Preparing Delhi’s power sector for next 50 years: CM Rekha Gupta | India News

New Delhi: The Delhi government is increasing the city’s power capacity for the next 50 years, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Wednesday after inaugurating a project to shift overhead power cables underground at Chandni Chowk.Addressing the rally, Gupta said that 28 roads and streets in Old Delhi, including Kucha Mahajani, Bhagirath Palace, Jama Masjid Road and Naya Sadak, will be freed from hanging power cables. 160 crores will be spent on this project.A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said the work will be done in phases during the night to minimize disruption to daily life and traffic.About 10,000 customers will directly benefit from the project, which will reduce fire risk and weather-related power disruptions, improve supply reliability and significantly beautify the historic area, the statement said.According to Gupta, the government is heavily promoting the adoption of electric vehicles, which will have a direct impact on the need for more electricity.The Chief Minister said that the government will also revive the historic town hall building as a monument.A total of 52.5 km of overhead wiring at Chandni Chowk will be shifted underground to enhance safety and reliability while preserving the traditional character of the area, officials said.The Chief Minister laid foundation stone for BYPL’s 66/11 KV, 63 MVA gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) indoor grid at Mandoli and four independent utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) across South and West Delhi.Officials said a digital twin-enabled system will introduce real-time intelligence and predictive monitoring to Old Delhi’s modernized power network.The Mandoli GIS indoor grid constructed at a cost of Rs 55.5 crore will strengthen the power backbone of North East Delhi and benefit around 1.5 lakh consumers, the statement said.It is targeted to be completed within 18 months, it added.Residents of Mandoli, Harsh Vihar, Bank Colony and adjoining areas will get more stable and reliable power supply, it said.Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital, Mandoli Jail and a DTC EV bus depot will also get guaranteed power, the statement added.BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL)’s BESS project will have a total capacity of 55.5 MW, and will benefit around 50,000 customers in Shivalik, Dwarka (G-5), 16,000 in Dwarka (G-7) and 28,000 customers in Samudha, according to the statement.All projects are targeted to be commissioned before March 2027.The battery systems will help reduce peak-hour load shedding, improve voltage stability and strengthen the grid, the statement said, adding that the technology supports an environmentally sustainable and clean energy transition.