Bhavnagar/Saurashtra– In a landmark move aimed at transforming Gujarat’s electricity service delivery, the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL) is set to deploy 256 GPS-enabled Fault Rectification Teams (FRTs) across Saurashtra beginning this December. This comes as part of a large-scale modernization strategy initiated after the restructuring of the Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB) in 2004.
The earlier restructuring had separated the state’s power sector into six independent companies handling power generation, transmission, and distribution. PGVCL, responsible for electricity distribution across western Gujarat, has since been pushing reforms to enhance transparency, reduce downtime, and accelerate complaints redressal.
Now, the introduction of fully equipped FRT units marks one of the most ambitious operational expansions in recent years.
Contract-Based Operation to Enhance Response Time
To improve the handling of electricity-related complaints, PGVCL awarded a ₹272-crore, three-year contract to a private agency based in Gurgaon, Haryana. Under this project, GPS-enabled vehicles and trained personnel will respond swiftly to power disruptions, breakdowns, and technical faults.
Once deployed, these 256 teams will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, ensuring immediate response across all subdivisions under PGVCL. Bhavnagar Circle alone will receive 32 dedicated FRT teams, significantly boosting service capacity.
Initial Delay Due to Employee Opposition
The rollout of the FRT project was delayed by nearly four months due to resistance from technical employees within PGVCL. Staff representatives had earlier raised concerns regarding the privatization of core technical services, especially when the contract includes centralized call-center operations and field fault-rectification work.
After rounds of internal discussions and a gradual easing of tensions, the company resumed full-scale preparation for the project. According to officials, the groundwork is now moving at maximum speed to ensure the December deadline is met without further disruptions.
Phase-1 Implementation Across Five Major Circles
In the first implementation phase, PGVCL will deploy the new FRT units in five key circles:
- Bhavnagar
- Rajkot City
- Rajkot Rural
- Jamnagar
- Amreli
Work has already begun in these regions, with dedicated command units being established to monitor complaint inflow, dispatch teams, track GPS movements, and audit response efficiency.
A.D.V. Lakhani, Chief Engineer, PGVCL Bhavnagar Zonal Office, confirmed that the pilot phase is expected to significantly reduce service downtime and improve the customer experience across both urban and rural areas.
The Sensitive Balance: PGVCL Moving Cautiously After Internal Friction
According to internal sources, PGVCL headquarters is approaching this project with extreme caution. Following the major restructuring of GEB back in 2004, numerous core functions were diversified — but technical services remained largely within the company’s direct control. For the first time, such technical responsibilities are being outsourced to private entities under a centralized management system.
To avoid conflict, PGVCL has been working carefully, ensuring the workforce does not feel sidelined while simultaneously pushing modernization. This measured approach has been described by insiders as “PGVCL moving as cautiously as drinking hot buttermilk,” ensuring stability, clarity, and long-term cooperation.
Circle-Wise Distribution of FRT Teams
As part of the fully planned deployment, PGVCL will place GPS-enabled teams across 13 circles in Saurashtra and Kutch. Below is the official division:
| Circle Office | No. of FRT Teams |
|---|---|
| Amreli Circle | 28 |
| Anjar (Kutch) Circle | 13 |
| Bhavnagar Circle | 32 |
| Bhuj (Kutch) Circle | 19 |
| Botad Circle | 10 |
| Jamnagar Circle | 33 |
| Junagadh Circle | 21 |
| Morbi Circle | 18 |
| Porbandar Circle | 17 |
| Rajkot City Circle | 21 |
| Rajkot Rural Circle | 27 |
| Surendranagar Circle | 21 |
This circle-wise allocation ensures that even remote areas — often the most affected by seasonal fluctuations, infrastructure limitations, or geographical barriers — receive equal priority in service coverage.
How the FRT System Will Transform Saurashtra’s Electricity Experience
1. Real-Time GPS Monitoring
Each FRT vehicle is equipped with modern GPS tracking. This allows PGVCL control rooms to monitor movement, dispatch the nearest team, and pinpoint fault locations faster.
2. Faster Complaint Resolution
Traditional complaints often took hours to resolve due to manual coordination. With centralized systems and dedicated teams, most faults are expected to be rectified within record-low response times.
3. 24×7 Deployment
Round-the-clock operations will help reduce overnight outages, minimize inconvenience to industries, households, and agricultural sectors, and keep essential services running smoothly.
4. Boost for Rural Areas
Remote and rural parts of Saurashtra have historically faced delays in technical service availability. The new FRT system ensures equitable coverage across all subdivisions.
5. Increased Accountability
Real-time tracking and digital logs will bring transparency, ensuring that teams respond quickly, efficiently, and without delays.
Why This Project Matters for Gujarat’s Power Future
Gujarat has long been recognized as a pioneer in energy reforms. With the introduction of these fault rectification units, PGVCL is aiming to:
- Strengthen rural and semi-urban electricity service
- Reduce downtime for industrial hubs in Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Bhavnagar
- Improve customer satisfaction across the western power grid
- Prepare Gujarat’s infrastructure for the next era of smart grid technology
The initiative also aligns with national goals of promoting reliable electricity for all, supporting industries, and improving service delivery across public utilities.
Industry Analysts View the Project as a Turning Point
Power sector experts believe the project sets a precedent for other states. The integration of centralized complaint centers with GPS-enabled field support could become a model for Indian utility companies seeking modernization and accountability.
In regions like Saurashtra, where rapid industrial growth and agricultural dependency demand stable electricity, PGVCL’s 256-team project could drastically improve the power experience for millions of consumers.
Also read: Jamnagar to Inaugurate The Longest Flyover in Saurashtra on November 20
Looking Ahead: What Consumers Can Expect
Beginning December, residents across Saurashtra can expect:
- Quicker resolution of local outages
- Timely updates via call centers
- Rapid response teams positioned across all subdivisions
- Better coordination between control rooms and field teams
- More reliable electricity during peak hours and seasonal demands
With the rollout moving into its final preparation phase, PGVCL is set to make one of the largest tech-enabled transformations in Gujarat’s power distribution sector.
Also read: 9-Hour Power Cut in Palitana Today: Major Citywide Outage to Affect Multiple Areas
Conclusion
The deployment of 256 GPS-equipped Fault Rectification Teams marks a significant milestone for PGVCL, reinforcing the company’s commitment to fast, reliable, and modern electricity service across Saurashtra. As the December launch approaches, this transformation is expected not only to enhance customer satisfaction but also to position Gujarat as a leader in technologically advanced power distribution.
