TL;DR : Hyderabad will move all electricity, T-Fiber, and other utility cables underground across GHMC limits under a ₹14,725-crore project approved by the Telangana Cabinet. The move includes merging 27 surrounding municipalities into GHMC, creating a new DISCOM, and launching major power sector upgrades.
Summary
What Happened
- Telangana Cabinet approved a ₹14,725 crore project to shift all electricity, T-Fiber, and cable networks underground across GHMC limits.
- The project aims to remove overhead lines, improve safety, reduce outages and theft, and enhance city aesthetics.
- Hyderabad will be divided into three electricity circles for phased implementation.
GHMC Expansion
- Cabinet approved expanding GHMC by merging 27 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) located within and around the Outer Ring Road.
- Amendments will be made to the GHMC Act and Telangana Municipal Act to enable the merger.
Project Features
- Total underground network expected to span 25,000-27,000 km.
- Pilot phase covers 528 km of 33 kV lines, 1,198 km of 11 kV lines, and ~4,800 km of low-tension networks.
- Horizontal drilling will be used to reduce traffic disruption.
- Expected annual savings: ~₹500 crore from reduced losses, theft, and maintenance.
- Implementation modeled after Bengaluru’s underground system.
Power Sector Decisions
- Approval to create a third DISCOM focused on agriculture, irrigation, Mission Bhagiratha, and water supply systems.
- Cabinet discussed long-term power needs and approved tenders for 3,000 MW solar and 2,000 MW pumped storage power.
- Government will allow companies to set up 10,000 MW of pumped storage exclusively selling power to Telangana DISCOMs.
New Power Plants
- Approval for an 800 MW thermal power station at Ramagundam with NTPC.
- Feasibility studies ordered for additional power plants at Palvancha and Makthal.
Official Statements
- Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said the project will make Hyderabad "future-ready" and reduce monsoon disruptions.
- IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu said the plan aligns with Telangana’s “Clean and Green Energy Policy” and will boost investment.
- Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka called for expedited implementation, noting that Bengaluru’s model improves reliability and safety.
Why It Matters
- Overhead cables currently cause frequent outages, safety risks, and urban clutter.
- Underground networks are expected to improve reliability, safety, and city planning.
- GHMC expansion and new DISCOM restructuring aim to improve governance and infrastructure coordination.
Hyderabad Underground Cable Project: Key Details & Implementation Plan
Detail | Information |
Project Start | Pilot phase to begin shortly, detailed project report nearing completion as of late 2025 |
Project Cost | Approx. ₹14,725 crore |
Timeline | 4 to 5 years for full rollout |
Pilot Phase Areas | Core urban areas within Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, including commercial & residential hubs |
Cable Length in Pilot Phase | About 528 km of 33 kV lines, 1,198 km of 11 kV lines, and around 4,800 km of low-tension networks |
Total Cable Length | Around 25,000 to 27,000 km citywide |
Implementation Method | Horizontal drilling technology to reduce traffic disruption |
Phasing | City divided into 3 electricity operation zones or circles |
Utilities Involved | All overhead cables including electricity, T-Fiber, and private networks |
Project Lead | Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) |
Related Initiatives | Formation of a third power distribution company (DISCOM) for focused management |
Additional Plans | Expansion of renewable energy, solar and pumped storage power tenders |
Key Benefits | Enhanced safety, reduced power theft and outages, improved city aesthetics |
Government Approval Date | November 2025 |