New Delhi, Feb 11 (.) Delhi government has approved proposals for shifting and undergrounding High Tension (HT) and Low Tension (LT) electricity lines various Assembly constituencies in the national capital, aimed at improving safety and strengthening power infrastructure.
Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood said the primary objective of the decision is to underground unsafe overhead electricity lines passing through residential and densely populated areas to reduce risks to human life and ensure a safer and more efficient power distribution system.
“So far, projects amounting to approximately Rs 463 crore have been approved under this initiative,” Sood said.
In addition, undergrounding of overhead lines along 26 roads in the Chandni Chowk area will be undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 159.47 crore, he added.
As part of a pilot project, undergrounding of overhead wires has already been successfully completed in BH Block, Shalimar Bagh, and C-4 East Block, Janakpuri.
The minister said this model will now be replicated in other areas across the city.
He further informed that in 2025, approvals worth Rs 37.63 crore were granted for 15 proposals related to undergrounding of overhead lines.
Highlighting preparations for the summer season, Sood said a comprehensive assessment of the entire power system has been conducted under the Summer Action Plan, and several measures have been taken to strengthen the network.
Under the Government of India’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, approval of around Rs 109 crore has been granted for 13 proposals related to shifting of HT and LT lines in Delhi.
According to the minister, completion of these works will significantly reduce accidents caused by unsafe overhead wires in densely populated areas and provide a safer environment for residents.
Sood also said that the Delhi government has prepared a comprehensive Power System Master Plan up to 2030, which will be implemented in coordination with all concerned agencies.
Under this roadmap, an estimated capital investment of about Rs 17,000 crore will be made over the next three years through Delhi Transco Limited and DISCOMs.
The investment aims to upgrade existing grid infrastructure, establish new grids, ensure continuous and secure power supply, and meet the growing electricity demand, including requirements arising from increasing adoption of electric vehicles.
“For years, overhead HT and LT lines in residential areas have posed safety hazards. By removing these risky overhead lines, the government aims to prevent potential accidents and move towards building a safer, well-organised and more beautiful Capital,” Sood said.
. PKJ ARN