Pune Activist Urges PMC to Frame Policy for Underground Cables, Welcomes Action on Illegal Overhead Wires

Pune, 2nd April 2026: Social activist Sandeep Khardekar has urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to formulate a clear policy for underground cable infrastructure while appreciating the civic body’s recent action against the network of unauthorized overhead cables across the city.

In a letter addressed to PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bheemle, Khardekar congratulated the civic administration for initiating action against illegal cable networks suspended in the air.

Kharde­kar stated that he had raised the issue with the administration several times in the past, but no action had been taken earlier. He pointed out that the web of unauthorized cables not only spoils the city’s skyline but also allows companies providing internet and cable services to use public space without proper regulation while earning substantial profits.

He further reiterated his earlier demand that the PMC should make it mandatory for service providers to shift overhead cables underground. However, he acknowledged that companies have raised certain practical challenges during meetings with civic officials.

According to Khardekar, service providers have highlighted issues such as high road excavation charges, difficulties in obtaining permissions for digging, and alleged harassment or illegal collections at excavation sites, which discourage companies from carrying out underground infrastructure work through proper channels.

He also raised concerns over the fees collected by the PMC for road excavation. Khardekar said these charges are meant for restoring roads after digging work is completed, but in many cases roads are not restored to their original condition. He stressed the need for a clear policy to ensure proper road restoration.

Kharde­kar further suggested that while excavation work is currently underway across the city for CCTV installations and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) projects, ducts should be created simultaneously to accommodate underground cables. These ducts could then be used to shift overhead wires underground without requiring fresh digging, while the civic body could charge rent for their usage.

He urged the civic administration to take a prompt decision on the matter and implement a comprehensive policy to address the issue of overhead cable networks in Pune.