Ahmedabad : Gujarat’s ambitious Wire-Free City Mission, which aims to shift urban electricity distribution infrastructure underground by 2030, has the potential to redefine urban infrastructure and set a benchmark for the rest of India, according to Ankush Jain, Director and Fund Manager, Steptrade Capital.
The state government plans to convert more than 14,600 circuit kilometres of overhead electricity distribution lines into underground cable networks across 17 municipal corporations and 151 municipalities. The initiative will begin with the underground conversion of 11 kV power lines, backed by an initial allocation of ₹500 crore.
According to Jain, the initiative reflects Gujarat’s long-standing commitment to building future-ready infrastructure while improving urban resilience, safety and quality of life.
“Gujarat has consistently remained ahead in infrastructure development. Moving power distribution underground is a natural progression towards building cleaner, safer and more resilient cities,” he said.
Cleaner Cities, Stronger Infrastructure
The Wire-Free City Mission is expected to deliver multiple long-term benefits, including improved city aesthetics, reduced visual clutter, enhanced public safety by eliminating exposed electrical wires, and greater resilience against cyclones, heavy rainfall and other extreme weather events.
Underground power distribution can also significantly reduce electricity disruptions caused by falling trees, damaged poles, strong winds and flooding, ensuring greater reliability for households, businesses, hospitals and industries.
“As cities continue to expand, modernising critical power infrastructure is no longer just about convenience—it is about building systems capable of supporting the demands of future urban growth,” Jain noted.
Execution Will Determine Success
While the long-term vision is widely appreciated, Jain cautioned that successful implementation will require meticulous planning, inter-agency coordination and sustained maintenance.
Unlike overhead power lines, underground cable faults are more complex to detect and repair. Waterlogging, drainage management and accessibility for maintenance remain critical operational challenges.
He also highlighted the importance of coordinating underground utility networks, as roads already accommodate water pipelines, sewer systems, telecom infrastructure, gas pipelines and metro corridors.
“The long-term success of this mission will depend as much on planning and maintenance as on engineering execution. Without proper coordination, cities risk repeated road excavation and operational inefficiencies,” he said.
Part of India’s Grid Modernisation Journey
Jain observed that Gujarat’s initiative forms part of a broader nationwide trend towards strengthening electricity distribution infrastructure.
Several states, including Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have already undertaken underground cabling projects in urban or cyclone-prone regions. Cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam have also invested in underground power infrastructure to improve reliability and reduce weather-related disruptions.
However, Gujarat’s project stands out due to its statewide scale and long-term implementation strategy.
“This is not merely an infrastructure project. It reflects India’s evolving approach towards creating safer, more resilient and technology-ready urban ecosystems,” Jain added.
Infrastructure Spending Opens New Investment Opportunities
Beyond its engineering significance, the Wire-Free City Mission also presents substantial opportunities for investors.
According to Jain, large-scale investments in electricity distribution infrastructure are expected to benefit companies involved in power cables, Ring Main Units (RMUs), distribution transformers, GIS substations, switchgear manufacturing, EPC contracting and engineering services.
“As India’s urbanisation accelerates and electricity demand continues to rise, investments in power distribution infrastructure are likely to become a recurring theme rather than a one-time expenditure. The opportunity extends beyond Gujarat and reflects the direction of India’s next decade of infrastructure spending,” he said.
A Model for Other States
Jain concluded that Gujarat deserves recognition for taking a long-term approach to urban infrastructure development. However, the project’s true success will ultimately be measured not by the kilometres of cable laid underground but by tangible improvements in service reliability, public safety and operational efficiency.
“If Gujarat delivers on execution as effectively as its vision, the Wire-Free City Mission could emerge as a model that many other Indian states may seek to replicate.”