DMRC to help govt clear power cable mess in Chandni Chowk

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will help the Delhi Government in clearing cluttered overhead power cables in the Chandni Chowk area.

The Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) has tried and failed to get rid of the tangle of wires hanging over houses and shops in the Old Delhi. The corporation then decided to get a feasibility study done by the Delhi Metro to put the project back on track.

“As the executing agency, the Public Work Department (PWD), has been facing difficulties to shift power transformers underground and construct tunnels for wires due to space constraint. Hence, it has been decided to rope in experts. As DMRC has implemented similar projects at several locations earlier, we will ask them to carry out a feasibility study for us,” said a senior official of the Delhi government.

The official said the SRDC will also ascertain a techno-economic feasibility for the tunnel as well.

The shifting of all electric wires to underground utility ducts is a critical component of the redevelopment plan of Chandni Chowk.

There are 10 transformers which are yet to be shifted out, of which four are on the northern side and six are placed along the southern carriageway.

As per the integrated development plan for Shahjahanabad prepared by the SRDC, the cost of shifting of power cables is estimated to come up to ₹667 crore, which is under consideration.