Cost and space constraints hinder Guwahati’s underground cable network project
It was 2019 when the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) announced an ambitious plan—replacing overhead power cables with underground ones. The idea was simple yet transformative: improve safety, reduce maintenance hassles, and modernise Guwahati’s power infrastructure.
But six years later, the project remains largely on paper. While some areas have seen bits of progress, the larger vision of a citywide underground network seems distant. So what went wrong? Why is the project moving at a snail’s pace despite its necessity?
The underground cabling project was expected to be a game-changer for Guwahati. In 2019, APDCL officials confidently stated that the initiative would begin with a pilot project and expand to other areas if successful.
"If this works well and proves beneficial, we will cover other places too," a senior APDCL official had told GPlus back then.
The project's estimated cost of ₹3,000 crore posed a major financial challenge. Additionally, Guwahati's narrow roads complicated the installation process, potentially leading to traffic congestion. APDCL officials highlighted these issues, noting that limited space hindered equipment deployment.
Apart from modernising the city’s power infrastructure, underground cabling was seen as a long-term solution to prevent accidents—especially during Guwahati’s notorious flash floods. The plan involved replacing high-tension and low-tension aerial wires with a robust underground system, ensuring a more efficient and safer electricity supply.
However, despite the big promises, the execution has been slow and fragmented. Today, Guwahati’s skyline is still cluttered with messy overhead wires, and residents continue to face frequent power cuts and safety hazards.
As of now, the project remains in its planning stages, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) still under preparation. APDCL officials have indicated that the DPR, initiated in October 2024, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Once finalised and approved by the government, the project will proceed, contingent upon securing the necessary funding.
So what has kept this project from taking off? Cost and space constraints, say APDCL officials.
"The major challenge is the financial aspect. We initially estimated around ₹3,000 crore, but the final cost could go up to ₹4,000 crore. It’s a massive investment," an APDCL official told GPlus.
The lack of funds has been a major roadblock. While underground cabling is undoubtedly beneficial, its implementation requires heavy financial backing.
Another concern is Guwahati’s narrow roads, which make digging and cable installation a logistical nightmare.
"If we start large-scale digging, traffic congestion will become unbearable. We saw these challenges when we attempted to install LTE networks. Finding space was a problem," the official explained.
The APDCL has also faced difficulties with internet service providers who have illegally placed wires all over the city.
"There are so many unauthorised internet service cables tangled with our power lines. We keep removing them, but they reinstall them overnight. This has created unnecessary chaos and risks for the public," the official added.
While APDCL struggles with its underground cabling project, safety concerns related to the existing infrastructure remain alarming.
On July 28, 2023 a pedestrian was injured after getting entangled in a dangling wire near the Zoo Road flyover. The incident sparked outrage, with citizens questioning APDCL’s safety measures.
On July 4, 2023 an electrocution case shook the city—a mother elephant and her two calves were killed after stepping on an exposed live wire while foraging for food.
"These accidents show how dangerous our current system is. This is exactly why underground cabling is necessary. But without adequate funds and planning, how can we move forward?" another APDCL official asked earlier.
Despite delays, APDCL insists that the project is not entirely stagnant. Under the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP), some underground cabling work has begun. "We have started laying 33 kV underground cables in key areas—Rupnagar to GMCH Road, Ulubari to Arya Nagar, and from Paltan Bazaar to Fancy Bazaar to Judges Field," the official stated.
APDCL has also nearly completed 132 kV underground cabling from Kahilipara to Rukminigaon.
However, these are isolated efforts, and a citywide implementation still looks far away.
APDCL officials claim that the Detailed Project Report (DPR), which began in October 2024, will be finalised by the end of this year. "Once the DPR is ready, we need government approval. Then, we can secure funding and start work after a proper survey," the official explained.
But even if everything goes smoothly, APDCL officials say it will take years before residents see a fully functional underground cable network.
For now, Guwahati’s underground cable project remains more of a dream than a reality. Residents continue to deal with frequent power disruptions, safety hazards, and messy overhead wires.
Unless funding is secured and implementation begins soon, Guwahati will remain stuck with an outdated, inefficient power system—far from the modern, safe, and smart city it aspires to be.
