Tamil Nadu Timeline

InfrastructureNational and Dravidian movements

Pykara hydroelectric power station commissioned

· Pykara

Pykara hydroelectric power station commissioned
Prof. Mohamed Shareef from Mysore, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The Pykara hydroelectric scheme in the Nilgiris began generating power, the first major hydroelectric project in the Madras Presidency.

The Pykara hydroelectric project harnessed the Pykara river in the Nilgiris to generate electricity. A team of engineers led by H. G. Howard of the electricity department carried out the project, and C. P. Ramaswami Iyer was involved in its planning. The first generating unit was commissioned in October 1932. The power supply helped the growth of the textile industry in Coimbatore and the wider region.

Related events

  1. 1931

    1. 2 Apr 1931TambaramInfrastructure

      First electric suburban trains in Madras

      The first electric suburban rail service in Madras began between Madras Beach and Tambaram.

  2. 1934

    1. 1934Mettur DamInfrastructure

      Mettur Dam completed

      The Mettur Dam across the Cauvery was completed, creating the Stanley Reservoir and expanding irrigation in the delta.

  3. 1956

    1. 1956NeyveliIndustry

      Neyveli Lignite Corporation established

      A central public sector company was set up to mine lignite and generate power at Neyveli in South Arcot district.

  4. 1957

    1. 1 Jul 1957ChennaiInfrastructure

      Madras State Electricity Board formed

      The Madras State Electricity Board, later the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, took over power generation and distribution in the state.

  5. 1962

    1. May 1962NeyveliIndustry

      Neyveli lignite thermal power station commissioned

      The first units of the Neyveli Thermal Power Station, burning lignite from the Neyveli mines, were commissioned.

  6. 1970

    1. 1970EnnoreInfrastructure

      Ennore Thermal Power Station commissioned

      The coal-fired Ennore Thermal Power Station north of Madras began generating electricity, with units added through 1975.

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