Bengaluru is set to embark on a transformative project to move 12,800 kilometers of overhead cables underground, a significant step towards improving the city’s safety and aesthetics. This ambitious project, estimated to cost Rs 200 crore, is part of the larger “Brand Bengaluru” campaign aimed at upgrading the city’s infrastructure.
The project, which is expected to commence soon, is likely to begin in the Mahadevapura zone, with the goal of creating an extensive underground utility corridor. This will house optical fiber cables (OFCs) for telecommunications as well as power lines. Bengaluru’s existing infrastructure already includes around 15,000 kilometers of ducts, which will be repurposed for the new underground corridor. Overhead cables have long been a concern in Bengaluru. These cables, draped over footpaths, trees, and electricity poles, pose significant safety risks to pedestrians and motorists. Moreover, unauthorised cables installed by various telecom, TV, and internet service providers detract from the city’s appearance. BBMP Chief Engineer BS Prahalad explained that this new project will not only improve safety by eliminating these hanging cables but also enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the city.
A large portion of the new underground corridor—around 3,400 kilometers—will be dedicated to electricity utilities such as BESCOM and Smart City projects. The move to underground cables is part of a broader effort by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which is developing a 10,000-kilometer optical fiber network across India. The NHAI’s network spans major highways, including the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Hyderabad-Bengaluru corridor. The underground infrastructure in Bengaluru will not only provide a safer and cleaner city environment but also streamline the telecommunications and electrical networks. By consolidating both utilities into a single underground system, Bengaluru will enhance connectivity and efficiency.
BBMP plans to charge telecom and cable providers a fee for using the new underground ducts, creating a new revenue stream to fund the city’s development. This initiative is part of a larger vision for Bengaluru, where improving infrastructure is key to making the city more livable and future-ready. The underground cable project is expected to be a game-changer for Bengaluru, providing a modern solution to urban congestion, reducing safety hazards, and giving the city a cleaner, more organized look. As the project moves forward, it will mark a significant milestone in Bengaluru’s urban development.
