Patna: Patna is set to gradually move away from its network of overhead electricity wires as the Patna Electricity Supply Undertaking (PESU) accelerates work to underground around 774 km of power lines across nine major divisions.
The project, estimated to cost around Rs 515 crore, is being implemented in two phases. It is aimed at reducing power disruptions during storms and rain while improving the reliability of the city’s electricity network.
Bailey Road To Get Underground Power Network
Bailey Road is among the key stretches included in the project, with preparations already underway to remove overhead poles and wires.
An agency has started surveying the stretch from Dakbungalow to Rupaspur. Around 70 distribution transformers installed along the roadside will be shifted to specially constructed platforms, while underground cables will be laid along the route.
The removal of poles and overhead wires on Bailey Road is expected to begin in the new year.
PESU officials said Ring Main Units (RMUs) are being installed as part of the underground cabling system. If a fault occurs at one point, the system will allow electricity to be restored from another end.
Route marking will also be carried out along roadsides to protect underground cables from damage during excavation by other agencies.
774 Km Of Lines To Be Covered
PESU has 13 divisions, of which nine are covered under the underground cabling plan.
The project envisages undergrounding 100% of 33 kV lines and around 70–80% of 11 kV lines in these nine divisions.
The divisions include Dakbungalow, Pataliputra, Ashiana, Gardanibagh, New Capital, Bankipore, Rajendra Nagar, Kankarbagh and Patna City.
Four other divisions — Danapur, Khagaul, Kankarbagh-2 and Gulzarbagh — will initially have their open wires replaced with aerial bundled cables. Underground cabling in these areas is planned under the second phase.
Project Divided Into Two Zones
The underground cabling work has been divided into two major zones and assigned to two agencies.
Zone 1 covers the Dakbungalow and Bankipore divisions, including Dakbungalow, Budh Marg, Fraser Road, Exhibition Road, Bhattacharya Road and the station area.
The zone has an estimated cost of Rs 179.57 crore, with a target of undergrounding 201.26 km of lines by March 2027.
Around 50 km of cable has already been laid, representing approximately 24.86% of the work.
Zone 2 covers the New Capital, Kankarbagh, Kadamkuan and Pataliputra divisions, including Bailey Road, Boring Road and Rajendra Nagar.
The zone has an estimated cost of Rs 335.40 crore, with 573.01 km targeted for completion by March 2028.
So far, around 24.86 km of cable has been laid, accounting for approximately 4.21% of the work.
Major Patna Roads To Lose Overhead Wires
Several important stretches are also included in the underground cabling plan.
In Pataliputra Colony and Pataliputra Industrial Area, existing poles and overhead wires will be removed.
Underground lines will also be laid along Kurji to Boring Road, Boring Canal Road and the Ashiana-Digha Road stretch from Bailey Road to Rajiv Nagar Nala.
The route associated with the Prime Minister’s road show is also planned to become free of overhead electricity wires.
The work will cover the stretch from Dakbungalow Chowk through Bhattacharya Road, Kadamkuan and Chudi Market to Gandhi Maidan, along with Kankarbagh Main Road to Rajendra Nagar.
These lines are targeted for underground conversion by March 2028.
Underground Cables To Improve Power Reliability
The underground cabling project is expected to reduce the electricity network’s vulnerability to strong winds, rain and weather-related disruptions.
