Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has unveiled a major infrastructure push that includes underground cabling in Chandni Chowk, a new 66/11 kV GIS grid sub-station at Mandoli, and four Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects across the Capital. The initiatives aim to preserve Delhi’s historic character while strengthening power reliability, reducing peak-hour disruptions and building a future-ready, sustainable energy network for over two lakh consumers.
New Delhi, 26 February 2026
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday inaugurated several key infrastructure projects in the Capital aimed at preserving its historic heritage while strengthening and modernising Delhi’s power supply system. The initiatives include underground cabling in Chandni Chowk, construction of a 66/11 kV GIS grid sub-station at Mandoli, and the launch of four Battery Energy Storage System projects across different parts of the city.
The Chief Minister formally launched the project to shift overhead electricity cables underground in the Chandni Chowk area. The initiative is expected to enhance the locality’s visual appeal while improving the safety and reliability of electricity supply. She also laid the foundation stone for the Mandoli grid sub-station and BESS projects at Shivalik, Dwarka and Goyla Khurd.
South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood, Councillor Suman Gupta and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Underground Cabling Project in Chandni Chowk
To remove dangling overhead wires across 28 historic streets and lanes of Chandni Chowk, the Delhi Government in collaboration with BSES Yamuna Power Limited has initiated a major project. At an estimated cost of approximately ₹159.75 crore, nearly 52.5 kilometres of overhead power lines will be laid underground.
The project includes installation of 500 new feeder pillars, decorative street lighting poles, and deployment of modern digital twin technology for monitoring and management. The work will be carried out in phases during night hours to minimise disruption to daily life and traffic movement in the busy commercial district.
Around 10,000 consumers are expected to benefit directly from the initiative. The project is designed to reduce fire hazards and weather-related power disruptions, enhance safety, improve supply reliability and significantly beautify the historic precinct.
The Chief Minister stated that Chandni Chowk is not merely a marketplace but a living symbol of India’s cultural, historical and commercial heritage. For years, overhead wiring had adversely affected both the appearance and safety of the area. Through this project, the locality will become safer, more organised and aesthetically refined. She described the initiative as not just a power infrastructure upgrade but a landmark step towards heritage conservation and smart infrastructure development.
She further stated that while an earlier assurance of ₹100 crore had been made for development works in the Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency, the allocation may now rise to ₹1,000 crore based on emerging requirements. Redevelopment of 28 roads has already commenced. The Chief Minister reiterated her commitment to the comprehensive development of Old Delhi and noted that she has retained charge of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Board to ensure effective resolution of issues related to roads, parking, encroachments, public conveniences and other civic amenities. The objective is to transform the historic area into a well-planned, tourism-friendly and commercially vibrant zone equipped with modern infrastructure.
Mandoli Grid: Relief from Voltage Issues in North-East Delhi
A 66/11 kV GIS grid sub-station is being constructed at Mandoli with a capacity of 63 MVA. The project involves an investment of approximately ₹55.5 crore and is targeted for completion within 18 months. Around 1.5 lakh consumers are expected to benefit.
Residents of Mandoli, Harsh Vihar, Bank Colony and adjoining areas will receive more stable and reliable electricity supply. Key institutions such as Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, Mandoli Jail and the DTC EV bus depot will also receive assured power. Once commissioned, the grid will significantly reduce voltage fluctuations and frequent power outages in North-East Delhi.
BESS Projects: A New Step in Energy Storage
In view of rising electricity demand during the summer months, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation for four new BESS projects under BSES Rajdhani Power Limited. These projects will add a total capacity of 55.5 MW / 111 MWh, benefiting approximately 2.22 lakh consumers.
The beneficiaries include around 50,000 consumers in Shivalik; 1,28,000 in Dwarka (G-5); 16,000 in Dwarka (G-7); and 28,000 in Goyla Khurd. All projects are targeted for commissioning before March 2027.
These battery systems will help reduce peak-hour load shedding, improve voltage stability and strengthen the grid. The technology is environmentally sustainable and supports clean energy transition.
The Chief Minister stated that these modern energy initiatives will ensure uninterrupted, high-quality and future-ready power supply to lakhs of households. They will not only address current requirements but also prepare Delhi for rising demand in the coming years. She described the projects as a significant step towards a clean, smart and sustainable energy ecosystem.
Energy Minister Ashish Sood remarked that the programme symbolises public trust and represents a forward-looking transformation of Delhi’s power sector. He stated that under a ₹436 crore plan, overhead wiring is being placed underground in Chandni Chowk and several other areas. The Mandoli 66/11 kV GIS Grid Sub-Station will benefit 1.5 lakh consumers.
He further highlighted that the 20 MW BESS project at Kilokri is the country’s first commercial standalone project of its kind. With four additional BESS projects adding 55 MW of storage capacity, peak-hour supply will remain stable.
He informed that projects worth ₹3,000 crore pending under DTL have been approved, and a ₹17,000 crore power infrastructure roadmap has been prepared for the next three years. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi’s power system is being strengthened to meet future demands.
