The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (WBSEDCL) has successfully completed the construction of underground power distribution networks in Rajarhat, Baruipur, Kharagpur, and Chandannagar. This initiative is part of a World Bank-funded project aimed at strengthening and modernizing the state's electricity infrastructure. Work to convert overhead electricity lines into underground networks is still ongoing in Siliguri and Asansol, with officials expecting completion by November of this year.
Enhanced Protection Against Cyclones
According to senior government officials, the commissioning of the project in Chandannagar, Rajarhat, Kharagpur, and Baruipur will largely insulate these towns from power distribution network breakdowns. Such breakdowns occurred during cyclones Aila (2009) and Amphan (2020), leaving approximately 20 lakh customers without electricity for several days. The underground network ensures better quality of power and enhanced supply reliability for consumers. Additionally, it prevents accidents caused by overhead live wires being cut and falling during storms or Nor'westers, and also reduces incidents of power theft.
Project Completion Timeline
The underground network work in Rajarhat, covering the stretch from Kolkata Airport to Kestopur, was completed last year. Kharagpur and Baruipur received underground power networks in late 2025, while work in Chandannagar was completed in March of this year. However, due to the unplanned nature of these towns, building a 100% underground power distribution network is not feasible. As a result, a mix of underground infrastructure and overhead aerial bundled (AB) cable has been used in some places, removing all bare conductors from the network to achieve the objectives.
Previous and Ongoing Projects
Earlier, WBSEDCL built an underground power distribution network in Digha under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project. Similar underground systems have also been developed in Krishnanagar, Chinsura, Bolpur, Nabadwip, and Cooch Behar using state government funds. In November-December 2021, WBSEDCL received sanction for a Rs 2,800 crore project, with 70% funded by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The World Bank and AIIB sanctioned a soft loan of 35% each of the project cost, while the remaining 30% is borne by the West Bengal government. Out of the total Rs 2,800 crore, Rs 700 crore was earmarked to convert overhead electricity lines into underground networks in six towns.
