Rs 463 crore Initiative to shift overhead power lines for safety and city aesthetics

New Delhi: The Government of Delhi has approved plans to shift and underground High Tension (HT) and Low Tension (LT) electricity lines across multiple Assembly Constituencies, marking a historic step toward enhancing public safety, improving power reliability, and boosting the city’s aesthetics.

Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood explained that the main aim is to underground unsafe overhead electricity lines in residential and densely populated areas, reducing risks to human life and ensuring a safer, more efficient power distribution network. Projects worth around ₹463 crore have been approved under this initiative.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approvals have been granted for relocating and undergrounding HT/LT lines at multiple locations across Delhi, with public safety as the top priority.

The approved plan covers 125 colonies and localities across various constituencies, with an estimated cost of Rs 267.2 crore. In addition, overhead lines along 26 roads in the Chandni Chowk area will be undergrounded at a projected cost of Rs 159.47 crore. Pilot projects have already been successfully completed in BH Block, Shalimar Bagh, and C-4 East Block, Janakpuri, and this model will be replicated elsewhere. In 2025, Rs 37.63 crore was approved for 15 similar proposals to underground overhead lines.

Sood stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Government is fully committed to ensuring citizen safety, strengthening the power infrastructure, and transforming Delhi into a safe, clean, modern, and energy-smart city. These approved projects reflect the Government’s commitment to public welfare. The goal is to make Delhi’s electricity supply safer, more reliable, and modern.

The Power Minister further informed that since assuming office, the Delhi Government has undertaken significant reforms in the power sector. Multiple initiatives incorporating modern technologies are being implemented to ensure uninterrupted 24×7 electricity supply to the people of Delhi. In view of the upcoming summer season, a comprehensive assessment of the entire power system has been conducted under the Summer Action Plan, and several decisions have been taken to strengthen the system.

Sood also highlighted that under the Government of India’s SASCI (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) scheme, approval of approximately Rs 109 crore has been granted for 13 proposals related to shifting of HT/LT lines in Delhi. Completion of these works will significantly reduce accidents caused by unsafe overhead wires in densely populated areas and provide a safer environment for residents.

The Power Minister further stated that the Delhi Government has prepared a comprehensive Power System Master Plan up to the year 2030, which will be implemented in coordination with all concerned agencies. Under this roadmap, an estimated capital investment of approximately Rs 17,000 crore will be made over the next three years through Delhi Transco Limited and DISCOMs. The objective is to upgrade the existing grid infrastructure, establish new grids, ensure continuous and secure power supply, and meet the growing electricity demand, including requirements arising from the increasing adoption of electric vehicles.

Sood emphasised that this decision is not merely about shifting power lines but represents a concrete step toward citizen safety and modern infrastructure development. For years, overhead HT/LT lines in residential and densely populated 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.

Tags : Delhi government, High Tension, Low Tension, Ashish Sood, Rekha Gupta, Chandni Chowk