A team of KSEB officials is part of the inspection of the underground tunnel of the power plant at Moolamattom in Idukki. They perform the exercises with the support of radio amateur equipment. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
During major repairs at the Moolamattom Power Station of the Idukki Hydro Project, the amateur radio service is pioneering the transmission of timely information from underground tunnels, helping to prevent casualties and ensure smooth control of the tunnels.
According to officials, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) repair office has already dried the tunnel and the officials now have to complete the inspection of the tunnel.
Idukki Ham Radio Society Secretary Manoj TR said that they were providing ham radio service at Moolamattom Power Station on the request of KSEB officials. “There is no mobile network or other communication equipment inside the 1.5 km long tunnel. There is also the possibility of lack of oxygen or other problems. To ensure timely communication, we fixed six ham radio repeaters in the tunnel and shared updates. Divers moved in front with oxygen cylinders and radio hams followed close behind. Divers provided updates and we communicated this to official ham radio service personnel. control without any trouble,” said Mr. Manoj.
Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty also praised the officials of KSEB and Radio Amateur Service who completed the inspection in the underground tunnel of the power plant. “Dam Safety Wing Executive Engineer Saina S., Deputy Executive June Joy and Assistant Engineers Rahul Rajasekharan, Jayaprakash and Baiju MB led the officials who conducted the inspection. Radio amateur licensee Mr. Manoj TR arranged the radio amateur service for the inspection,” the minister said.
KSEB officials are inspecting the underground tunnel of the power plant at Moolamattom in Idukki with the support of radio amateur equipment. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
History
Officials said Idukki has been running an amateur radio service for the past 40 years, a place where other forms of communication often fail. When the Pettymudy landslide occurred on August 6, 2020, ham radio was the main means of communication to help people. “Our team is ready to provide assistance to radio amateurs for local body elections in remote panchayats in the hilly district,” said Mr. Manoj.
The first and only amateur radio system in the district was set up at Cheruthoni in 1967 by Raghavan K. who came to Idukki from Ottapalam. In 1980, CM Stephen, who served as Union Minister for Communications in the Indira Gandhi-led government, met Raghavan during a visit to Idukki. Impressed by his radio system, the minister provided assistance in setting up a full-fledged communication network system in the district.
“Currently there are as many as 60 licensed ham operators in Idukki district,” said Mr. Manoj.
Published – 14 Nov 2025 20:24 IST
