Chandigarh’s Northern sectors get Rs 12 crore underground power network
Babuhshahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 6, 2026: Punjab Governor and UT Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Sunday inaugurated an underground electricity distribution network covering Chandigarh’s northern sectors, a ₹12-crore project aimed at improving power reliability and reducing outages for around 25,000 residents.
The project, implemented by Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL), replaces around 18 km of overhead 11 kV distribution lines with underground cables across Sectors 1 to 8.
The network also covers an important zone containing key installations, including the Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake.
Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon was also present at the inauguration.
Speaking at the event, Kataria said the underground network would reduce the vulnerability of power infrastructure to weather-related disruptions and enable faster restoration of supply in case of faults.
The project includes 14 SCADA-controlled Ring Main Units (RMUs) installed across four distribution feeders passing through the forest area. The RMUs can be operated remotely from CPDL’s Command Centre in Sector 18, allowing electricity loads to be shifted between feeders when required.
Kataria said this would allow supply to be restored more quickly by switching to an alternative feeder in the event of a fault.
The underground network is expected to reduce power interruptions caused by storms, strong winds, falling or uprooted trees and other factors that can damage overhead electricity infrastructure.
Focus on Safety and Environment
The removal of overhead poles and conductors is also expected to improve safety and the visual appearance of the city, particularly around the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake.
CPDL said the project would also reduce risks to birds and wildlife in areas surrounding the lake and forest stretches.
The execution of the project involved statutory approvals and security-related restrictions because of the presence of sensitive government installations in the area, according to the company.
CPDL CEO Brajesh Kumar said the project was part of the company’s broader programme to modernise Chandigarh’s electricity distribution system through technology-driven infrastructure.
“Modernising the network is essential to meet the city’s growing electricity demand while improving safety, reliability and service quality,” Kumar said.
CPDL Plans ₹956-Crore Investment
CPDL has outlined an investment plan of ₹956 crore over five years for strengthening Chandigarh’s electricity infrastructure. The plan covers network upgrades, reliability improvements, smart metering, safety measures and digital initiatives.
Since taking over electricity distribution in Chandigarh on February 1, 2025, CPDL said it has energised four 20 MVA power transformers, 63 distribution transformers and 40 RMUs. It has also completed 15 km of high-tension (HT) circuits and 25 km of low-tension (LT) circuits. The company operates a 24x7 SCADA Command Centre in Sector 18 for real-time monitoring, power scheduling and remote operation of RMUs.
The latest underground cabling project is expected to strengthen electricity supply in one of Chandigarh’s key residential, administrative and tourist zones while reducing dependence on exposed overhead infrastructure.
The vote of thanks at the inauguration was delivered by CPDL Senior Advisor Arun Kumar Verma.