Chandni Chowk Set for Major Facelift as Power Lines Go Underground; CM Rekha Gupta Lays Foundation Stone

New Delhi, February 26, 2026: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday inaugurated several major infrastructure projects aimed at preserving the capital’s historic heritage while strengthening its power infrastructure. A key highlight was the launch of a project to underground overhead electricity wires in the historic Chandni Chowk area, a move expected to enhance both safety and aesthetics.

Alongside this initiative, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a 66/11 kV GIS grid sub-station in Mandoli and four Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in Shivalik, Dwarka, and Goyla Khurd. She emphasized that the Delhi government is committed to balancing development with heritage conservation to provide modern and reliable facilities to citizens.

South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood, and other dignitaries were present at the event.

Chandni Chowk Underground Cabling Project: Key Details

To remove dangling overhead wires from 28 historic roads and lanes in Chandni Chowk, the Delhi government in collaboration with BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) has launched a major infrastructure project.

• Project Cost: ₹159.75 crore
• Cable Length: 52.5 km of overhead lines to be laid underground
• Additional Infrastructure:
  • Installation of 500 new feeder pillars
  • Decorative streetlight poles
  • Use of advanced “Digital Twin” technology for monitoring

The work will be carried out in phases during nighttime to minimize disruption to daily life and traffic. Around 10,000 consumers are expected to directly benefit from the project.

The initiative is aimed at reducing fire hazards and weather-related power disruptions, enhancing safety, and improving the visual appeal of the historic marketplace.

CM Gupta stated that Chandni Chowk is not merely a commercial hub but a living symbol of India’s cultural, historical, and trading heritage. Overhead wires had long marred its beauty and posed safety risks. The project, she said, marks a historic step toward smart infrastructure and heritage preservation.

Expanded Development Plans for Old Delhi

The Chief Minister noted that while an earlier assurance of ₹100 crore had been given for development works in the Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency, the allocation could now increase up to ₹1,000 crore based on requirements. Redevelopment of 28 roads has already commenced.

She further announced that she has retained direct responsibility for the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Board to ensure effective resolution of issues related to roads, parking, encroachments, sanitation, and other civic amenities. The broader goal is to transform Old Delhi into a well-organized, tourism-friendly, and infrastructure-rich heritage zone.

Mandoli GIS Grid: Relief for North-East Delhi

A new 66/11 kV GIS grid sub-station is being constructed in Mandoli with:

• Capacity: 63 MVA
• Project Cost: ₹55.5 crore
• Completion Target: 18 months
• Beneficiaries: Approximately 1.5 lakh consumers

Areas such as Mandoli, Harsh Vihar, Bank Colony, and nearby localities will receive more stable power supply. Critical institutions including Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, Mandoli Jail, and a DTC EV bus depot will also benefit from improved reliability.

The grid is expected to significantly reduce voltage fluctuations and frequent outages.

BESS Projects: Strengthening Delhi’s Energy Storage Capacity

In response to rising electricity demand during summer months, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation for four new BESS projects under BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL).

• Total Capacity: 55.5 MW / 111 MWh
• Beneficiaries: Around 2.22 lakh consumers
  • Shivalik: ~50,000
  • Dwarka (G-5): ~1,28,000
  • Dwarka (G-7): ~16,000
  • Goyla Khurd: ~28,000
• Target Completion: Before March 2027

These battery systems will help reduce peak-hour power cuts, improve voltage stability, and strengthen the grid. The projects promote clean and sustainable energy solutions.

CM Gupta stated that these modern energy initiatives will ensure uninterrupted, high-quality, and future-ready power supply for millions of families while preparing Delhi to meet growing electricity demands in the coming years.

₹17,000 Crore Power Infrastructure Plan

Energy Minister Ashish Sood described the event as not just the launch of projects but a symbol of public trust. He revealed that:

• ₹436 crore plan includes underground cabling in Chandni Chowk and other areas
• Mandoli 66 kV GIS grid will benefit 1.5 lakh consumers
• A 20 MW BESS project in Kilokri is the country’s first commercial standalone project
• Four new BESS projects will add 55 MW of storage capacity
• ₹3,000 crore worth of pending projects have been approved
• A ₹17,000 crore power infrastructure roadmap has been prepared for the next three years

Under CM Rekha Gupta’s leadership, he said, Delhi’s power system is being modernized to meet future energy needs with a focus on sustainability, smart infrastructure, and reliability.