Gujarat has approved a state-wide initiative to move its urban electricity network underground by 2030. The project, named the “Gujarat Wire Free City Mission,” will cover all 17 municipal corporations and 151 municipalities. The state government has allocated Rs 500 crore for the first phase of this ambitious undertaking.
The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. The mission aims to convert all urban areas in Gujarat into wire-free cities gradually by 2030. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of developing green and smart cities.
The project involves converting the existing overhead electricity distribution infrastructure in cities into a fully underground cable network. It will start with shifting 11 kV overhead power lines underground, followed by the conversion of low-tension lines in subsequent phases. Underground cabling is expected to enhance safety, prevent accidents during natural disasters like cyclones, and improve the reliability of the power supply.
Government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani emphasized that the Gujarat Wire Free City Mission is not just a routine infrastructure project but a significant step towards creating a smart, beautiful, and safe Gujarat in the 21st century.
