If you live in Delhi, Mumbai, or Hyderabad, you must’ve noticed something big happening — old overhead electric wires vanishing and underground power cables taking their place.
This shift isn’t just about looks — it’s about safety, reliability, and long-term efficiency.
According to the Times of India (2025), states like Telangana and Delhi are replacing over 25,000 km of overhead lines with underground cables to make cities safer and storm-proof.
And here’s where trusted Indian brands like KE Kable come into the spotlight — supplying FRLS (Flame Retardant Low Smoke) and high-grade copper cables built for this new era of smart infrastructure.
🌆 1. Why India Is Moving Underground
India’s infrastructure plan aims to make urban power distribution safer and smarter.
⚙️ Key Reasons Behind the Shift
- Safety: Reduces risk of fire and electrocution during rains.
- Durability: Underground cables last 30–40 years vs. 10–15 years for overhead.
- Aesthetic Appeal: No messy wire clusters on poles.
- Reliability: Resistant to wind, storms, and tree-fall damage.
- Smart Grid Ready: Easier to integrate with IoT-based monitoring systems.
📰 Reference: Times of India, 2025 — Telangana replaces 25,000 km of overhead power lines
🔌 2. Overhead vs. Underground — What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Overhead Wires | Underground Cables (KE Kable Type) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Moderate — exposed to weather | Excellent — protected, insulated |
| Life Span | 10–15 years | 30–40 years |
| Maintenance | Frequent | Rare |
| Voltage Stability | Fluctuations possible | Consistent |
| Appearance | Visible clutter | Hidden, clean |
| Fire Resistance | Low | High (FRLS & armoured) |
| Cost (initial) | Low | Slightly higher |
| Long-term Value | Medium | Very High |
✅ KE Kable’s armoured, flame-retardant copper wires are designed for long-life underground installations.
🏙️ 3. Cities Leading the Underground Transition
| City/State | Project | Cable Type Used | Progress (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Smart City Wiring Phase 2 | XLPE & FRLS | 65% Completed |
| Hyderabad | 25,000 km UG Project | Copper Armoured | 40% Completed |
| Mumbai | Metro-Power Integration | HT XLPE | 80% Completed |
| Bengaluru | Smart Grid Integration | LT FRLS | 55% Completed |
| Pune | Flood-Resistant Power Lines | PVC Insulated Copper | 70% Completed |
📊 Data: Ministry of Power, India (2025)
🧠 4. Technical Benefits of Underground Cables
- Less Power Loss: Shorter, shielded lines reduce transmission loss by 20–25%.
- Improved Safety: No risk of snapped wires during monsoon or storms.
- Temperature Stability: PVC/XLPE insulation keeps cables cool even under heavy load.
- Noise Reduction: No electromagnetic interference — ideal for data & telecom use.
KE Kable’s XLPE & FRLS cables deliver the exact blend of safety + conductivity + durability required for these systems.
👉 Explore KE Kable’s High-Performance Cables
🔋 5. Market Growth and Demand Surge
India’s underground cabling market is growing rapidly — from ₹7,800 crore in 2024 to an estimated ₹12,000 crore by 2028.
| Year | Market Size (₹ Crore) | Growth % | Key Segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7,800 | — | Power Distribution |
| 2025 | 8,750 | +12% | Smart Cities |
| 2026 | 9,900 | +13% | Renewable Grids |
| 2028 | 12,000 | +15% | Metro & Industrial |
⚡ 6. KE Kable’s Contribution to Smart Infrastructure
KE Kable is playing a major role by manufacturing:
- FRLS Copper Wires for residential safety
- Armoured Cables for underground applications
- XLPE Cables for high-voltage transmission
- Solar & EV Cables for renewable projects
Why KE Kable Stands Out:
✅ 99.97% Pure Copper
✅ Flame-Retardant, UV-Resistant Jacket
✅ BIS & ISO Certified
✅ Made in India, Built for India
🧯 7. Safety & Environmental Advantages
Underground cables reduce:
- Electrical fires by > 60%
- Power theft by > 40%
- Visual pollution by 100%
They also allow cities to adopt green energy grids, reducing carbon footprints.
🌱 Source: Central Electricity Authority (2025)
🧾 8. Challenges in Implementation
- High Initial Installation Cost
- Coordination Between Utility Agencies
- Repair Access in Urban Areas
- Material Price Volatility (Copper & PVC)
Despite these, KE Kable’s robust supply chain ensures project timelines stay on track.
🏗️ 9. The Future of Indian Urban Wiring
By 2030, nearly 70% of Indian metro cities will operate with underground power networks.
Government initiatives like Smart City Mission and Atmanirbhar Bharat Manufacturing Push will further accelerate the trend.
| Parameter | 2025 | 2030 (Projected) |
|---|---|---|
| Underground Coverage | 28% | 70% |
| Fire Incidents | 1.0 L cases / yr | < 0.3 L |
| Smart Grid Integration | 40% | 85% |
| Branded Cable Usage | 55% | 90% |
🔚 Final Thought
India is not just modernising its skylines — it’s re-engineering what runs beneath them.
The shift to underground cabling marks a new era of safety, efficiency, and reliability.
And KE Kable is proud to be one of the driving forces — powering India’s smart, sustainable, and connected future. ⚡
👉 Visit KEKable.com and explore the future of safe wiring today.
