Pune: PMC Plans New Policy To Curb Overhead Cable Clutter, Prioritises Underground Network
Pune: PMC Nears Finalisation Of Overhead Cable Policy To Tackle Urban Clutter
Pune, April 9, 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is working on a comprehensive policy to tackle the growing problem of overhead cable clutter across the city, with a strong push towards underground cabling systems.
Amid ongoing disagreements among ruling party members over action against illegal overhead cables, Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has constituted a special committee to draft a structured policy. The panel includes civic officials as well as representatives from telecom and cable companies.
Pune currently has more than 10,000 kilometres of overhead cables, contributing to visual pollution and raising safety concerns. Authorities have also noted that several cable operators are running large-scale businesses without proper permissions, resulting in significant revenue losses for the civic body. In some cases, allegations of coercive practices by cable operators have also surfaced.
The civic administration had recently initiated a drive to cut unauthorized overhead cables, following directions from Standing Committee Chairman Srinath Bheemale. However, the action led to protests from cable operators, prompting Mayor Manjusha Nagpure to temporarily halt the drive until a formal policy is finalized. The issue has also exposed internal differences among city leaders.
Meanwhile, the newly formed committee, headed by Additional Commissioner Omprakash Divte, has already begun consultations. The panel includes senior officials from engineering, road, electrical, and telecommunications departments, along with representatives from five private companies.
According to officials, the upcoming policy will focus on shifting cables underground wherever feasible. A complete ban on overhead cables is likely on major roads, with permissions granted only in exceptional cases.
The policy is also expected to introduce clear guidelines on cable installation, applicable fees, and approval processes. Measures under consideration include mandatory ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys before digging, use of municipal duct infrastructure, adoption of advanced techniques like micro-trenching and horizontal directional drilling (HDD), and a fully online permission system.
Authorities also plan to identify designated “red” and “green” zones for cable laying and take strict action against unauthorized installations. Permissions will be required even for using streetlight poles for cabling.
Officials believe the initiative will not only improve the city’s appearance but also ensure better regulation, safety, and revenue collection in the cable network sector.
