TGSPDCL gets Rs 4,051 crore for underground power cabling across Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has sanctioned a colossal Rs 4,051 crore project for the Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) to convert nearly 3,900 km of overhead electricity lines into a modern underground cabling network across Hyderabad’s core metro zones.

The ambitious move is set to dramatically improve power reliability, enhance public safety and boost the city’s urban aesthetics.

The decision, which was recently approved by the State Cabinet, follows a comprehensive proposal by TGSPDCL aimed at addressing the long-standing issues caused by the tangled web of overhead wires in Greater Hyderabad.

Hyderabad to be a global city

The Cabinet’s approval stems from a clear vision to transform Hyderabad into a truly global, resilient city with world-class infrastructure.

The government detailed the primary objectives in its GO 43, which underscore the need for this infrastructural upgrade:

1. Improved quality and reliability of power supply: Overhead lines are highly vulnerable to disruptions from natural elements like heavy rains, high winds and tree falls, leading to frequent power outages. Underground cables offer a robust solution, ensuring a more consistent and reliable power flow.

2. Enhanced safety and reduced accidents: Removing live overhead wires significantly minimises the risk of electrocutions, accidents and short-circuits, especially in densely populated areas.

3. Aesthetic improvement and urban development: The project will clear the skyline of unsightly poles and cables, contributing to a cleaner, clutter-free and more visually appealing urban landscape, which is essential for attracting global investments.

4. Economic growth: Officials believe that the improved power infrastructure will create a more favourable environment for industries and investments in the Hyderabad metro zone, thereby driving economic growth.

5. Reduced maintenance costs: While the initial cost is high, undergrounding the network is expected to lower long-term maintenance expenditure, transmission losses and theft.

The project will target the conversion of 33 kV, 11 kV and Low-Tension (LT) overhead lines across key areas, including Banjara Hills, Secunderabad, Hyderabad Central and Hyderabad South circles.

For LT lines in narrow lanes where undergrounding may be complex, the plan proposes shifting to aerial bundled (AB) cables, a safer, insulated alternative to traditional bare conductors.

Multi-utility collaboration and funding

A significant element of the project is the mandated cost-sharing model involving other utility providers, telecom and internet service providers, along with the state-backed fibre optic network T-Fibre, which is instructed to participate in the underground cabling.

This coordinated approach ensures that all utilities are laid in the same trench wherever technically feasible, optimising costs and minimising repeated road digging and public disruption.

TGSPDCL will fund the extensive project using a combination of its internal resources and borrowings. The utility company had submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR), which was cleared by the government, paving the way for immediate action.

The move marks a major step in the modernisation of Hyderabad’s electrical distribution system, positioning the city to better handle future power demands and cement its status as a premier global technology and business hub.