The Tripura government has begun work on a ₹1,500 crore project to lay more than 3,000 km of underground electricity cables across the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) area, in a major push to modernise the state's power distribution network and improve the reliability of electricity supply.
The project, being implemented under the Agartala Smart City initiative, is expected to be completed within 24 months. It will be financed through a loan from the Power Finance Corporation (PFC), as the state government does not have a dedicated fund for the scheme.
A senior official of the Power Department, speaking on condition of anonymity, said work on laying underground cables had already commenced across the municipal area. The initiative seeks to replace the existing overhead power distribution network with an underground system to minimise outages caused by strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
According to the department, the project involves laying around 45 km of 33 KV transmission lines, 426 km of 11 KV lines and nearly 2,533 km of High Tension (HT) and Low Tension (LT) distribution lines, taking the total underground cable network to approximately 3,004 km. The network will cater to residential neighbourhoods as well as commercial establishments across Agartala.
Officials said the underground cabling is expected to improve the reliability and safety of power supply, reduce maintenance requirements and enhance the city's overall urban landscape by eliminating overhead wires.
The work has been divided among multiple agencies. IRCON International, in a joint venture with Badri Rai & Company, has been awarded contracts worth ₹763 crore, while KMBPL-AEPLJB has secured work valued at ₹445 crore. Bridge & Roof Company (India) Ltd has been entrusted with projects worth ₹228 crore.
The official described the initiative as one of the Power Department's flagship projects under the leadership of Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, aimed at creating a modern and resilient electricity distribution system for the state capital.
Following completion of the Agartala project, the department plans to extend underground electricity cabling to other major urban centres, including Udaipur, Dharmanagar and Khumulwng, in a phased manner.
The project is expected to strengthen Agartala's power infrastructure while reducing weather-related disruptions and supporting the city's long-term urban development goals.
Follow us
