An underground cabling network project commissioned by Chandigarh Power Distribution Ltd (CPDL) was inaugurated on September 6, 2026 at the hands of Administrator UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria.
As part of the project, Chandigarh Power Distribution Ltd (CPDL) has successfully converted the overhead 11kV electricity distribution network into an underground cable system across Sectors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, benefiting around 25,000 residents.
Under the project, entailing investment of around Rs.12 crore, approximately 18 km of underground 11kV cables have been laid, and SCADA controlled 14 ring main units (RMUs) installed across four distribution feeders passing through the forest area.
The project marks a significant infrastructure upgrade in one of Chandigarh’s most important and sensitive areas, which houses key government offices including Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake and residential areas.
Adding character to “City Beautiful”
Speaking on the occasion, Gulab Chand Kataria, Punjab Governor and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, said, “Chandigarh is the first Union Territory in the country to have moved electricity distribution to the private sector. We handed CPDL this charge expecting infrastructure enhancement and improved power distribution, and this project is a major landmark along that road. Overhead lines are exposed to the elements, and a fault can leave an area dark for hours. Taking 18 km underground, linked back to the command centre through multiple feeders, removes that exposure. Even if one line develops a fault, supply is restored in the shortest possible time by switching the supply to other line remotely. That means reliable supply while considerably reducing accidents and enhancing the check on power theft. Today, no hospital, no school, no home can function without dependable power. CPDL has planned an investment of over Rs.900 crore in the city’s network, with underground cabling a key component, and for the City Beautiful that adds to its character while improving safety and supply.”
Improving operational efficiency
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 a safer, more sustainable and future-ready city. We are focused on continuing to invest in infrastructure that delivers safer, more reliable and better-quality power supply to consumers.”
Advantages of UG cabling
The underground cable system will significantly enhance the reliability of Chandigarh’s electricity network. It will help reduce power interruptions caused by storms, strong winds, uprooting of trees, and other factors.
A key feature of the upgraded network is remotely control RMUs, which will enable load transfer from one feeder to another through remote operations from the CPDL Command Centre in Sector 18. This capability will help minimise the duration and impact of power interruptions and enable faster restoration of supply during contingencies.
The underground network also offers environmental and aesthetic benefits. The removal of overhead poles and conductors will help create a cleaner and more visually appealing urban landscape, particularly in the vicinity of the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake. It will also reduce the risk posed by overhead electrical infrastructure to migratory birds and wildlife in the surrounding areas of lake.
Challenges overcome
The project involved considerable technical and operational challenges, including securing statutory approvals and adhering to 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.
Part of Rs.956-crore plan
As part of its broader commitment to the city’s power infrastructure, CPDL has previously outlined Rs.956-crore investment plan over a span of five years covering network improvement, reliability, smart metering, safety and digital initiatives.
CPDL achievements
Since taking over the electricity distribution system on February 1, 2025, CPDL has been continuously working on strengthening the city’s power infrastructure while ensuring improved reliability, enhanced safety, and better service for consumers. As part of these efforts, the company has energised four 20 MVA power transformers, 63 distribution transformers and 40 RMUs, while completing 15 km of HT circuits and 25 km of LT circuits. CPDL also operates a 24×7 in-house SCADA Command Centre, enabling real-time network monitoring, power scheduling and remote RMU operations to support faster and more efficient power supply management.