Hyderabad’s metro zone to get underground cabling as TGSPDCL project clears Rs 4,051 crore plan

The Telangana government has approved TGSPDCL’s Rs 4,051 crore project to convert overhead lines into underground cabling across Hyderabad’s Metro zone, aiming to improve power reliability and reduce maintenance costs. The initiative will involve telecom and internet providers in cost-sharing.

Hyderabad: The State government has approved the TGSPDCL’s plans for conversion of overhead lines to underground cabling in the Metro zone in the city with an estimated cost of Rs 4,051 crore. To this effect, GO Ms. 43 was issued on Saturday.

The project cost would be met from the TGSPDCL’s internal funds or through borrowing. The TGSPDCL would also ensure the participation of telecom and internet service providers and T-Fiber in underground cabling on a cost-sharing basis.

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The TGSPDCL had submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for conversion of overhead lines to underground cable in the Metro zone covering Banjara Hills circle, Secunderabad circle, Hyderabad Central and Hyderabad South Circle to the State government.

The objective is to improve the quality and reliability of power supply, besides reducing the maintenance cost. This would attract the industries and other investments into the Metro zone, Hyderabad, officials said.

TGSPDCL proposed to take up underground cabling of the complete existing network (33 kV, 11 kV and LT) on main roads. For the distribution network in lanes and narrow areas, LT lines are proposed with AB cable. Wherever possible 33 kV, 11 kV and LT lines would be placed in the same trench for optimization on techno-commercial aspects.

TGSPDCL Managing Director Musharraf Faruqui said the project estimate was calculated based on existing rates as per SSR. This may vary based on field conditions and the rates prevailing during the actual project execution, he added.

Meanwhile, the State government has also permitted the TGREDCO to procure 3,000 MW of solar power in a phased manner for five years through competitive bidding to meet the Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO).

The procurement can be through inter-State transmission or intra-State on behalf of the Telangana Discoms. The procurement is to be taken up in three phases, including 1000 MW by June 2026, 1,000 MW by December 2026 and 1000 MW by June 2027.

TGREDCO had proposed to procure 5,000 MW solar power in coordination with the Discoms and in line with the Telangana Green Power Procurement Coordination Committee. However, the government permitted the TGREDCO to procure 3000 MW solar power.