New Delhi, 26 February 2026
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several major development projects aimed at preserving the Capital’s historic character while significantly strengthening its power infrastructure. The initiatives include underground cabling across Chandni Chowk, construction of a new grid sub-station in Mandoli, and the launch of multiple Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects across the city.
South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Underground Power Lines in Chandni Chowk
The Delhi Government, in collaboration with BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), has launched a major project to remove overhead electricity wires across 28 historic roads and lanes in Chandni Chowk. The project, estimated at ₹159.75 crore, will shift approximately 52.5 kilometres of overhead power lines underground.
As part of the initiative, 500 new feeder pillars will be installed, decorative streetlight poles will be erected, and advanced Digital Twin technology will be deployed for real-time monitoring and efficient management. The work will be executed in a phased manner during night hours to minimise disruption to daily activities and traffic movement.
Nearly 10,000 consumers are expected to benefit directly from the project. It will substantially reduce fire hazards and weather-related power disruptions, enhance public safety, and improve supply reliability. At the same time, it will restore the visual appeal of the historic marketplace.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that Chandni Chowk is not merely a marketplace but a living symbol of India’s cultural, historical, and commercial heritage. She noted that overhead electric wires had long posed safety concerns and diminished the area’s aesthetic charm. With the underground cabling initiative, Chandni Chowk will become safer, more organised, and visually enhanced, marking a significant step toward heritage conservation and smart infrastructure development.
The Chief Minister further said that while ₹100 crore had earlier been assured for development works in the Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency, the allocation may increase up to ₹1,000 crore based on emerging needs. Redevelopment of 28 roads has already commenced. She reiterated her commitment to the holistic development of Old Delhi and stated that she has retained direct responsibility for the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Board to ensure effective resolution of issues related to roads, parking, encroachments, public toilets, and civic amenities. The objective is to transform the historic zone into an organised, tourism-friendly, and trade-supportive district equipped with modern infrastructure.
Mandoli Grid to Address Voltage Issues in North-East Delhi
A 66/11 kV GIS Grid Sub-Station is being constructed in Mandoli with a capacity of 63 MVA at an investment of approximately ₹55.5 crore. The project is targeted for completion within 18 months.
Around 1.5 lakh consumers, including residents of Mandoli, Harsh Vihar, Bank Colony, and adjoining areas, will benefit from the grid. Key institutions such as Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, Mandoli Jail, and the DTC EV bus depot will also receive improved power supply. Once operational, the grid is expected to significantly reduce voltage fluctuations and frequent outages in the region.
BESS Projects to Boost Power Storage Capacity
To address rising electricity demand during peak summer months, the Chief Minister laid the foundation for four new Battery Energy Storage System projects by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL). The projects will have a combined capacity of 55.5 MW / 111 MWh and are expected to benefit approximately 2.22 lakh consumers.
The beneficiary distribution includes 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 scheduled for commissioning before March 2027.
These battery systems will reduce peak-time load stress, improve voltage stability, and strengthen overall grid performance. The technology promotes environmentally friendly and sustainable energy practices.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that these initiatives will ensure uninterrupted, high-quality, and future-ready power supply for lakhs of families. She emphasised that the projects are designed not only to meet current requirements but also to prepare Delhi for rising energy demands in the coming years, marking a major step toward a clean, smart, and sustainable power ecosystem.
Energy Minister Ashish Sood said the programme reflects the trust of the people and the government’s commitment to modernising Delhi’s power sector. Under a ₹436 crore plan, overhead wires are being shifted underground in several areas, including Chandni Chowk. He also noted 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 stability will improve significantly.
He further informed that projects worth ₹3,000 crore have been approved in the DTL meeting, and a ₹17,000 crore power infrastructure plan has been prepared for the next three years. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi’s power system is being systematically prepared for future demands.
