Road Excavation Becomes Cheaper in Pune: Electricity Companies to Pay Just Rs 100 per Meter
Pune, 1st October 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced a major reduction in road excavation charges for laying underground power cables. Previously, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) was charged ₹6,096 per meter, but under the new policy, electricity companies will now pay only ₹100 per meter.
After excavation, it will be the responsibility of the respective power company to restore the road to its original condition and bear the Defect Liability Period (DLP) of three years. The policy has been officially approved by the municipal administration, raising questions about how PMC will maintain oversight over these excavations.
Since most roads in Pune lack ducts, excavation has traditionally been the only method for laying service lines. Electricity, mobile, gas, and other utility providers were required to seek PMC’s permission and pay excavation fees. Government and semi-government companies received concessions, while private firms were charged ₹12,192 per meter, generating significant revenue for the PMC. Road restoration, however, remained the civic body’s responsibility.
As the city expands, extending electricity supply to newly developed areas requires frequent excavation. Some private companies and builders were found carrying out unauthorized excavation, for which PMC levied penalties triple the standard fee.
Responding to long-standing demands to reduce charges, PMC has now revised its policy.
“PMC had been giving 50% concession on road excavation charges to electricity companies. From now on, only ₹100 per meter will be charged. After laying the underground power lines, it will be the responsibility of the electricity companies to restore the roads. The defect liability period for this work will be three years,” said Omprakash Divate, Additional Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation.
The move is expected to reduce costs for utility providers while maintaining accountability for road restoration.
