Telangana Govt Approves ₹4,051 Crore Project to Convert Overhead Power Lines into Underground Cables Across Greater Hyderabad
Hyderabad, November 29, 2025: In a major push toward modernizing urban power infrastructure, the Telangana Government has accorded administrative approval for a massive ₹4,051 crore project to convert the entire overhead electricity distribution network into an underground cable system across Greater Hyderabad.
The decision has been formalized through G.O.Ms.No. 43, issued by the Energy (Power-I) Department on Saturday. The project, proposed by the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL), covers all areas falling under the erstwhile Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, including Banjara Hills Circle, Secunderabad Circle, Hyderabad Central Circle and Hyderabad South Circle.
Massive Infrastructure Upgrade
The project aims to replace the existing 33 kV, 11 kV and LT (Low Tension) overhead power lines with underground cabling, significantly enhancing the city’s power reliability, safety, and visual aesthetics. Hyderabad is expected to become one of the very few cities in India with close to 100% underground electricity distribution in its core urban zones.
Key Components of the Sanctioned Project
- 33 kV underground cables (HDD method) – 180 km: ₹110 crore
- 11 kV underground cables (HDD) – 2,396 km: ₹1,430 crore
- Combined 33 kV & 11 kV cables – 73 km: ₹65 crore
- Combined 33 kV, 11 kV & LT cables – 24 km: ₹25 crore
- Combined 11 kV & LT cables – 1,407 km: ₹857 crore
- Combined 33 kV & LT cables – 10 km: ₹7 crore
- Main roads LT Overhead to Underground (LTOH) – 825 km: ₹149 crore
- LT Overhead to LT AB (Aerial Bunched) cables – 6,251 km: ₹563 crore
- Installation of new Ring Main Units (RMUs) – 14,051 units: ₹823 crore
- Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) laying – 3,899 km: ₹23 crore
Total Approved Cost: ₹4,051 crore
Why Underground Cabling?
According to the government, undergrounding the current power network will:
- Improve reliability and continuity of power supply
- Reduce outages caused by rains, winds, or falling trees
- Enhance public safety by eliminating exposed wires
- Cut maintenance costs significantly
- Remove visual clutter created by overhead power lines
- Support Hyderabad’s rapid urban development and global city aspirations
Execution on Turnkey Basis
TGSPDCL has been instructed to execute the project on a turnkey basis, ensuring timely completion with standardized quality across all circles. The government has also emphasized the use of Aerial Bunched (AB) cables in narrow lanes and congested localities to minimize disruptions and ensure optimal system performance.
A Step Toward Global-Standard Urban Infrastructure
Once implemented, Hyderabad will join the ranks of modern global cities that rely on robust underground power networks to support residential, commercial, and digital infrastructure growth. The project is expected to drastically improve power stability, reduce urban hazards, and give the city a cleaner skyline.
