First‑hand exposure to power transmission

A group of polytechnic‑level trainees from Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Dhamnod, Dhar, on Sunday visited the 132 KV substation at Jaitapura‑Palasia operated by the Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MPPTCL). The industrial visit, organised to bridge classroom theory with field practice, gave students a first‑hand view of how bulk electricity moves from generation points to distribution networks across the state.

Key technical insights

During the tour, MPPTCL engineers walked the batch through the working of a 132 KV substation, explaining the flow of ultra‑high‑voltage (EHV) power, the role of transformers in stepping voltage up and down, and the layout of the transmission network that feeds towns and industrial clusters in the region. Trainees received a structured overview of switchgear, circuit breakers, isolators, relays, busbars, and control panels that ensure safe, uninterrupted power transfer.

Safety protocols and live demonstrations

Junior engineer Atmaram Patel, who led the on‑site briefing, emphasised strict adherence to safety standards while handling live equipment and high‑voltage installations. He demonstrated how technicians operate power transformers, circuit breakers and isolators, and explained the interlocking systems and protective relays that prevent faults or cascading failures. Students were also briefed on personal protective equipment (PPE), earthing procedures, and work‑zone protocols followed at substations.

Student‑faculty response

ITI staff accompanying the group said such visits help students visualise concepts like voltage regulation, load balancing and fault isolation that otherwise remain confined to textbooks. Trainees asked clarifying questions about feeder management, transformer cooling, energy metering, and maintenance schedules, which officials answered in simple, practical terms. Head instructors noted that the exposure would sharpen employability of ITI electricians, fitters and allied trades in the power sector.

Background: ITI Dhamnod and MPPTCL

ITI Dhamnod, located on Mandleshwar Road in Dhar district, has been training youths in trades such as Electrician, Fitter and Foundryman since the mid‑1960s under the central and state skill‑development framework. The Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MPPTCL), spun off to manage the state’s EHT and transmission grid, oversees a network of 132 KV and higher‑voltage substations feeding cities, towns and industrial corridors across the state.

Impact on skilling and employability

Officials and institute staff described the outing as a small but meaningful step toward aligning vocational training with real‑world infrastructure needs. With the state pushing for more skilled technicians to support expanding transmission and renewable‑energy projects, such site visits help students understand the working culture, safety mindset and technical expectations of power companies.

What lies ahead

ITI Dhamnod management has indicated plans to arrange similar industrial visits to other MPPTCL substations and grid‑related facilities in the coming academic terms. The aim is to expose successive batches to diverse layouts, protection schemes and automation systems, thereby strengthening their readiness for roles in power distribution, maintenance and allied technical services.