Frequent and prolonged blackouts in several villages under Thirunallar and Nedungadu commune in Karaikal have led to growing demands for the replacement or upgrade of the decades-old Surakudi power substation.

The Surakudi substation, located near Thirunallar, is 40 years old. Sources said the transformer and other equipment at the facility have long outlived their purpose and are prone to frequent failures, particularly during high winds or rainfall.