Pune: PMC Plans New Overhead Cable Policy, Looks To Hyderabad Model For Safer Infrastructure
Pune: PMC Plans New Overhead Cable Policy, Looks To Hyderabad Model For Safer Infrastructure
Pune, April 22, 2026: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has begun work on a comprehensive policy to regulate overhead cables across the city, with a strong focus on improving safety and streamlining infrastructure management.
The move follows directives from the standing committee, prompting civic officials to initiate discussions on creating clear guidelines for cable installation and maintenance. A key meeting chaired by Additional Municipal Commissioner Omprakash Diwate on Tuesday outlined the roadmap for the proposed policy.
During the meeting, officials were instructed to draft a standard operating procedure (SOP) that will govern how overhead cables are installed, maintained, and monitored throughout Pune. The administration is also exploring best practices from other cities, particularly Hyderabad, to incorporate effective measures such as setting a uniform height for cables.
As part of the initiative, PMC plans to conduct a detailed survey across the city to map existing overhead cable networks. This assessment will help identify high-risk areas and locations where cables may need to be shifted underground especially at road intersections to minimise hazards and improve urban planning.
The civic body is also working on creating a database of all agencies involved in cable-laying activities. A permission-based system is likely to be introduced, allowing only authorised operators to undertake such work, thereby bringing better accountability and oversight.
In addition, PMC may consider installing dedicated poles for cable infrastructure and levy charges for their usage, ensuring better organisation of overhead wiring.
Officials confirmed that the draft SOP will soon be submitted to the municipal commissioner for approval. The administration has reiterated that public safety will remain the central focus while finalising the new policy.
