Telecom operators asked regularise OFC cables as JBVNL eyes clearing of dangling wires in Ranchi

Ranchi: State-run discom Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) has asked telecom operators in Ranchi to regularise their optical fibre communication (OFC) cables on electricity poles within 15 days or face immediate removal. The move comes as JBVNL wants to curb the menace of dangling overhead wires across the city, which pose safety risks besides being an eyesore.

Manmohan Kumar, general Manager-cum-chief engineer of the Electric Supply Area, Ranchi, issued a letter to all telecom operators in the city on Thursday. The discom observed that OFC cables are being strung haphazardly on JBVNL poles by completely bypassing safety standards. This, in turn, is posing risks for civic infrastructure, transport and the people, it said.

The department noted that in several locations, heavy communication equipment and accessories have been suspended on electricity poles, well below the safe height level. Elaborating on the safety norms, Kumar explained that cables must maintain a minimum clearance of at least 11 feet above the ground, a rule that is routinely ignored by operators.

“The companies have been directed to submit the GPS location details of all poles utilised for OFC stringing, along with the number of cables strung on each pole, within 15 days. In case of failure in timely submission of the report, all OFC stringing carried out without submission of the required GPS details shall be treated as unauthorised and shall be removed without any further notice,” Kumar said.

The GM also pointed out the widespread lack of proper identification on the existing networks. To rectify this, JBVNL has mandated that companies must securely tag their cables at every utilised infrastructure point. These tags must be durable enough to withstand rain and sunlight and must clearly display a unique serial number alongside the cable owner’s name.

This strict directive follows a previous meeting held with telecom operators in Sept 2025, where similar notices for the removal of unauthorised cables and the proper installation of authorised ones were issued to no avail. “Some companies did tidy up cables at some spots, but cables still remain unmanaged,” Kumar said.

Detailing the due process for network expansion, Kumar said telecom companies wishing to utilise electricity poles must first apply with local officials. The proposal is forwarded to the GM distribution network for final approval only after rigorous feasibility and safety tests are conducted, ensuring public safety is not compromised.