The Delhi government has approved a plan to introduce multi-utility underground ducts aimed at reducing repeated road digging across the capital. The project will initially be tested through two pilot stretches in Chandni Chowk.
The first pilot will cover around 310 metres on Esplanade Road, while another 560-metre stretch is planned on Mor Sarai Road. The underground ducts are designed to accommodate essential services such as electricity cables, water and gas pipelines and fire-hydrant networks.
Repeated digging for maintenance and installation of utility lines often damages roads, causes traffic disruption and creates inconvenience for residents and commuters. By placing multiple services within organised underground corridors, authorities hope to reduce the need to repeatedly excavate roads.
A technical committee involving different government departments and utility agencies will oversee the design and implementation. The system will also consider ventilation, fire safety, maintenance access and emergency response requirements.
If the pilot projects prove successful, the Delhi government plans to expand the multi-utility duct system to other parts of the city. The initiative is being presented as a step toward better-organised and more sustainable urban infrastructure.
