The Telangana government will replace 25,000 km of overhead electric lines with underground (UG) cables in the Core Urban Region (CUR), covering Greater Hyderabad, areas up to the Outer Ring Road, and Bharat Future City.

The Rs 13,500-crore project, spearheaded by Southern Power Distribution Co. of Telangana (TGSPDCL), aims to improve safety, reduce outages during rains, and cut maintenance costs. Currently, only 1,300 km of UG cables are in place. Adopting the Bengaluru model, Telangana will employ horizontal drilling technology to minimise road digging and disruptions. The state is exploring financing options, including loans from the Asian Development Bank and central schemes. UG cabling is expected to save Rs 500 crore annually by reducing transmission losses, theft, and maintenance expenses.

Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and officials had earlier studied Karnataka’s approach. Implementation will require coordination with city utilities and traffic police. Despite execution challenges, officials stress that the project is essential for long-term reliability and safety. Work will be completed in phases over the next four to five years.