New Delhi: After decades of demand and anticipation, residents of Old Delhi are set to be relieved from hanging electric wires. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Energy Minister Ashish Sood inaugurated a ₹159.47 crore underground wiring project that will make 26 streets, including Kinari Bazar and Dharmpura, safer and more organized.
Underground Wiring to Transform Old Delhi
The ambitious project aims to relocate overhead electricity cables underground along major streets and lanes in Old Delhi, including:
- Kinari Bazar
- Dharmpura
- Nai Sadak
- Kucha Mahajani
A total of 26 streets and lanes will undergo the transformation, eliminating tangled wires and enhancing both safety and aesthetics. The Delhi government has approved a budget of ₹159.47 crore, with an execution timeline of 2–3 years for completion.
Chandni Chowk: A Heritage Area Gets a Modern Makeover
CM Rekha Gupta highlighted the cultural and historical significance of Chandni Chowk, stating, “This area is a blend of culture, heritage, and tradition. It is essential to modernize it without harming its legacy. Today, under this ₹160 crore project, we are laying underground electricity lines, which will free residents from the grid of overhead cables that has troubled them for decades.”
The initiative is part of a larger vision to preserve the heritage of Old Delhi while upgrading its infrastructure to meet modern needs.
Delhi Government’s Commitment to Development
Presenting the government’s one-year report card, CM Rekha Gupta said the past 365 days have been pivotal for Delhi’s growth. “In a year, we have tried to move Delhi from stagnation to progress, focusing on solutions rather than excuses. Our governance prioritizes real work over mere publicity, changing the work culture of the city for the better,” she said.
The CM emphasized that the project is not only a technical upgrade but also a commitment to preserving Delhi’s historical character while improving urban safety and aesthetics.
Supporting Infrastructure Projects
Alongside the underground wiring project, the government also laid the foundation for several critical energy initiatives:
- BYPL 66/11 KV GIS Grid Sub-Station in Mandoli
- BRPL Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems in Shivalik, Dwarka, and Goyla Khurd
These projects aim to provide uninterrupted power supply to millions of Delhi residents, ensuring modern energy reliability alongside heritage conservation.
Heritage Protection and Future-Ready Delhi
The Delhi government is balancing heritage preservation with modern infrastructure development. The underground wiring project is expected to significantly improve the urban landscape of Old Delhi, making it safer, cleaner, and more visually appealing while retaining its centuries-old charm.
The inauguration event was attended by notable dignitaries, including MP Ramveer Singh Bidhuri, Cabinet Associate Ashish Sood, Councillor Suman Gupta, and District Head Arvind Garg, among others.
Read also: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Marks One Year with Launch of 4,000 Electric Buses and 37 New STPs
