Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 12: In a major infrastructure push aimed at improving public safety and modernising the power distribution network, the Delhi government has approved proposals to remove overhead electricity wiring and shift high tension (HT) and low tension (LT) lines underground across large parts of the national capital.

According to an official statement, projects worth approximately Rs 463 crore have been cleared under the initiative. Of this, works in 125 colonies and localities spread across various Assembly constituencies will be undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 267.20 crore.

Additionally, overhead electricity wires along 26 roads in the congested Chandni Chowk area will be shifted underground at an estimated cost of Rs 159.47 crore, a move expected to significantly enhance safety and improve the aesthetic appeal of the historic marketplace.

The government said that as a pilot project, undergrounding of overhead wires has already been completed in BH Block of Shalimar Bagh and C-4 East Block in Janakpuri. The model will now be replicated in other parts of the city in a phased manner.

In 2025, approvals worth Rs 37.63 crore were granted for 15 proposals related to undergrounding overhead lines, the statement added.

Power Minister Ashish Sood said the primary objective of the initiative is to eliminate unsafe overhead wiring passing through residential and densely populated areas, thereby reducing risks to human life and ensuring a safer and more reliable power supply system.

He further informed that an additional approval of around Rs 109 crore has been granted for 13 proposals concerning the shifting of HT and LT lines in Delhi.

The large-scale undergrounding drive is expected to enhance public safety, reduce power disruptions caused by weather-related incidents, and improve the overall urban landscape of the city.