NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday said the Delhi government is strengthening the capital’s power infrastructure with a long-term vision for the next 50 years. She was speaking after inaugurating a project to shift overhead electricity wires underground in Chandni Chowk.
Gupta announced that 28 roads and lanes in Old Delhi — including Kucha Mahajani, Bhagirath Palace, Jama Masjid Road and Nai Sadak — will be cleared of dangling power cables under a Rs 160-crore project. The work will be executed in phases during night hours to minimise disruption to traffic and daily activities, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.
Nearly 10,000 consumers are expected to directly benefit from the initiative, which aims to reduce fire risks, prevent weather-related outages, improve supply reliability and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the historic area. In total, 52.5 km of overhead wiring in Chandni Chowk will be laid underground to improve safety while preserving the precinct’s heritage character.
Highlighting future demand, Gupta said the government is aggressively promoting electric vehicles, which will significantly increase the city’s power requirements. She also announced plans to restore the historic Town Hall building as a monument.
The chief minister further laid the foundation stone for a 66/11 KV, 63 MVA gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) indoor grid at Mandoli to be developed by BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), along with four standalone utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in south and west Delhi.
Officials said the upgraded Old Delhi network will incorporate a digital twin-enabled system, introducing real-time intelligence and predictive monitoring.
The Mandoli GIS grid, to be built at a cost of Rs 55.5 crore, is expected to strengthen north-east Delhi’s power infrastructure and benefit nearly 1.5 lakh consumers. The project is targeted for completion within 18 months. Residents of Mandoli, Harsh Vihar, Bank Colony and nearby areas are expected to receive more stable and reliable electricity supply. Key establishments such as Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, Mandoli Jail and a DTC electric bus depot will also receive assured power.
Separately, the BESS project by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) will have a total capacity of 55.5 MW. It is expected to benefit around 50,000 consumers in Shivalik, 1.28 lakh in Dwarka (G-5), 16,000 in Dwarka (G-7), and 28,000 in Goyla Khurd by ensuring seamless supply.
All the projects are slated for commissioning before March 2027. According to the statement, the battery storage systems will help reduce peak-hour load shedding, enhance voltage stability and strengthen the grid, while supporting an environmentally sustainable and clean energy transition.
