CM Rekha inaugurates power infrastructure projects
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday inaugurated a slew of major projects to transform the power infrastructure in the national Capital and preserve the heritage of historical places like Chandni Chowk.
She launched the project to place overhead electricity cables underground in the Chandni Chowk area. This will enhance the locality’s visual appeal and improve the safety and reliability of the power supply.
In addition, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a 66/11 kV GIS grid sub-station at Mandoli and four Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects at Shivalik, Dwarka and Goyla Khurd.
She stated that the Delhi Government is committed to advancing development while safeguarding heritage, ensuring that modern and efficient facilities are provided across the Capital. South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood, Councillor Suman Gupta and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
As regards Chandni Chowk, dangling overhead wires across 28 historic streets and lanes of the area will be removed by the Delhi Government and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL).
At an estimated cost of approximately Rs 159.75 crore, around 52.5 kilometres of overhead power lines will be laid underground.
The project includes the installation of 500 new feeder pillars, decorative street lighting poles, and the use of modern ‘digital twin’ technology for monitoring.
The work will be carried out in phases during night hours to minimise disruption to daily life and traffic movement. Around 10,000 consumers will directly benefit. The initiative is expected to reduce fire hazards and weather-related power disruptions, enhance safety, improve supply reliability and significantly beautify the historic precinct.
Rekha Gupta observed that Chandni Chowk is not merely a marketplace but a living symbol of India’s cultural, historical and commercial heritage. For years, overhead wiring had not only marred its appearance but also posed safety risks. Through this project, the area will become safer, more organised and aesthetically refined.
The chief minister also said that while an earlier assurance of Rs 100 crore had been made for development works in the Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency, the allocation could now rise to Rs 1,000 crore based on emerging needs.
Redevelopment of 28 roads has already commenced under the current phase. The Chief Minister reiterated her commitment to the comprehensive development of Old Delhi.
Rekha Gupta noted that she has retained charge of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Board to ensure effective resolution of issues related to roads, parking, encroachments, public conveniences and other civic amenities.
The objective is to transform this historic area into a well-planned, tourism-friendly and commercially vibrant zone equipped with modern infrastructure.
On power projects, a 66/11 kV GIS grid sub-station is being constructed at Mandoli with a capacity of 63 MVA. The project involves an investment of approximately Rs 55.5 crore and is targeted for completion within 18 months. Around 1.5 lakh consumers are expected to benefit.
Residents of Mandoli, Harsh Vihar, Bank Colony and adjoining areas will receive a more stable and reliable electricity supply. Key institutions such as Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, Mandoli Jail and the DTC EV bus depot will also receive assured power. The commissioning of the grid will significantly reduce voltage fluctuations and frequent outages.
In view of rising electricity demand during the summer months, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation for four new BESS projects under BRPL. These projects will add a total capacity of 55.5 MW / 111 MWh, benefiting approximately 2.22 lakh consumers.
Beneficiaries include around 50,000 consumers in Shivalik, 1,28,000 in Dwarka (G-5), 16,000 in Dwarka (G-7), and 28,000 in Goyla Khurd. All projects are targeted for commissioning before March 2027. These battery systems will help reduce peak-hour load shedding, improve voltage stability and strengthen the grid.
