclosed the findings of extensive ‘line patrols’ conducted across Kerala’s overhead power grid. Initiated after a worrying series of electrical accidents this year, these patrols uncovered a staggering 45,200 defects in the system.
The comprehensive inspection covered an impressive 1,20,782 kilometers of power lines. Of the identified issues, a substantial 15,511 defects have already been addressed and rectified. Minister Krishnankutty assured the assembly that the remaining faults would be corrected promptly within a stipulated timeframe.
Responding to inquiries from the Opposition UDF members, the Minister also provided a stark statistic: between 2016 and July 20, 2025, 170 individuals tragically lost their lives due to contact with fallen live wires, highlighting the critical need for improved safety measures.
Tragedy Sparks Urgent Action
The Opposition UDF MLAs brought the issue to the forefront, emphasizing the recent surge in electrical mishaps. A particularly tragic incident involved the electrocution of 13-year-old Midhun, a student at Boys’ High School, Thevalakkara, whose death underscored the urgency of these safety reviews.
Historically, the majority of accidents involving broken conductors tend to occur during the southwest monsoon season, specifically in the months of May, June, July, and August.
Looking ahead, the Power department is actively investigating the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to bolster accident prevention efforts. A dedicated committee, comprising experts from the Indian Institute of Technology-Palakkad, the Kerala State Electricity Board, and the Electrical Inspectorate, has been established to assess the feasibility and implement AI-driven solutions for a safer electrical network.