Delhi launches Rs 160-crore underground cabling project in Chandni Chowk

The flagship project will shift the overhead electricity network in Chandni Chowk underground at an estimated cost of Rs 160 crore. Around 52.5 km of wiring across 26 key roads will be relocated, reducing clutter and modernising power infrastructure in the Walled City.

Narrow lanes crisscrossed with low-hanging power and cable wires have long posed fire and electrocution risks. The underground cabling aims to eliminate these hazards and improve safety in one of Delhi’s busiest commercial hubs.

The project includes installation of nearly 500 new feeder pillars and decorative streetlight poles. Digital twin technology will be deployed for real-time monitoring, enhancing fault detection and network management.

Officials said the cabling work will be executed in phases, largely during night hours, to minimise inconvenience to residents, traders and traffic in the congested Chandni Chowk area.

Nearly 10,000 electricity consumers are expected to directly benefit from the upgraded underground network, which aims to curb weather-related disruptions and reduce fire risks.

Around 1.5 lakh residents of Mandoli, Harsh Vihar, Bank Colony and nearby areas are set to benefit. The grid will reduce voltage fluctuations and ensure reliable supply to key institutions.

Officials said a Rs 17,000-crore roadmap has been prepared for the next three years. Projects worth Rs 3,000 crore pending under DTL have also been approved, signalling a major push to modernise Delhi’s power network.