UT ADMINISTRATOR INAUGURATES ₹12-CRORE UNDERGROUND POWER NETWORK FOR NORTHERN SECTORS AND KEY INSTALLATIONS

UNDERGROUND NETWORK TO BENEFIT OVER 25,000 RESIDENTS, ENHANCE RELIABILITY AND ENSURE UNINTERRUPTED POWER SUPPL

Face2News/Chandigarh 

In a major step towards modernising Chandigarh’s power distribution system and enhancing the reliability of electricity supply, Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) has successfully converted the overhead 11 kV electricity distribution network into an underground cable system across Sectors 1 to 8.

The ₹12-crore project, which will benefit approximately 25,000 residents, was inaugurated today by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria. Senior BJP leader Shri Sanjay Tandon was also present on the occasion.

Mr Brajesh Kumar, CEO, CPDL, who played an instrumental role in driving this critical project forward, welcomed the Governor.

The project marks a significant infrastructure upgrade in one of Chandigarh’s most important and sensitive areas, which includes key government institutions and prominent landmarks such as the Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake, besides residential areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria said, “Chandigarh is the first Union Territory in the country to have transferred electricity distribution to the private sector. CPDL was entrusted with this responsibility with the expectation of strengthening infrastructure and improving power distribution, and this project represents a major milestone in that direction.

“Overhead lines are vulnerable to weather conditions, and a fault can disrupt supply for hours. Taking 18 kilometres of the network underground and linking it to the Command Centre through multiple feeders will significantly reduce this vulnerability. Even if one line develops a fault, supply can be restored in the shortest possible time by remotely shifting the load to another line. This will ensure reliable electricity supply while considerably reducing accidents and strengthening checks against power theft.

“Today, no hospital, school or household can function without dependable power. CPDL has planned an investment of over ₹900 crore in the city’s electricity network, with underground cabling as a key component. For the City Beautiful, this will not only strengthen safety and power supply but also enhance its visual character.”

Under the project, approximately 18 kilometres of underground 11 kV cables have been laid and 14 SCADA-controlled Ring Main Units (RMUs) installed across four distribution feeders passing through the forest area.

Mr Brajesh Kumar, CEO, CPDL, said, “The project is part of CPDL’s broader efforts to modernise Chandigarh’s electricity distribution infrastructure through technology-driven solutions. The strengthened network will improve operational efficiency, support the city’s growing electricity demand and contribute towards making Chandigarh safer, more sustainable and future-ready. We remain committed to investing in infrastructure that delivers safer, more reliable and better-quality power supply to consumers.”

The underground cable system will significantly enhance the reliability of Chandigarh’s electricity network by reducing power interruptions caused by storms, strong winds, uprooted trees and other external factors.

A key feature of the upgraded network is the remote operation of RMUs, which will enable the transfer of load from one feeder to another through the CPDL Command Centre in Sector 18. This capability will minimise the duration and impact of power interruptions and facilitate faster restoration of supply during contingencies.

The project involved considerable technical and operational challenges, including securing statutory approvals and complying with security-related restrictions due to the sensitive nature of the area. Despite these challenges, CPDL successfully completed the work while maintaining stringent standards of quality, safety and operational reliability.

The underground network will also provide environmental and aesthetic benefits. The removal of overhead poles and conductors will help create a cleaner and more visually appealing urban landscape, particularly around the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake. It will also reduce the risk posed by overhead electrical infrastructure to migratory birds and wildlife in the vicinity of the lake.

As part of its broader commitment to strengthening the city’s electricity infrastructure, CPDL has outlined an investment plan of ₹956 crore over five years, covering network improvement, reliability, smart metering, safety and digital initiatives.

Since taking over the electricity distribution system on February 1, 2025, CPDL has been continuously working to strengthen the city’s power infrastructure, enhance safety and improve services for consumers. As part of these efforts, the company has energised four 20 MVA power transformers, 63 distribution transformers and 40 RMUs. It has also completed 15 kilometres of high-tension circuits and 25 kilometres of low-tension circuits.

CPDL also operates a 24×7 in-house SCADA Command Centre, enabling real-time network monitoring, power scheduling and remote operation of RMUs for faster and more efficient power supply management.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Arun Kumar Verma, Senior Advisor, CPDL.