Hyderabad Goes Underground: The $13,500 Cr Cable Mission

The Telangana government is set to underground all overhead power lines in Hyderabad, aiming to enhance public safety and elevate the city’s global image.

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, who also oversees the Power portfolio, underscored the urgency of the initiative following recent fatal incidents in Pathergatti and Ramanthapur. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is nearing completion, with the pilot phase targeting the city’s core areas. This phase will cover 1,198 km of 11 kV lines and nearly 4,800 km of low-tension networks. Across the city, the total underground cabling is expected to span approximately 27,000 km.

The project will be implemented in phases, using horizontal directional drilling to minimize traffic disruptions. Benefits include reduced power losses, lower maintenance costs, and improved infrastructure resilience—contributing to sustainable urban development.

Inspired by Bengaluru’s successful model—where 1,400 km of underground cabling was completed for ₹1,800 crore—Hyderabad’s first phase is estimated to cost between ₹2,800 crore and ₹3,200 crore. The total project cost is projected to exceed ₹13,500 crore over the next four to five years.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.