Delhi CM Gupta to launch pilot project for shifting overhead wires underground in Shalimar Bagh

New Delhi, Jul 11 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will launch her government's pilot project for shifting overhead electricity wires underground at a residential colony in Shalimar Bagh area of the city, officials on Friday said.

The chief minister is likely to launch this project on Saturday at BH Block Janta Flats colony in the Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency represented by her, they said.

The officials that Power Minister Ashish Sood would accompany her during the launch.

Gupta, who also holds the Finance portfolio, had earlier in March while presenting the Delhi government's annual budget 2025-26 in the assembly announced an allocation of Rs 100 crore for shifting overhead electricity cables underground with an aim to enhance safety and aesthetics of the city.

The pilot project will be undertaken by the power discom Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) that supplies power to the areas in north Delhi, said a Delhi government officer.

The main goal of the pilot project is to implement a scalable model that could be implemented in other parts of the city, he added.

The officer said the "objective is to replace the existing overhead wires with underground cabling for increased aesthetics and safety".

"The model colony will serve as benchmark for future, a phased implementation of similar upgrades in other colonies as part of a comprehensive long-term project," he added.

The shifting work will involve removal of existing five km long overhead lines, with 10 km long underground low tension (LT) network and 1.2 km long high tension (HT) underground cabling, the officials said.

They said that 23 new feeder pillar boxes would also be installed.

With undergound cables in place, the local residents will get 24x7 electric supply in all weather conditions. It will reduce faults, which happen often during bad weather conditions like thunderstorms and heavy rain, the officials said.

The project will also ensure reliable power supply with enhanced safety as compared to bare overhanging wires, especially in densely populated localities, they added. The officials said the underground cables will also free space above ground improving aesthetics and clearing obstructions for trees, buildings and traffic on roads. PTI VIT AS AS