The Gujarat state cabinet approved the Wire-Free City Mission and allocated ₹500 crore [1] for its first phase of implementation.
This initiative aims to modernize urban infrastructure by removing overhead electricity wires, which often pose safety risks and contribute to power losses in densely populated areas.
Led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the government intends to shift over 46,000 km [2] of power lines underground. This transition is designed to improve the overall aesthetics of urban centers and enhance the reliability of the electrical grid.
The project will cover a vast expanse of the state, including 17 municipal corporations [1] and 151 municipalities [1]. By moving these lines, the state seeks to eliminate the hazards associated with hanging wires, a common issue in many Indian cities.
According to government plans, the target year for the completion of this mission is 2030 [2]. The initial funding of ₹500 crore [1] will support the early stages of the rollout across the identified urban zones.
The mission focuses on three primary goals: improving public safety, enhancing the visual appeal of cities, and reducing technical power losses [1], [2]. Officials said the move will protect the grid from weather-related disruptions and accidental damage.
“Gujarat allocated ₹500 crore for the first phase of the Wire-Free City Mission.”
This large-scale infrastructure project represents a shift toward 'smart city' urban planning in Gujarat. By moving power distribution underground, the state reduces the vulnerability of its energy grid to environmental factors and human interference, while simultaneously addressing the urban blight and safety hazards caused by overhead cabling.
